The San Francisco 49ers have waived edge rusher Xavier Thomas as they prepare for the upcoming NFL roster cuts on August 30. Thomas, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, was initially drafted in the fifth round (No. 138 overall) by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After being waived by the Cardinals late in the 2025 season, he spent time on the Houston Texans' practice squad before being released on July 6.
The 49ers signed Thomas on August 12, but his time with the team was short-lived. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson noted that the 49ers waived Thomas due to injury, indicating that roster decisions are becoming increasingly critical as the deadline approaches. Another NFL reporter, T2, emphasized that each move is significant as the team finalizes its 53-man roster.
Xavier Thomas gained recognition during his college career at Clemson, where he earned Freshman All-American honors in 2018, contributing to the team’s national championship victory. Over his six seasons at Clemson, he recorded 43 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, despite facing challenges due to injuries in 2020 and 2022.
The 49ers are currently facing uncertainty at the edge rusher position, as both of their projected starters are recovering from ACL injuries sustained during the 2025 season. Nick Bosa, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams have yet to have their status confirmed for the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
