SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ rebuilt defensive line will not include a comeback from 2022 top pick Drake Jackson, who got waived Friday as the franchise’s rookie minicamp got underway.
Jackson missed the past 1 1/2 seasons following a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Earlier this week, Jackson vowed he was making a strong comeback, writing on an Instgram story that: “Y’all crazy if you don’t think I’m wreaking havoc on that field this year.”
Among other roster moves Friday were the signings of offensive linemen Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere as well as cornerback Dallis Flowers, all on one-year deals.
After a three-sack outing in the 2023 opener at Pittsburgh, Jackson had no sacks in his seven remaining games with the 49ers and eventually had surgery before that team’s postseason run to the Super Bowl. He had three sacks in 15 games as a rookie.
Two weeks ago, the 49ers again used their top draft pick on a defensive end, that being No. 11 overall selection Mykel Williams, who’s slated to start opposite Nick Bosa.
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The 49ers tried covering for Jackson last season by signing Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, with Sam Okuayinonu also stepping into the mix. Floyd got waived in March as part of the 49ers’ roster purge.
Jackson was waived with a failed physical designation. Also waived were offensive lineman Jalen McKenzie and cornerback Tre Tomlinson.
Dillard (6-5, 315) was a 2019 first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s starred 19 of the 69 games he’s played with thr Eagles (2019-22), Tennessee Titans (2023) and Green Bay Packers (2024).
