The San Francisco 49ers officially brought defensive lineman Kevin Givens back to their 90-man roster on Sunday, a move that could see him hit an incredible eight consecutive seasons with the team. Seriously, eight years for a defensive lineman with one squad? That’s some serious longevity in this league. Givens has been a fixture on their D-line for a long time, a familiar face battling it out in the trenches for the Niners. This isn’t just some random free agent signing; this is a veteran presence getting another, very specific, shot. It makes you wonder what they still see in him after all this time.
From Undrafted to Unstoppable, Then What? The Career Arc of a Niner Lifer
Remember when Givens first joined the 49ers back in 2019? He came in as an undrafted free agent, one of those guys with everything to prove. Talk about grinding your way up! He only got into one game during his rookie year, literally fighting for every snap and showing coaches what he was made of. But then, he didn’t just stick around, he absolutely came into his own. Over the next four years, from 2020 through 2023, he was a consistent, reliable presence for them, seeing action in a solid 65 regular season and playoff games. Think about that: an undrafted player becoming a core part of their defensive rotations for four straight seasons. That’s a testament to his grit, his work ethic, and how valuable he became to that D-line.
But then things shifted. The last couple of years have told a different story. He only played in eight games in 2024, and last year, 2025, he made just five appearances. When a guy’s snap count drops like that, you start to wonder. Yet, here he is, back on the 90-man. To make room for Givens, the 49ers waived defensive lineman Evan Anderson. That’s a clear signal, right? They’re making a direct swap, indicating they still see something specific Givens can bring to the unit, even after his recent limited play.
The Numbers Tell the Story of a Consistent, Gritty Contributor
Across all those games he’s played for the 49ers, Givens has put up some real, blue-collar numbers. We’re talking 104 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss , that’s serious disruption behind the line of scrimmage , and 8.5 sacks. Plus, he’s notched one forced fumble and recovered two others, showing he knows how to get after the ball and create turnovers. Those aren’t flashy, Pro Bowl stats that land you on highlight reels every Sunday, but they show a consistent, reliable force who’s been a foundational piece of their defensive identity for years. This isn’t a superstar, but a veteran who knows the system cold.
Bringing him back on the 90-man roster means he’s got to fight for his spot all over again this summer, proving he still has that fire and can contribute consistently. It’s a competitive league, especially on the defensive line, and making it through a full training camp after a couple of lighter seasons isn’t a given for anyone. This fall, all eyes will be on Givens as he tries to add to those career totals and solidify his place for what would truly be an astounding eighth season with one team. It’s a huge opportunity for a player who’s seen it all with the 49ers, and it’ll be absolutely fascinating to see if he can make that final roster.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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