Saleh lands his first ex-49er. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott reunites with his former coordinator, signing a lucrative deal with the Titans.
The San Francisco 49ers lost another member of their defensive line on Tuesday, as defensive tackle Jordan Elliott agreed to a deal with the Tennessee Titans.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Elliott signed a two-year contract worth $8 million to join Tennessee. The move reunites him with former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was recently hired as the Titans’ new head coach.
Saleh’s departure earlier in the offseason was one of the biggest coaching changes for San Francisco, and it appears he has already begun bringing familiar players with him to Tennessee. Elliott becomes the first 49ers player to follow Saleh to his new team this offseason.
Elliott, 28, originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Missouri. He began his professional career with the Cleveland Browns before eventually signing with the 49ers in 2024.
During his two seasons in San Francisco, Elliott became a steady contributor along the interior defensive line. He appeared in 31 games with 29 starts, providing physical run defense and interior depth for the 49ers’ front.
Over those two seasons, Elliott totaled 50 tackles and a pass defended while often taking on the less glamorous work of occupying blockers and helping free up teammates to make plays. While his statistics may not have jumped off the page, his role within the defensive front was an important one.
Now, he will look to continue that role in Tennessee under a familiar coaching staff.
For the 49ers, Elliott’s departure creates another question mark along the interior defensive line. San Francisco has already experienced turnover at several defensive positions this offseason, and the defensive tackle group in particular has seen significant changes.
At the moment, the 49ers’ interior defensive line depth chart is relatively thin. Young defensive tackles Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West remain on the roster, along with depth options Sebastian Valdez and Evan Anderson.
With free agency still ongoing and the NFL Draft approaching, the 49ers will likely continue exploring ways to strengthen the position group. Adding veteran depth or another young prospect could be necessary as the team looks to rebuild the interior of its defensive line.
Meanwhile, Elliott will head to Tennessee with an opportunity to reunite with Saleh and carve out a new role with the Titans as they begin a new era under their recently hired head coach.