No. 2: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s maturation has boosted 49ers defense
In 2019, then-undrafted free-agent rookie linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was viewed as nothing more than an emergency starter and someone who could fill in on special teams. Considering the 49ers already had a trio of starting-caliber linebackers — Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander and Dre Greenlaw — not much needed to be expected out of Al-Shaair.
But Alexander was jettisoned in 2020, leaving only Warner and Greenlaw to shoulder the load, forcing Al-Shaair into just five starts that season where he recorded 35 tackles, a forced fumble and two passes broken up.
Read More: 5 pending 49ers free agents who have earned new contracts
In the wake of Greenlaw suffering what’s turning into a season-ending groin injury way back in Week 1, though, Al-Shaair has blossomed.
To date, he ranks second only behind Warner with 102 tackles, also adding an impressive two sacks, nine tackles for a loss and five passes broken up.
This has prompted a safe argument: Al-Shaair should remain in a starter’s role once Greenlaw returns, either this season or next, provided the Niners entertain picking up Al-Shaair’s restricted free-agent tender in 2022.
Based on his play and how he seemingly came out of nowhere, they should.