Niner Noise
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2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Linebacker Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after blocking a punt against the Chicago Bears during their game at Levi’s Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Linebacker Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after blocking a punt against the Chicago Bears during their game at Levi’s Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images) /

Edge Rushers Aaron Lynch and Cassius Marsh

The 49ers struggled with their pass rush in 2017, tying for 26th in the league with just 30 sacks. This is going to be an area of need this offseason, but first San Francisco has to clean out some excess.

One of those pieces is EDGE Aaron Lynch, part of the Trent Baalke regime, who appeared in just seven games and was inactive for nine contests.

A non-factor most of the year, Lynch dealt with weight issues during training camp and the preseason. This certainly didn’t help endear him with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, and Aaron Lynch’s repeated absences from the active roster speak volumes.

Meanwhile, edge rusher Cassius Marsh was picked up off the New England Patriots’ scrap heap after being released Nov. 21. Marsh ended up seeing 121 snaps on special teams, even contributing as a regular rotation member in the Niners’ pass rush.

Marsh indicated, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, he’d like to be back in 2018. Given his versatility, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him wearing a 49ers uniform this upcoming season.

Prediction: Aaron Lynch walks and Cassius March signs a one-year deal.