While Gifford (6-3, 243) played 77% of the special teams snaps last season, he also contributed to 20% of the defensive snaps. The linebacker logged 49 total tackles (one for a loss), an interception, and two passes defensed in 16 games (four starts) for the Tennessee Titans in 2024, per Pro Football Reference.
Gifford, 29, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played four seasons. He has spent the past two seasons with the Titans. Over his six-year career, Gifford has recorded 95 tackles (two for a loss).
The 49ers' special teams struggled last season, leading to Brant Boyer replacing Brian Schneider as the special teams coordinator. Gifford has played 1,542 special-teams snaps over his career.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Writer urges 49ers to consider trading one player—at the right price
There was plenty of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. Many believed the team could trade Brock Purdy's backup before or during the 2026 NFL Draft. That never materialized, and Jones appears poised to remain Purdy's primary backup... -
49ers' Mykel Williams among NFL's second-year players facing the most pressure
For the San Francisco 49ers, the defensive front was once a strength of the team, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and overwhelming offensive lines. That wasn't the case last season, however, as the unit recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Determined... -
49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling named Offensive Rookie of the Year sleeper
The San Francisco 49ers used their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—No. 33 overall—on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, an intriguing playmaker out of Ole Miss who could quickly earn a role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Of course, Stribling will have to climb the... -
Watch: 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall gears up to silence doubters in 2026
San Francisco 49ers veterans report to training camp on Saturday, and for wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 2026 season represents a chance to prove he was worthy of the team's first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearsall has missed 14 games over his first two NFL...