Niner Noise
FanSided

5 49ers players who should see more playing time vs. Buccaneers

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams is hit behind the line of scrimmage by Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams is hit behind the line of scrimmage by Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive Tackle Ronald Blair

Third-year defensive tackle Ronald Blair is one of the few holdouts from the former 49ers regime under then-general manager Trent Baalke to continue producing and having success under Kyle Shanahan and Co.

Blair has yet to start a game this season, rather emerging as a key rotational player for San Francisco’s defensive line.

Players like that are important, sure. But with 2015 first-round draft pick, defensive tackle Arik Armstead, having an uncertain future with the franchise beyond this season, there’s no time like the present to see if Blair can provide just as much firepower and at what would be a significantly lower cost than what Armstead would make on his fully guaranteed fifth-year option if he isn’t cut between now and the 2019 league new year.

Blair already has more sacks than Armstead (3.5 to 3.0, respectively), and the former has done so on 103 fewer defensive snaps.

Plus, Blair’s engagement and inside moves are better off the edge than Armstead’s, meaning the former also could be a better solution to all those pass-rushing woes the 49ers have carried for some time now.

If Blair is just as good an option as Armstead moving forward, the Niners could save a good deal of money and free up a valuable roster spot for another impact player.