Niner Noise
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2018 NFL free agency: 5 edge rushers 49ers should consider signing

By Florito Maniego

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 4: DeMarcus Lawrence

With his tremendous success, it is difficult to see the Dallas Cowboys letting DeMarcus Lawrence enter free agency. In the case Lawrence hits the market, the 49ers should pursue the second-team, All-Pro defensive end.

Signing Lawrence, however, will come at a huge price.

If San Francisco does decide to land a long-term deal with Lawrence, the 49ers will immediately address their issues rushing the quarterback. The 25-year-old defensive lineman is in the middle of his prime and would be an excellent addition to the team’s young and improving defensive unit.

Lawrence is coming off a breakout season after recording 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. As a result, Lawrence successfully earned his first selection to the Pro Bowl and a spot in the second-team All-Pro.

Pro Football Focus also gave Lawrence an overall 94.1 grade for the 2017 season, which ranks fourth best among edge rushers.

Lawrence coming to San Francisco would be a drastic upgrade from Arik Armstead, who has been a bit of a disappointment. Despite his expensive market value, Lawrence would instantly revamp the 49ers’ pass rush and cause problems for opposing quarterbacks.