On May 10, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by waiving defensive end Drake Jackson, their second-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, with a failed physical designation. This decision marked the end of Jackson’s tenure with the team, raising questions about the true motivations behind the 49ers’ choice to part ways with a player once viewed as a promising talent. While the official reason cites a lingering knee injury, a deeper look reveals a combination of factors, including injury setbacks, roster strategy, and the team’s shift toward a younger, healthier defensive line.
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Drake Jackson, selected 61st overall out of USC, entered the NFL with high expectations. His athleticism and pass-rushing potential made him a valuable addition to a 49ers defensive line already known for its dominance. In his rookie season, Jackson showed flashes of brilliance, recording three sacks, an interception, and eight passes defensed in 15 games. His standout performance came in Week 1 of the 2023 season, when he notched three sacks in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, hinting at a breakout year.
However, Jackson’s career took a sharp turn in Week 8 of 2023 when he suffered a torn patellar tendon, a severe injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season and carried over into 2024. Despite his efforts to rehabilitate, Jackson was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and never returned to the active roster. The 49ers’ decision to waive him with a failed physical designation suggests that his recovery has not progressed as hoped. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted last summer, “Anytime you do that type of surgery… those are big surgeries. They’re tough to come back from, and you never know how they’re gonna react.” This uncertainty about Jackson’s long-term health likely played a significant role in the team’s decision.
A Shift in Roster Strategy
Beyond Jackson’s injury, the 49ers’ move reflects a broader strategic overhaul following a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, marred by injuries and a last-place finish in the NFC West. General manager John Lynch and Shanahan have emphasized the need to get younger and more durable, particularly along the defensive line. The release of veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who missed all but three games in 2024 due to an upper arm injury, and the signing of seven of their 11 draft picks, including three defensive linemen like first-rounder Mykel Williams, underscore this youth movement.
Jackson, entering the final year of his rookie contract with a cap hit of nearly $2 million, became expendable in this context. His inability to contribute over the past season and a half, combined with the team’s investment in new talent, made it difficult to justify keeping him on the roster. The 49ers’ acquisition of pass-rusher Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles for a mid-round pick further signals their intent to bolster the defensive line with players who can contribute immediately, rather than waiting on Jackson’s uncertain recovery.
The 2022 Draft Class: A Mixed Bag
Jackson’s departure also highlights the uneven success of the 49ers’ 2022 draft class. As the team’s first pick in that draft (they traded their first-rounder to move up for Trey Lance in 2021), Jackson was expected to be a cornerstone. However, he joins other early picks from that year, like third-rounders Danny Gray and Ty Davis-Price, who are no longer with the team. The lone bright spot remains quarterback Brock Purdy, the final pick of the draft, who has since signed a five-year, $265 million extension. This disparity underscores the 49ers’ willingness to cut losses on underperforming or injury-prone players, even high draft picks, to maintain roster flexibility.
The Real Reason: A Pragmatic Business Decision
While Jackson’s knee injury is the official reason for his release, the real motivation appears to be a pragmatic business decision driven by a combination of factors. His prolonged absence and uncertain recovery timeline posed a risk the 49ers were unwilling to take, especially with a roster rebuild in progress. The team’s confidence in their new defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, and their influx of young talent suggests a belief that they can move forward without Jackson. Moreover, waiving him now allows Jackson additional time to find a new team before training camp, a move that reflects the 49ers’ respect for the player while prioritizing their own interests.
What’s Next for Jackson and the 49ers?
For Drake Jackson, the waiver opens the door to a fresh start. Reports indicate he is expected to be cleared by training camp, which could make him an attractive option for teams in need of pass-rushing depth. His youth (he’s still only 24) and early promise could earn him a prove-it deal elsewhere. Meanwhile, the 49ers are banking on their revamped roster and key extensions for players like Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner to fuel a bounce-back season in 2025. With a favorable schedule and a renewed focus on health and youth, the team aims to reclaim their status as NFC contenders