49ers Waive Defensive End Drake Jackson After Injury Challenges

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco 49ers have waived defensive end Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on May 9, 2025. Jackson, 24, has been sidelined by a knee injury that kept him out of the entire 2024 season.

Jackson was the 61st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his career has been hampered by injuries. After having a promising rookie year with three sacks in 15 games, he played only eight games in 2023 before landing on injured reserve due to a patellar tendon injury.

“Jackson is still rehabbing a knee injury but is expected to be cleared by the start of training camp,” Schefter tweeted, noting the potential for Jackson to land with another team if he clears waivers, which will be available until 3 p.m. CT on Monday.

Following his injury, Jackson spent the entire previous season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. General Manager John Lynch previously addressed Jackson’s recovery difficulties, highlighting the complexity of his quad tendon repair recovery.

“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,” Lynch said in February.

With Jackson’s departure, none of the 49ers’ top draft picks from 2020 to 2022 remain on the roster. This includes quarterback Trey Lance and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, further signaling a shift in the team’s direction.

As the 49ers move forward, they will save about $1.5 million in cap space while absorbing approximately $350,000 in dead money due to Jackson’s signing bonus proration. Jackson will be looking for a new team as he aims to revitalize his career.