Commanders release former 49ers' second-round pick as comeback falls short

Bryan Manning, Commanders WireSat, September 5, 2026 at 9:08 AM UTC

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The Washington Commanders have dealt with several injuries throughout training camp. Laremy Tunsil’s torn triceps has received the most attention. Former second-round pick Johnny Newton tore his pec, while other Washington players, including quarterback Marcus Mariota and center Nick Allegretti, dealt with nagging injuries.

One injury that flew under the radar was linebacker/defensive end Drake Jackson. Washington placed Jackson on the reserve/injured list on Aug. 25, and a little over a week later, the NFL’s transaction wire revealed that the Commanders released Jackson with an injury settlement.

Could this be the end of the line for the 25-year-old former 49ers’ second-round pick?

Jackson entered the NFL with great promise in 2022, appearing in 15 games for San Francisco and recording three sacks in a limited role. His fortunes began to change in 2023, when he was placed on IR in November after eight games. He returned in 2024, but suffered a torn patellar tendon in training camp. He would miss all of the 2024 season, and the 49ers waived him in May 2025.

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Washington was a natural landing spot for Jackson. It needed help at edge rusher. And general manager Adam Peters was the 49ers’ assistant GM when they drafted Jackson. So Peters monitored his progress and eventually signed him on Oct. 15. The Commanders immediately placed Jackson on IR, designating him for a return. On Dec. 4, they activated him. He appeared in three games last season, recording three tackles.

The Commanders needed to upgrade the edge rusher position in the offseason, which is what they did by signing Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson and using a fifth-round pick on Joshua Josephs. Still, Peters re-signed Jackson to a one-year deal, giving him a chance to earn a spot.

It was a quiet summer for Jackson, while others at this position thrived. Now, he’ll look for another opportunity elsewhere, as he’s free to sign with another team.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders release former 49ers' second-round pick as comeback falls short

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Source: “AOL Sports”