Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 5 players to target for 2019

By Timothy L. Miller

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 12: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts tosses the ball after being sacked by Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 12: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts tosses the ball after being sacked by Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 4: EDGE Justin Houston

It is well documented the 49ers need pass-rush help.

As the free-agent market develops, it is becoming clear that veteran pass-rushers are coveted by every NFL team. Players like Dallas Cowboys EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks EDGE Frank Clark and Houston Texans EDGE Jadeveon Clowney have all been franchised tagged, making their availability via NFL free agency slim at best.

The player that is expected to be towards the top of the list of available pass-rushers is Kansas City Chiefs EDGE Justin Houston. There are conflicting reports about the Chiefs trying to trade Houston — made difficult by his lucrative contract — or simply letting him go. In all likelihood the latter will end up in failure and with the release of the 30-year-old 2014 All-Pro.

The 49ers must do everything they can to fill the team’s biggest hole. This means adding Houston once he hits the market.