49ers roster: 5 most underrated moves of 2021 offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers reinforce D-line interior with Zach Kerr
On one hand, it seemed a bit redundant for the 49ers to sign former Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Zach Kerr, especially with the Niners bringing back nose tackle D.J. Jones while also retaining his backup, Kevin Givens.
And Kerr, 31 years old before the start of the regular season, doesn’t appear to be a long-term solution for anything, given he’s inked on a one-year deal.
But there are two key takeaways from this move that make for a positive under-the-radar NFL free agency signing.
For starters, Kerr is still a solid mover at this stage in his career and has excellent speed for a 6-foot-2, 334-pound lineman. Considering just how slow the Niners defensive line was last year, it certainly doesn’t hurt to infuse some fast movers into this unit.
Related Story: 49ers emphasize speed in latest D-line moves
On top of that, and like Jones, Kerr has some decent interior pass-rush tendencies even though he’ll primarily only see the field in run-stopping formations.
Last year with the Panthers, Kerr registered two sacks but a career-high nine quarterback hits, and San Francisco should hope that’s the kind of performance that’ll define Kerr’s first year with the 49ers in 2021.