The San Francisco 49ers have stunned the fanbase and NFL insiders alike with what appears to be a quiet but calculated distancing from defensive end Drake Jackson, a former second-round pick once touted as a cornerstone of the team’s future pass rush. In a move that’s drawing scrutiny across the league, the 49ers have made no mention of Jackson in recent defensive projections, pre-draft assessments, or long-term roster conversations—a silence that’s beginning to speak volumes.
Jackson’s rapid fall from grace is shocking given his explosive start to the 2023 season. In the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson recorded a jaw-dropping three sacks, triggering talk of a breakout year. But that high was short-lived. His production declined rapidly in the following games, and a knee injury sidelined him midway through the season. Now, less than two years removed from that peak, his future with the 49ers is in question.
Sources inside the organization, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest the team has grown frustrated with Jackson’s development, particularly his struggles with consistency and durability. His placement on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list following off-season knee surgery only added to the team’s concerns, especially after setbacks in his recovery reportedly hampered his offseason conditioning.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the 49ers’ aggressive pursuit of veteran pass rushers. The team recently inked Leonard Floyd—coming off a 10.5-sack season—and is actively scouting edge defenders in the upcoming draft. These moves have effectively pushed Jackson further down the depth chart, a clear indication the franchise may no longer view him as part of its defensive core.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have remained tight-lipped about Jackson’s trajectory. In press conferences, when asked about the defensive line, Jackson’s name has been conspicuously absent. One former team official described this omission as “strategic silence,” hinting at a front office that has already moved on, at least mentally.
What makes the situation even more jarring is the contrast between Jackson’s potential and his current status. At USC, Jackson was considered a physical marvel—long, athletic, and disruptive. His raw talent was seen as the perfect mold for the 49ers’ ferocious defensive front. But the lack of development and recurring health issues have seemingly erased that early optimism.
For now, Jackson remains under contract, but NFL insiders believe he could be a candidate for a post-draft trade or even an offseason release if the team finds younger, healthier talent to fill the role. The whispers are growing louder: Jackson may no longer be part of the 49ers’ long-term equation.
If true, it would mark a dramatic fall for a player once billed as Nick Bosa’s future counterpart. And for a team chasing a Super Bowl, the margin for patience—especially with injured players—appears to be razor thin.
Drake Jackson’s NFL career isn’t over, but in San Francisco, the writing may already be on the wall.