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NFL Free Agency: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) reacts after making a sack in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) reacts after making a sack in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle Malik Jackson

Statistics

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson is going to cash in on a nice contract in 2016 after posting 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks within the Broncos’ vaunted defense last season.

Pro Football Focus gave Jackson a plus-33.7 grade on the year, and his pass-rushing prowess is one of those elements San Francisco will need in order to give fellow pass-rushers like linebacker Aaron Lynch some added help.

The 49ers may be looking for help along the defensive line anyway. As noted previously, nose tackle Ian Williams is hitting the free-agent market, and there’s no guarantee fellow defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee) will be ready for the start of 2016.

Jackson would be an immediate upgrade even if he’s going to command a hefty salary next year.

The 49ers struggled with their pass rush last season. And Jackson would be capable of providing that pocket-wrecking force in addition to fellow lineman Arik Armstead.

Next: G Jeff Allen