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NFL free agency: Which edge rushers are left for the 49ers to target?

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Alex Okafor #57 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Alex Okafor #57 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 03: Kellen Moore #17 of the Dallas Cowboys looks for an open receiver Trent Murphy #93 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 03: Kellen Moore #17 of the Dallas Cowboys looks for an open receiver Trent Murphy #93 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers don’t have a lot of options in NFL free agency to address their EDGE pass-rushing needs. But here are a few names remaining on the market.

A true edge bender is one of the top needs the San Francisco 49ers have for 2018.

Unfortunately, the free-agent market is pretty thin. Especially with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions applying franchise tags to edge rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Ezekiel Ansah, respectively.

After finishing last season tied for 26th with 30 sacks, the Niners could look to the NFL Draft, which is a likelihood. But with a still-healthy amount of cap space, general manager John Lynch could still use free agency as an option.

The market is dry for edge rushers, though.

Last season, Lynch pulled veterans outside pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil off the scrap heap from the Baltimore Ravens. Dumervil ended up leading San Francisco with 6.5 sacks in 2017. And that might be similar to the route Lynch and Co. take this offseason.

There are quasi-on-roster options. EDGE Aaron Lynch is one, but he seems to have played himself out of the 49ers’ future plans after being a non-factor last year. Former second-round pick, defensive tackle Tank Carradine, is another. Although his prolific pass-rushing days from college have morphed more into a better run stopper within the pro ranks.

Is there anyone else left? Let’s take a look at some options.