NFL Free Agency: 10 Under-the-Radar Players the 49ers Should Sign

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Justin Hunter (17) jumps in the stands after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams drinks from a bottle of Gatorade against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Ravens 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Defensive Tackle Brandon Williams

2016 Cap Hit: $1,799,750

Everyone knows how bad the 49ers’ interior run defense was in 2016, and it led to a historically poor stat line that gave the Niners the worst run-stopping stats in the NFL last season.

A key loss before 2016 even began was nose tackle Ian Williams, whose ankle injury forced him to miss the entire year.

Who knows if Williams is back, but it’s pretty clear San Francisco can’t roll on with either defensive tackles Glenn Dorsey or Mike Purcell in starting roles.

Current Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams would be a smart pickup. The 27-year-old former third-round pick offers nothing in the pass rush. But against the run, he’s about as solid as it gets.

Assuming Ian Williams returns, and with his previous injury history, having a player like Brandon Williams in a reserve role makes perfect sense.