Drake Jackson‘s in-season free agent tour has resulted in a deal. The former second-round defensive end is signing with the Commanders, per agent Drew Rosenhaus (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). 
Jackson is being added to the active roster, a slight deviation from standard practice regarding mid-week signings. Players in that position often join a taxi squad before being elevated to the roster. Jackson will look to make an immediate impact with Washington as he attempts to avoid any further injury troubles.
The 24-year-old played 15 games as a rookie, but a torn patellar tear limited him to eight games the following season. Jackson then missed all of the 2024 campaign while continuing to recover. The 49ers elected to move on this spring, but Jackson is now healthy. Visits with the Commanders, Jets and Ravens were lined up recently as a result. An agreement has been worked out in short order.
It comes as little surprise Jackson has elected to head to the nation’s capital. Commanders general manager Adam Peters was in the 49ers’ front office when the USC product was drafted, making him a familiar face. Jackson notched three sacks in each of his first two campaigns, recording more pressures (eight) in his shortened 2023 season than he did in 15 contests (seven) as a rookie. Continued development in terms of production and efficiency as a pass rusher would provide Washington with an inexpensive option along the edge to close out the season.
The Commanders have posted 18 sacks through six games, good for sixth in the NFL in that regard. Jackson will join a group lead by Dorance Armstrong, Von Miller and hybrid linebacker/edge rusher Frankie Luvu. If he manages to provide the 3-3 team with part-time production down the stretch, a notable free agent market could be in store during the spring.