Niner Noise
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Ranking the Top 10 Free Agents the 49ers Should Pursue in 2017

By Peter Felsch

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is a pure pass-rush specialist, something the Niners have lacked since linebacker Aldon Smith’s prime.

The current outside linebackers are unproven, and Ahmad Brooks could be cut, with only one more season left on his six-year contract.

Pierre-Paul is younger (27 years old) and faster than the aging Brooks (32 years old). The only issue with JPP is his injury history. He recently underwent a sports-hernia surgery ending his season. This could be a blessing in disguise, as the Giants could be more weary of re-signing him, giving the Niners an opportunity to swoop him up.

The risk is worth the reward in this situation for the Niners, who can take a flyer on him with his huge upside.