49ers Sign Special Teams Ace Luke Gifford to One-Year Contract

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their special teams unit by signing linebacker Luke Gifford to a one-year contract, as reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The addition of Gifford is part of the team’s ongoing effort to enhance their roster following a challenging season last year.

Gifford, 29, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 with the Dallas Cowboys, where he established himself primarily as a special teams player. Over six seasons, he has made a name for himself in the league, playing for both the Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans. In the 2024 season, he made significant contributions, appearing in 16 games with four starts for the Titans and tallying 49 total tackles, two passes defensed, and one interception.

“Luke Gifford is a veteran player who has shown he can be impactful on special teams,” said a source familiar with the 49ers’ strategy. “His ability to play snaps on multiple units is essential for our depth.”

During the last season, Gifford logged 532 snaps for the Titans, showcasing his versatility by being involved in every special teams unit for the entirety of the season. His commitment to special teams is evident, as he played 77 percent of the special teams snaps while contributing to 20 percent of the defensive snaps.

In total, Gifford has accumulated 95 tackles, including two for loss, over his career, indicating a player capable of transitioning into more significant roles if necessary. His interception in 2024 came against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during a critical game, further solidifying his presence on the field.

The 49ers faced challenges in their special teams last season, prompting the team to hire Brant Boyer as the new special teams coordinator to replace Brian Schneider. Gifford is expected to help address these issues and provide added depth behind star linebacker Fred Warner.

“Adding a player like Luke who has experience and proven results in special teams will certainly enhance our game plan,” said the team’s management in a statement. “His on-field experience will not only benefit the team but also those younger players looking to develop.”

As the offseason progresses, the 49ers’ roster continues to evolve, with the possibility of further acquisitions or rookies to support their linebacker corps, which already includes players such as Dee Winters and Jalen Graham, alongside Warner.

The 49ers are demonstrating a commitment to improving their performance across the board, and the signing of Luke Gifford is a strategic move in ensuring they are ready for the upcoming season.