In March of 2024, Jordan Elliott signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Due to injuries to top interior defensive linemen Kevin Givens and Javon Hargrave, he emerged as a starter, playing in 15 games and starting 13. He finished with 19 tackles (two for loss) and two QB hits. He failed to register any sacks, though, a continuation of the limited pass rushing impact that has plagued him throughout his career.
Now heading into Year 2 of his contract, Niners Nation’s Nicholas McGee believes Elliott could be a surprise cut for the 49ers.
“The 49ers’ interior defensive line has undergone a major revamp this offseason, with the changes seeing two players who started last season as key players in that area moved on to new teams,” McGee wrote on July 4, before explaining himself further.
DL Jordan Elliott Named Potential Cut Candidate for San Francisco 49ers
Noting Elliott “struggled to justify the investment” of his $7 million deal, McGee thinks the Niners could let him walk.
“Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins were each let go as the 49ers embraced a youth movement on the defensive side of the trenches,” McGee noted. “And it’s not inconceivable that a player they signed to be an integral part of the rotation last year could be a part of final roster cuts.”
McGee isn’t alone in his criticism of Elliott’s play. Pro Football Focus labeled him the 49ers’ “worst signing of 2024,” citing his 47.6 overall grade, describing his performance as below starting-caliber.
Considering San Francisco’s run defense ranked 18th in the league while allowing 24 rushing TDs in 2024, the team has understandably revamped its defensive line. With draft additions Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins—both viewed as interior defensive improvements—Elliott now faces significant competition for snaps.
A Look Back at Elliott’s NFL Career
Elliott entered the NFL when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round (88th overall) of the 2020 draft after a standout college career at Missouri. In Cleveland, he performed primarily in a rotational role early on, playing 2,359 defensive snaps across his first four seasons with the Browns.
While he gradually earned more opportunities, becoming a full-time starter in 2022 and 2023, his statistics remained modest, as he racked up 117 total tackles and 5.0 sacks over those four years.
His best season came in 2022, when he finished with 36 total tackles (five for loss, a career high), two passes defended, three QB hits and 2.0 sacks. He hasn’t amassed more than 2.5 sacks in any of his five seasons.
With defensive coordinator Robert Saleh adding more youthful and disruptive talent to the mix this year, it could relegate him to a reserve role—or potentially render him expendable even before his contract ends.
Considering he didn’t have the impact expected from a mid-tier free-agent, Elliott could find himself wearing a different uniform in 2025, unless he can outcompete the 2025 rookie class.
Heading into training camp, the 49ers have the following depth at DT in addition to Elliott: Evan Anderson, Alfred Collins, Kalia Davis, Kevin Givens, Sebastian Valdez (UDFA) and CJ West.
