dq. NFL Suspends Ja’Marr Chase Two Games Following Spit Incident Involving Jalen Ramsey
San Francisco enters the late stages of preseason with roster depth still under scrutiny, and attention has quietly circled back to a familiar face. The defensive line, a strength of the franchise in recent years, continues to search for reliable rotation pieces as health concerns remain unavoidable.
The 49ers have prioritized building layers of depth up front, knowing injuries can derail even the most talented units. Consistency and versatility in rotational pass rushers have become as valuable as elite production from starters. With questions surrounding durability, a reunion with one of their former draft investments is now being weighed.
Among available free agents, one option carries a direct connection to the Bay. A defensive end once viewed as part of the franchise’s long-term future could soon find himself back in red and gold following a grueling recovery.
“San Francisco is where I was drafted, where I grew as a player, and where I left everything on the field. After all the battles and the injury, I just want to wear red and gold again and fight for this city.”
Drake Jackson was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 61st overall pick. In three seasons with San Francisco, he appeared in 23 games, recording 21 total tackles (12 solo, 9 assists), 6.0 sacks, and 9 pass deflections. His most memorable performance came in Week 1 of the 2023 season, when he delivered three sacks in a statement win over the Steelers.
Jackson also flashed versatility in coverage, notching a rare interception against the Raiders in 2022. While injuries slowed his development, his flashes of dominance kept him on the radar as a potential difference-maker in a crowded defensive front.
His trajectory shifted in 2024 when a torn patellar tendon required surgery, ultimately placing him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. San Francisco later waived him in May 2025 after he failed a physical evaluation.
Now healthy and seeking a fresh start, Jackson has drawn interest from multiple teams, but a return to the Bay Area carries special weight. At just 24 years old, he still offers prime athleticism, upside, and familiarity with the 49ers’ defensive scheme.
The 49ers must decide whether to bring back the young pass rusher on a reported $1 million deal. For a franchise with championship expectations, Jackson represents both a gamble and a reminder of unfinished business. Whether the reunion happens may ultimately depend on timing—and San Francisco’s willingness to bet on its former investment rising again.
