2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk
By Peter Panacy
Defensive Tackles Leger Douzable and Chris Jones
Defensive line depth is always key, and the 49ers needed plenty of it over the course of 2017.
One reason why was losing veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 2 when the season debuted. We never saw what Jones might have offered in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense. In 2016, the Niners liked the versatility he brought along the D-line. But an entirely new scheme changes all that.
Meanwhile, Leger Douzable ended up being one of many John Lynch pickups that worked out nicely over the course of the year.
Douzable, who returned to the 49ers in October after not making the 53-man roster, finished 2017 with five starts, 17 tackles and two sacks.
Not bad production from what many would consider an afterthought player.
Who knows if Douzable makes the 53-man roster out of training camp this offseason. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see San Francisco bring him back for depth purposes and to create some competition along the D-line during training camp.
Prediction: Leger Douzable returns on a one-year deal, while Chris Jones walks.