Aug 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) shown on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bengals Acquire Defensive Line Help Ahead of Week 5 Game vs Lions

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 4:45 PM ET

The Bengals are adding to their defensive line room.

Cincinnati acquired defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson on waivers from the San Francisco 49ers on Friday.

The Bengals tried to add Jefferson to their roster during final cuts in August when they put a claim in on the second-year defensive end. The 49ers also claimed Jefferson and had a higher waiver priority (11) than the Bengals (17).

Jefferson was picked in the fourth round (116th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bengals picked McKinnley Jackson 97th overall, 19 spots ahead of Jefferson.

Jefferson, 23, showed flashes of quality play as a rookie, finishing with a 62.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He had 12 tackles and one sack in eight games.

He appeared in just one game for the 49ers this season, playing 12 total snaps on defense.

The Bengals waived defensive tackle Howard Cross III to make room for Jefferson on the 53-man roster. Cross appeared in one game for Cincinnati this season and was inactive for the other three contests.

This post will be updated.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Bengals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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