The San Francisco 49ers are re-signing defensive tackle Chris Jones to a one-year deal. News of the signing was first reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
#49ers are re-signing DT Chris Jones, source says. Jones played six games with them in 2016 but landed on IR last year. Jones is fully healthy now following hip and groin surgery.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 22, 2018
Jones was signed to replace veteran defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, who is retiring from the NFL. Thornton informed the 49ers of his decision on Tuesday, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Jones spent 2016 with the 49ers and started six games. He was re-signed to a one-year contract on March 16, 2017, but landed on injured reserve with a calf injury on September 2, 2017.
The Houston Texans made Jones a sixth-round draft selection out of Bowling Green State in 2013. He also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. In three seasons with New England (2013-15), he appeared in 28 games and started 23, where he registered 79 tackles and nine sacks.
Jones spent part of 2016 with Miami before being waived and then claimed by the 49ers on November 8, 2016. Through 13 games in 2016 with both the Dolphins and 49ers, Jones had 23 combined tackles.
Thornton initially signed with the 49ers on July 25. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Throughout his seven seasons with the Eagles (2011-15), Dallas Cowboys (2016) and Buffalo Bills (2017), Thornton appeared in 89 games with 48 starts and registered 278 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six passes defensed, four fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.
