NFL free agency: 5 under-the-radar signings 49ers could make in 2018

1. Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle

Surprisingly, I have seen precious little linking Sheldon Richardson to the 49ers, which is surprisingly because of how much sense it makes. So for that reason I’m counting this as under the radar for NFL free agency.

Earl Mitchell was given a deal to the end of 2021, but played poorly for the 49ers. He was rated poor by Pro Football Focus with a score of 56.8. While it would be unfair to pin the 49ers defensive struggles solely, or even mostly on him, he still looks more a solid backup than a starter for the 49ers.

Richardson, however, can be the final cog in a stacked defensive line for the 49ers.

He didn’t set the world on fire with the Seattle Seahawks after his trade, but did enough to get an above-average score of 83.8. He’s a much better player than that, though, and could be the veteran presence the defensive line definitely needs.

Tallying 44 tackles with one sack, a pass deflection and one interception with the Seahawks, Richardson can be the disruptive interior force to pair with DeForest Buckner. It’s fun to envision them both making it very hard for teams to run in the trenches, while being a force on passing plays.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Creating the ideal starting lineup for 2018

The scary thing is Richardson is only 27 years old, so he can be not just a stopgap but an answer at the position despite being a veteran. It’s a route the 49ers should definitely consider, as it would make the defensive line one of the most exciting in all of the NFL.