Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: A Budget-Conscious Guide to Free Agency

By Bryan Knowles

What might Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke cook up in free agency? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
What might Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke cook up in free agency? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) but prevents the tackle from Clayborn in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) but prevents the tackle from Clayborn in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Edge Rusher: Adrian Clayborn, Atlanta Falcons

Honestly, the best pass rusher available in this year’s free agent class for a budget price is probably going to be Aldon Smith, whose off-field issues should keep his value down, as no team will want to tie themselves too closely to him. While the 49ers said some positive things about continuing to work with Aldon when they released him last offseason, it’s hard to imagine them signing up for another stretch of Smith, considering the headaches he has brought the franchise.

So I’ll go with Adrian Clayborn, who has primarily been a 4-3 defensive end in his career. He likely wouldn’t be an outside linebacker even in a 3-4, but he has the potential chops to be a pass-rushing threat as a 3-4 end. He only had three sacks last season, which isn’t fantastic, but he put a solid amount of pressure on the quarterback.

Obviously, 49ers fans would love a Von Miller or someone with that level of production, but if they decide to go with depth and a value signing, Clayborn could be their man.

Next: Nose Tackle