Niner Noise
FanSided

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: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Adrian Clayborn

Defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn had his best season in 2017 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Clayborn garnered 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown after recovering a fumble.

Clayborn’s most outstanding performance during that season was against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12, 2017. The 6-foot-3 and 281-pound defensive end broke the Falcons’ franchise record by sacking Cowboys QB Dak Prescott six times.

Clayborn was one sack short of tying Derrick Thomas’ NFL record of seven sacks in one game. Regardless, Clayborn earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award a few days later for his performance.

Although he is prone to injuries, Clayborn has been consistently productive when playing on the field. Therefore, Clayborn is currently one of the top pending free agents this upcoming offseason.

The 49ers should consider offering Clayborn a multi-year contract to address the team’s issues with rushing the quarterback. If San Francisco ends up signing him, Clayborn would also reunite with head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator from 2015-2016.