San Francisco 49ers: Previewing 2019 free-agent market at edge rusher
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
In an ideal world, the 49ers would be able to land their premier outside pass-rusher via the NFL Draft, while supplementing depth and rotational pieces here via free agency.
San Francisco 49ers
That sheds light on the possibility of targeting 30-year-old veteran defensive end Brandon Graham, who managed a combined 13.5 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles the past two seasons.
Graham isn’t a long-term option, of course. And he’ll turn 31 years old this April. But as Niner Noise’s Akshaj Dwivedula pointed out, Graham’s would-be presence shouldn’t cost too much on the open market. This, due to his relative decline in traditional stats (4.0 sacks in 2018) and his age. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t productive.
Plus, Graham is still adept at forcing pressure, which is arguably more important that just recording sacks. If the Niners wind up with more of a developing pass-rusher on draft day — one who isn’t quite an every-down defender just yet — Graham’s presence would serve to take pressure off the team’s remaining defensive-front players.
That was a need in 2018.
A short-term, mid-range deal would likely get the job done here. Graham would bring veteran prowess while improving the 49ers’ lackluster outside pass rush.