The Cincinnati Bengals added to their defensive line depth on Friday, claiming defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.
Jefferson, a 2024 fourth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has appeared in nine career games across stints with Jacksonville and San Francisco, tallying 12 total tackles and one sack. Cincinnati previously tried to claim Jefferson during roster cuts in August but lost out to the 49ers due to waiver priority.
Bengals claim DT Jordan Jefferson on waivers from San Francisco. Howard Cross III waived.
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) October 3, 2025
Bengals Claim Jordan Jefferson, Waive Howard Cross III
To make room for Jefferson, the Bengals waived rookie defensive tackle Howard Cross III. The Notre Dame product played in one game this season but was inactive for three others.
The Bengals will likely look to re-sign Cross to their practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Bengals claim former #49ers DT Jordan Jefferson off waivers
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) October 3, 2025
Jefferson, at 6’4” and 317 pounds, brings burst and strength on the interior and projects as a rotational piece for Cincinnati. He appeared in one game for San Francisco this season before being waived to clear space for quarterback Adrian Martinez.
The move bolsters the Bengals’ defensive front ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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