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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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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers tackled Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers tackled Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Julius Peppers

2017 Team: Carolina Panthers

At 38 years old, veteran edge rusher Julius Peppers is watching his Hall of Fame career winding to a close.

His age negates any long-term solution for a potential free-agent suitor, but Peppers still managed 11 sacks for the Carolina Panthers last season. Shoulder surgery during the offseason could put his status for Week 1 in doubt, and it’s hard to view him as an every-down player at this stage of his career.

But the Niners could afford a one-year “rental,” of sorts, while putting off such a pressing need until other options become available.

Yet Jeremy Igo of CarolinaHuddle.com is indicating Peppers will either stay in Carolina for 2018 or join the New England Patriots this offseason:

Read into this what you may, but it’s probably not San Francisco’s first choice.