RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Xavier Thomas’ latest NFL stop ended almost as quickly as it began.
The former Clemson defensive lineman is searching for another opportunity after the San Francisco 49ers released him with an injury settlement. Thomas had only joined the organization on Aug. 12, giving him a brief window to compete for a place on the roster before the league’s final round of cuts.
San Francisco had already moved Thomas to injured reserve after he passed through waivers, and the settlement now allows the 26-year-old to move on from the organization.
It is the latest turn in an NFL career that has included several stops since Thomas left Clemson .
Arizona originally drafted him in the fifth round in 2024, taking the former Tiger with the No. 138 overall selection. Thomas appeared in 14 games as a rookie and produced 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
His time with the Cardinals ended last November after four appearances in his second season. Thomas later landed on Houston’s practice squad before the Texans waived him with an injury designation in May.
For Clemson fans, Thomas remains a familiar name from one of the program’s most successful eras.
He arrived as one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits and immediately contributed to Clemson’s 2018 national championship run. Over six seasons with the Tigers, Thomas appeared in 61 games, started 30 and became just the ninth player in school history to reach the 60-game mark.
His Clemson career included 133 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Thomas also earned All-ACC recognition twice during his time in orange.
USA TODAY Sports makes fun bowl game prediction for Clemson football 📸 Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con https://t.co/89sKTKeHzQ pic.twitter.com/NdadMuINoK
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) August 26, 2026 His final college season showed that he could still create problems off the edge. In 2023, Thomas led Clemson with 21 quarterback pressures while recording 28 tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Now, after brief stays with Arizona, Houston and San Francisco, the former Clemson standout will wait to see whether another NFL team gives him a chance to continue his career.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson star released by San Fran 49ers after being injured
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