Jermar Jefferson

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		9	96	2	4.6
2025		2	—	—	—
2024		2	22	0	3.7
2023		1

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jermar Jefferson delivered the kind of production that earns a C Contract Value Index relative to the RB pay band. At $1.005M AAV on a one-year deal, this is a depth-minimum contract that reflects his standing as a fifth-year veteran with limited NFL traction—he appeared in just 2 games during the 2025 season, cementing his role as rotational depth rather than a featured piece. The salary itself is realistic for a seventh-round pick from 2021 with an injury history and minimal career production; the 49ers are paying what amounts to replacement-level backfield insurance, which is fair value in isolation. However, the CVI grade reflects the broader context: San Francisco is patching a hole born of injury necessity rather than building around a viable long-term option, and Jefferson's minimal recent playing time coupled with his pedestrian career arc offer little upside to justify premium positioning in the depth chart. The media narrative frames this as precisely what it is—a pragmatic, uninspired band-aid move in a stretch of reactive roster churn—and that assessment aligns with the contract structure: short-term, low-cost, and expendable when the team's primary backfield option returns to health or when training camp clarifies whether better alternatives exist on the market.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Jermar's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jermar Jefferson is a second-year running back in the San Francisco 49ers system facing a critical juncture in his early career. The 26-year-old has appeared in only nine games across two seasons, limiting his ability to establish consistency or command significant offensive touches. His current C- grade reflects modest production this season, though he remains a developmental prospect with upside if opportunity and execution align. Jefferson's most encouraging metric is his yards-per-carry average of 4.93, which sits notably above the NFL average of 4.11 and suggests efficient running when called upon. However, his rush yards-per-game average of 10.6 falls well short of the NFL mean at 22.39, underscoring the core issue: volume. His rushing touchdowns per game (0.29) match the league average exactly, indicating competent red-zone work within his limited sample. The concerning trend is his trajectory—dropping from D+ grades in both 2024 and 2023 to a C- in 2025—which suggests regression rather than growth during his developmental window. Jefferson's path forward hinges on demonstrating durability and earning genuine offensive snaps in Kyle Shanahan's system. With elite backs elsewhere and the 49ers' running back rotation firmly established, he will need to differentiate himself through special teams value or prove he can be the change-of-pace option. If he cannot secure consistent touches or upgrade his production next season, his window to establish himself in San Francisco—or elsewhere—will narrow considerably at age 27.

How Jermar Compares at the Position

Jermar Jefferson ranks 105th of 175 graded running backs by performance. That slots Jermar between Deion Hankins (C-) just ahead and Ameer Abdullah (C-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

49ers release depth RB Jefferson in routine roster shuffle with minimal impact. Headlines suggest simultaneous signings and waivers, indicating standard preseason/depth management activity. Jefferson's release signals the team found better options at running back depth. Fans view this as unremarkable roster turnover rather than significant roster news. San Francisco's backfield competition remains open with other backs competing for roster spots.