Feb. 2, 2026, 7:45 a.m. PT

The San Francisco 49ers 2025 offseason was headlined by a mass exodus of veteran players, particularly along the defensive line.

While the moves made sense for a team trying to reset its long-term salary cap outlook, a similar exit of veterans on the D-line makes less sense in the 2026 offseason. Perhaps the most notable name who could be on his way out is veteran defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, who is one of seven defensive linemen set to hit the free agent market in March.

Jordan Elliott 2025 season recap

In a year where stability was hard to find up front for the 49ers, Elliott was there as a starter in all 16 games he played. The only game he missed was one where he injured his knee in pregame warmups, but he returned the following week. The production doesn’t jump off the page with Elliott, who put up 31 tackles and one tackle for loss with no sacks. His availability in his sixth NFL season did jump off the page, though. He was one of four 49ers defenders to start at least 16 regular season games.

Potential replacements for Jordan Elliott

If the 49ers are letting Elliott walk it’s likely because they’re ready for 2025 draft picks CJ West and Alfred Collins to step into larger roles. If San Francisco wants to go with a veteran upgrade, they may look to spend a bit to bring in someone like Sheldon Rankins or Dre’Mont Jones in free agency.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.What contract could Jordan Elliott receive as a free agent?

Keeping Elliott wouldn’t break the bank for San Francisco. Spotrac projects the 28-year-old will receive a one-year deal worth just $1,851,677.

Should the 49ers re-sign Jordan Elliott?

If the price tag is under $2 million it makes a ton of sense for the 49ers to keep Elliott around. They know he can start if needed, but they also need to ensure they’re holding on to some veteran depth as they overhaul their roster on the fly. Elliott is a fine starter, but he’d be really nice as a proven, inexpensive rotational defensive tackle. After letting a ton of veterans leave last year, the 49ers should make sure they’re keeping someone like Elliott in the building.

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