San Francisco 49ers Officially Release 8-Year NFL Veteran

The San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with longtime defensive tackle Kevin Givens, releasing him from the practice squad as the undefeated team prepares for its Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

The move was announced alongside other roster adjustments: the 49ers signed defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo to the practice squad, elevated Okoronkwo and linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, and activated wide receiver Christian Kirk from injured reserve. Kirk’s questionable designation was also removed.

Givens, listed at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, appeared in one game for the 49ers this season and recorded two tackles, according to the team.

The release ends a lengthy tenure in San Francisco for the 29-year-old, who had been a reliable rotational piece and depth player for most of his career.

Originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State in May 2019, Givens spent his entire NFL career with the franchise.

Over eight seasons, he appeared in 70 regular-season games with 14 starts, accumulating 93 tackles, 8.0 sacks, three passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.

He also played in nine postseason contests, adding 12 tackles and one pass defensed. His most productive years came earlier in his tenure; he logged double-digit appearances from 2020 through 2023 and started a career-high 11 games in 2022.

Givens’ 2026 path with the team was circuitous. He re-signed on a one-year deal on July 26 as training camp opened, only to be waived on August 5.

He returned to the practice squad in early September and was elevated for at least one game. Injuries limited his recent production—he appeared in just five games in 2025 (two tackles) and eight in 2024—while the 49ers have navigated significant defensive-line turnover amid injuries to key players such as Nick Bosa and others.

The 49ers enter Week 7 at 6-0, sitting atop the NFC West, with an unexpectedly effective defensive front that has generated pressure despite absences.

Interior options have included Osa Odighizuwa, rookie Gracen Halton, Sebastian Valdez, and others, while edge contributors like Keion White and Mykel Williams have stepped up.

Releasing Givens from the practice squad reflects the team’s current depth preferences and the need to manage roster spots as players return from injury and elevation windows are used.

For Givens, the release marks the end of a seven-plus-year run in which he developed from an undrafted prospect into a multi-year contributor on contending 49ers teams that reached Super Bowl LIV and made additional deep postseason runs.

He now becomes an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with another club.

The 49ers, meanwhile, continue to fine-tune their defensive line rotation ahead of a challenging stretch in an undefeated season.