49ers Free Agency: 5 Players SF Should Target This Offseason
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Von Miller – Denver Broncos OLB (UFA)
Linebacker Von Miller is one of the premier pass-rushers in the NFL. Per Pro Football Focus, he ranks No. 4 in their top-10 edge defenders for 2015, with a grade of plus-92.2. Miller currently has 10 sacks on the season on the No. 1 ranked pass-defense in the NFL.
Miller uses his uncanny quick first step and his overall speed to get to the opposing QB. He has been a consistent disruptive force since he entered the league.
His 2015 cap hit currently is $9,754,000, and will likely go up for next year. However, the 49ers can afford his contract, and more importantly they need a big boost in the pass rush. Since Aldon Smith was released, the 49ers have a dismal 26 sacks on this season, which is tied for the fifth-worst mark in the league. Miller is only 26 — he has many good years left in him.
The only pass rusher who has any consistent success this season has been outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, who has 6.5 sacks. There have been far too many games this year where the opposing QB has had all day to throw against the 49ers rush.
A pass rushing tandem of Lynch and Miller looks pretty good, and would be a huge boost to the defense and its ability to get to the QB.