RELATED
"49ers are waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation, per source," Schefter wrote on social media. "Jackson is still rehabbing a knee injury but is expected to be cleared by the start of training camp."
Jackson was entering the final year of his rookie contract and carried a $1.9 million cap hit in 2025. Over 23 career appearances, the defensive lineman recorded just six sacks. With his departure, none of the 49ers' top draft picks from 2020 to 2022—Jackson, quarterback Trey Lance, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw—remain on the roster.
Jackson struggled to meet expectations after being drafted. He last appeared in a game during the 2023 season, playing in eight contests before landing on injured reserve. He then spent the entire 2024 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following the previous year's knee surgery.
In February, general manager John Lynch spoke candidly about Jackson's recovery.
"It's been a tough injury ... those quad tendon repairs," Lynch explained. "And that's why you've got to really think long and hard before you have that [surgery] because it doesn't just make it go away. ... I guess Drake has had—not setbacks—but just trouble coming back from it.
"So, it's not been the most encouraging thing. Hopefully, it takes a turn for the positive because we've seen, Drake, when he's healthy, he can be a real effective player for us."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Deommodore Lenoir has strong message for former 49ers star Terrell Owens
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir had a strong response to former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens after the Hall of Famer claimed he could replicate what veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has been doing on the field this... -
Former NFL player doubts 49ers' Kyle Shanahan will ever win a Super Bowl
Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White spent his entire 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons, including his final season in 2015, when he played in an offense coordinated by current San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. White has never shied away from criticizing... -
49ers mailbag: What's the plan on the defensive line? Can DeForest Buckner make a difference? Should SF hold on to their 2027 draft picks?
Well, it didn't take long to shake things up. The biggest story surrounding the San Francisco 49ers so far this week is the trade for DeForest Buckner, bringing the veteran defensive tackle back to the team where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. Buckner was a... -
49ers' John Lynch details what makes Brock Purdy an elite QB
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has earned plenty of praise for his performance this season. Despite a subpar outing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, Purdy has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 1,748 yards, 15 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a...