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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball while pursued by defender Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball while pursued by defender Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Ezekiel Ansah

Ezekiel Ansah is considered to be one of the top free agents in the entire NFL in 2018. Around the NFL Editor Gregg Rosenthal ranked Ansah as the ninth best free agent coming into the offseason.

Ansah is coming off a superb performance with the Detroit Lions in 2017. The 6-foot-5 and 275-pound defensive linemen recorded 12 sacks, 44 tackles and one forced fumble.

Here are his last three sacks against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17:

Despite being plagued with injuries, Ansah has made his case to be a formidable every-down starter. With his pass-rushing abilities and strong defensive presence, Ansah’s market value has increased and so keeping him would be challenging for the Lions.

If Detroit does not put the franchise tag on him, Ansah will likely enter free agency. Many teams in the league will unquestionably seek the talented edge rusher, including San Francisco.

Plugging Ansah in the 49ers’ defense would not only boost the team’s sack totals, but also improve San Francisco’s overall defense. Ansah is exceptional in applying pressure and hitting opposing quarterbacks, which poses a serious threat to any offensive unit.

Next: 5 roster moves San Francisco should make in 2018

If the 49ers invest on Ansah and he decides to sign with San Francisco, the team would finally solve its problems rushing the quarterback. Though with their huge cap space and recent success, the 49ers should be a high-ranking candidate to land Ansah.