San Francisco 49ers Sign DL Tarron Jackson to Practice Squad

In a move aimed at bolstering their defensive depth, the San Francisco 49ers have announced the signing of defensive lineman Tarron Jackson to their practice squad. Jackson, a versatile and promising player, brings with him experience from his time in the NFL, having played with the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, and most recently the Eagles once again. This addition could be an important step as the 49ers continue to shape their roster heading into the latter part of the season.

A Look at Tarron Jackson’s NFL Career

Tarron Jackson’s journey to the 49ers’ practice squad has been anything but conventional, but it reflects a player who has shown resilience and a drive to succeed at the highest level. Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jackson has had the opportunity to showcase his abilities with two NFL teams: the Eagles and the Carolina Panthers.

Over the course of his four-year NFL career, Jackson has appeared in 24 games, accumulating 17 tackles, 1.0 sack, and one forced fumble. His performance, while not dominant, has displayed flashes of potential, particularly in his ability to contribute in key defensive moments. His stint with the Panthers in 2024, where he played in three games before being waived on October 15, showcased his ability to compete in the NFL, even though his time with the Panthers was brief.

Jackson’s Time with the Philadelphia Eagles

After being waived by the Panthers, Jackson’s journey took him back to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he signed to their practice squad on November 7. Despite his strong work ethic and potential, Jackson was ultimately released by the Eagles on December 31. This series of roster moves signals that Jackson is a player still fighting for a consistent spot in the league, and his signing with the 49ers practice squad offers him another chance to prove himself.

College Career: Building a Strong Foundation

Before making his mark in the NFL, Tarron Jackson honed his skills at Coastal Carolina University, where he played from 2016 to 2020. Over the course of his college career, Jackson developed into a standout defensive player. He appeared in 48 games, registering 195 tackles, 26.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery. These impressive statistics helped him earn AP First-Team All-American honors as a senior in 2020, underscoring his status as one of the top defensive players in college football.

Jackson’s time at Coastal Carolina was marked by his ability to disrupt offenses, as his pass-rushing skills and playmaking ability on defense made him a feared opponent. His collegiate career undoubtedly prepared him for the challenges of the NFL, and his transition to professional football, though not without its ups and downs, remains promising.

What the 49ers Are Getting

At 26 years old, Jackson still has a lot of potential to develop further, and joining the 49ers’ practice squad offers him an excellent opportunity to improve under the guidance of a successful coaching staff. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 254 pounds, Jackson possesses the physical attributes needed to make an impact as a defensive lineman, and his previous experience with both the Eagles and Panthers provides him with valuable insights into different defensive schemes.

The 49ers’ defense has been one of the league’s most formidable units in recent years, and Jackson’s addition could help provide depth and competition at the position. While Jackson is currently on the practice squad, his presence may push others to elevate their level of play, and he could potentially earn a promotion to the active roster if he continues to impress in practice.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jackson?

For Tarron Jackson, this is yet another chapter in what has already been a career filled with significant changes and challenges. The 49ers represent a fresh start and a new environment where he can work towards realizing his potential. While there are no guarantees in the NFL, Jackson’s determination and work ethic will be key as he works his way up the 49ers’ depth chart.

Jackson’s journey is far from over, and the opportunity with the 49ers offers him a chance to continue proving that he belongs at the highest level of football. As the 49ers head into the final stretch of the season, they’ll be hoping that Jackson can make a meaningful contribution and perhaps earn a more permanent spot on their roster in the future.

In the competitive world of the NFL, every opportunity counts, and for Tarron Jackson, this signing represents another step toward fulfilling his dream of being a key contributor in the league. Only time will tell how far he can go with the San Francisco 49ers, but for now, he’s focused on making the most of his chance on the practice squad.