49ers: 5 bargains available in next wave of free agency

No. 4: Defensive Tackle Mike Daniels

Trading away DeForest Buckner puts a notable dent in the 49ers’ defensive line depth this upcoming season, barring any significant moves the team could ultimately make in the NFL Draft.

To replace Buckner, the Niners will likely use a rotation up front. And it also means there could be an uptick in play for nose tackle D.J. Jones, who experienced a career-best year in 2019 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

Jones is expected back, yes. But there isn’t any proven backup to support him.

Granted, run-stopping nose tackles are relatively easy to find late in the draft. Jones is a clear example. Yet San Francisco would be wise to add someone who has some interior pass-rushing abilities, and that’s where former Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mike Daniels comes into play.

Daniels, who’ll turn 31 years old before the start of the regular season, is a bit like Aqib Talib in that he’s not going to be seen as a long-term fit and is primarily playing on his past accomplishments. That said, Daniels is three seasons removed from a five-sack campaign. And while injuries have thwarted his last two years, this isn’t the case of the Niners asking him to do anything more than be a role player.

San Francisco needs those, currently, along its defensive line.