49ers waive former top draft pick Drake Jackson

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."