Niner Noise
FanSided

4 free agents the SF 49ers should call right now

By Timmy Gibson

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers chats to Clay Matthews #52 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers chats to Clay Matthews #52 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Clay Matthews (52) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Clay Matthews (52) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Edge Rusher Clay Matthews

One of the keys to the SF 49ers’ success last season was their dominant pass rush. With the loss of star defensive end Nick Bosa to an ACL tear in Week 2 of this season, the pass rush needs help if it is going to dominate as it did last season.

After Bosa went down, there was lots of speculation about the 49ers and EDGE Clay Matthews. After all, the former Green Bay Packer and Los Angeles Ram is one of the best pass-rushers in recent NFL history, in addition to being one of the NFL’s best heads of hair.

However, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reported there was “nothing there” between the Niners and Matthews.

Instead, the 49ers signed EDGE Ezekiel Ansah. But, Ansah is out for the season with a bicep injury, so now the Niners should look again to add depth to their pass rush.

This time, there better be something there between the Niners and Matthews.

Matthews is certainly on the tail end of the career, but he proved last season he still had something left in the tank, finishing the season with eight sacks. The SF 49ers could certainly use eight additional sacks, especially since fellow EDGE Dee Ford’s status is still unknown due to injury.

Matthews would be a great addition to a depleted 49ers line, and it makes no sense not to at least call him. There have been rumors Matthews only wants to play for a particular contract or other specifics, so perhaps contract issues will stop this move from happening.

Regardless, the Niners should at least reach out and see if Matthews is interested in joining their defensive line.