The 49ers dismissed multiple defensive linemen during the offseason for various reasons, but retaining Jordan Elliott is one of those decisions that doesn’t quite make sense.
The San Francisco 49ers underwent a seismic overhaul of their defensive line during the 2025 offseason, parting ways with high-profile veterans like Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins in a series of cost-saving moves. With no position group experiencing more change, the team doubled down on youth, selecting three defensive linemen—Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West—within their first five picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, amid this roster purge, one decision left fans and analysts scratching their heads: the retention of reserve defensive lineman Jordan Elliott. Why keep a player whose performance last season raised more questions than answers, and what does this choice reveal about the 49ers’ strategy moving forward?
A Surprising Survivor in a Revamped Unit
Elliott, a 6-foot-4, 303-pound defensive tackle, joined the 49ers as a free agent in 2024 after a mediocre four-year stint with the Cleveland Browns. Injuries to key players thrust him into a starting role for 13 of his 15 games last season, but his impact was underwhelming. The 49ers’ run defense, a perennial strength, faltered in 2024, and Elliott’s 53.1 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade was a glaring indicator of his struggles. His pass-rush production was equally lackluster, with zero sacks and just two quarterback hits. These numbers prompted general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to overhaul the defensive front, signaling a clear intent to address the unit’s weaknesses.
Yet, despite the sweeping changes, Elliott remained. This decision is puzzling, especially when considering the financial aspect. Releasing Elliott before June 1 would have saved the 49ers $1.55 million in cap space, with only $1.86 million in dead money, per Over the Cap. While not a massive savings, the modest cap hit suggests the team wasn’t financially tethered to him. Likewise, the additions of rookies Alfred Collins and C.J. West, both interior linemen, point to a youth-driven future for the position, further diminishing the need for a veteran like Elliott.
Searching for Logic in the Decision
So, why keep Elliott? The most plausible explanation lies in the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who rejoined the 49ers after his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets. Saleh, known for his expertise in crafting dominant defensive lines, likely had a say in shaping the revamped unit. It’s possible he saw untapped potential in Elliott, either as a reliable backup or a temporary starter until the team’s rookies are ready to assume larger roles. Saleh’s familiarity with versatile, high-motor linemen from his Jets days may have influenced his decision to retain Elliott, whose size and experience could provide depth during a transitional season.
Another factor could be Elliott’s role as a placeholder. With the 49ers investing heavily in young talent, they may view him as a low-risk, short-term option to bridge the gap while Williams, Collins, and West develop. His experience starting games in 2024, even if underwhelming, gives the team a known quantity to lean on if injuries strike again or if the rookies need time to adjust to the NFL’s demands.
What This Says About the 49ers’ Strategy
The decision to retain Elliott speaks to a broader balancing act within the 49ers’ roster construction. While the team is clearly prioritizing youth and long-term potential, they’re also hedging their bets by keeping a veteran presence to maintain stability. This approach reflects confidence in Saleh’s ability to maximize Elliott’s contributions, even if his 2024 performance was subpar. It also underscores the 49ers’ willingness to take calculated risks, banking on their coaching staff to elevate a player who, on paper, seems like an odd fit for a unit undergoing such drastic change.
However, the move isn’t without risks. If Elliott continues to struggle against the run or fails to generate pressure, his presence could hinder the development of younger players who need reps to grow. Fans, already skeptical of the decision, may grow frustrated if Elliott’s retention comes at the expense of a more dynamic defensive front. The 49ers’ run defense, which ranked among the league’s worst in 2024, must show marked improvement to justify this gamble.
A Make-or-Break Season for Elliott
For Jordan Elliott, 2025 is a prove-it year. Under Saleh’s guidance, he has an opportunity to redeem himself and carve out a meaningful role, whether as a rotational piece or a mentor to the incoming rookies. If he can improve his run-stopping ability and add even modest pass-rush production, the 49ers’ decision to keep him could be vindicated. But if he falters, the team’s puzzling choice will only amplify questions about their offseason priorities.
The 49ers’ retention of Jordan Elliott amid a defensive line overhaul is a head-scratcher, but it reveals a team navigating a delicate transition. By blending youth with select veteran holdovers, San Francisco is betting on its coaching staff to bridge the gap between present needs and future aspirations. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on Elliott’s performance—and Saleh’s vision— in a season that promises to test the 49ers’ revamped defense like never before.