Niner Noise
FanSided

5 Available Free Agents Capable of Helping the 49ers

By Akash Anavarathan

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Defensive End Connor Barwin

Veteran DE Connor Barwin was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this past week. Along with fellow teammate DT Bennie Logan, Barwin would be a great fit in San Francisco.

The 49ers were tied 19th in the NFL with only 33.0 sacks this past season and are looking to upgrade their personnel at the position.

Barwin had a down year last year with Philadelphia, only racking up five sacks and 34 tackles. During his Pro Bowl season in 2014, Barwin had 64 tackles and 14.5 sacks. 

At 30 years old, Barwin will probably be a rotational pass rusher in the NFL, most likely coming in for third downs. He’s most suited to be a 4-3 DE, similar to the role he had with the Eagles.

He was set to make $8.35 million this past year, but since the Eagles did not want to pay that and could not find a trade partner, they released Barwin.

The ex-Eagle pass rusher was with the Texans to begin his career, where he crossed paths with current 49ers’ Defensive Line Coach Jeff Zgonina.

According to Albert Breer, the 49ers were interested in trading for the veteran DE, so naturally they would be one logical suitor.

In Robert Saleh’s defense, Barwin could fill the LEO role and be a rotational pass rusher. At 30 years old, he’s not the long-term option, but he could be a good stopgap as the 49ers look for younger edge players in the draft.