Jones was signed to replace veteran defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, who is retiring from the NFL. Thornton informed the 49ers of his decision on Tuesday, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Jones spent 2016 with the 49ers and started six games. He was re-signed to a one-year contract on March 16, 2017, but landed on injured reserve with a calf injury on September 2, 2017.
The Houston Texans made Jones a sixth-round draft selection out of Bowling Green State in 2013. He also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. In three seasons with New England (2013-15), he appeared in 28 games and started 23, where he registered 79 tackles and nine sacks.
Jones spent part of 2016 with Miami before being waived and then claimed by the 49ers on November 8, 2016. Through 13 games in 2016 with both the Dolphins and 49ers, Jones had 23 combined tackles.
Thornton initially signed with the 49ers on July 25. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Throughout his seven seasons with the Eagles (2011-15), Dallas Cowboys (2016) and Buffalo Bills (2017), Thornton appeared in 89 games with 48 starts and registered 278 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six passes defensed, four fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers playoff picture: Where San Francisco stands after win over Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games with a 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, building momentum as they head into the postseason. San Francisco had already clinched a playoff berth Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers... -
49ers in Week 17 power rankings: Where San Francisco stands after big win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games on Monday night, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 48-27 on the road. With momentum on their side, the 49ers aim to carry that energy into their final two regular-season games and the playoffs. San Francisco... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan surges in Coach of the Year race after late-season success
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to draw praise after Sunday night's win over the Chicago Bears, a victory that set up a high-stakes Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On the line: the NFC West title, the NFC's No. 1 seed, and home-field... -
49ers injury news: Postgame updates on George Kittle, others after win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers picked up a decisive 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, improving to 11-4 on the season. However, the victory did not come without some injury concerns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after the game and provided several...