Clelin Ferrell: Everything you need to know

Ferrell finished the 2025 regular season with 24 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, in eight games played for the 49ers. Ferrell was one of several reserve linemen asked to fill in the big shoes left by DE Nick Bosa's season-ending knee injury. The 28-year-old Ferrell's finest performance came in Week 13 when he posted 2.0 sacks among his nine combined tackles against the Browns. The former No. 4 overall pick has shown some flashes of excellence during this brief run in San Francisco and also during his time as a starter with Washington in 2023. Ferrell -- an unrestricted free agent -- figures to draw interest this upcoming offseason from clubs who believe the defensive end is a late bloomer.

Ferrell compiled nine tackles (six solo), including 2.0 sacks, during San Francisco's win over the Browns on Sunday. Ferrell had one of the best outings of his career, leading the team in both tackles and sacks. The 28-year-old has been productive across his limited playing time this season, tallying 14 tackles (nine solo), including 4.0 sacks, in just four games. He is now just 0.5 sacks shy of his career-best mark set during his rookie season in 2019.

Ferrell is slated to sign with San Francisco's practice squad, Matt Zenitz of CBSSports.com reports. Ferrell spent the offseason with Washington but was cut by the team prior to Week 1. He then inked with the Chargers' practice squad and was elevated Week 5 against the Commanders, making one assisted tackle, before being cut Oct. 14. The veteran defensive end now looks slated to provide depth for a 49ers defense that has already lost star playmakers Nick Bosa (knee - ACL) and Fred Warner (ankle) for the year.