newsweek
The San Francisco 49ers have decided to part ways with a seasoned member of their defensive front. On Friday, the organization announced the release of ninth-year defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo, who is 31 years old, initially signed a one-year contract with the 49ers in August, marking a reunion with former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. However, his time with the team was short-lived; he was released on August 30 but re-signed to the practice squad just a day later. Eventually, he was promoted back to the active roster and appeared in the first four games of the season, tallying two tackles and one sack.
Okoronkwo's NFL journey began when the Los Angeles Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent his first four professional seasons with the Rams before signing a one-year deal with the Houston Texans in 2022. It was in Houston that he had a breakout campaign, setting career highs with 44 tackles and five sacks. That performance earned him a three-year, $19 million contract with the Cleveland Browns the following offseason. However, his production declined in each subsequent year, leading the Browns to release him prior to the 2025 season.
He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles but suffered a triceps tear in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve.
Originally reported by newsweek.