49ers roster: 5 most underrated moves of 2021 offseason

5 of 5

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (56) Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: 49ers beef up pass rush with Samson Ebukam

One of the reasons why the Niners’ 2019 defense was so stout was because of their pass rush, and a prime force within that pass rush was EDGE Dee Ford.

Ford registered 6.5 sacks his first year with San Francisco despite appearing on just 22 percent of defensive snaps that year, and a subsequent back injury limited him to only one game in 2020.

More from Niner Noise

So, if the 49ers are hoping to get some additional pass-rushing help to pair with EDGE Nick Bosa this season, particularly with Ford’s immediate future in doubt, it’s an awfully good thing they inked former Los Angeles Rams EDGE Samson Ebukam.

True, Ebukam was little more than a situational pass-rusher his four years in LA and never had more than 4.5 sacks in a single season. But he does have one element Ford hasn’t displayed during his Niners tenure: health. To date, Ebukam has yet to miss a regular-season game and figures to take on a bigger role in San Francisco’s defense than the one he had with the Rams.

But what makes this free-agent deal stand out is the fact the 49ers inked him to a two-year, $12 million deal, which is still quite the bargain for a quality pass-rusher.

Ebukam, banking on his speed and having the opportunity, could easily outperform his contract over the next two years, helping alleviate the probable absence of Ford this season and potentially into 2022, too.

At least that’s what the Niners are hoping.

Next. 49ers' 15 best free-agent acquisitions of all time. dark