49ers host free-agent edge rusher ahead of final preseason game
The 49ers continue to explore edge rusher help this preseason.
San Francisco 49ers hosted free-agent defensive end Jah Joyner for a visit on Wednesday, as per the NFL's transaction report, amid the team's efforts to bolster its defensive front before the 53-man roster deadline. Joyner, who made his mark at Minnesota, was initially signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL draft.
He had an impressive preseason with the Raiders before being waived in August ahead of the regular season. Since then, Joyner has been through the UFL, being drafted by the Dallas Renegades in January but released by them in March. He then joined the Houston Gamblers, where he spent the entire 2026 UFL season.
During his tenure at Minnesota, Joyner emerged as a strong pass-rusher, accumulating 12 sacks, 50 tackles, and 13 tackles for loss in his final two seasons. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 265 pounds, his physical attributes caught the attention of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his length and athleticism, despite not being selected.
Joyner has been on the radar of other teams as well, with a workout arranged for him by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this summer. The visit from Joyner aligns with San Francisco's ongoing attempts to assess potential edge rushers for their roster, as they approach the final cuts. The 49ers will conclude their preseason activities on Thursday against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, marking the last game before they finalize their 53-man roster.
The outcome of Joyner's visit remains uncertain, but it fits into the 49ers' tradition of evaluating complementary pass-rush talent late in the summer.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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