5 under-the-radar free agents 49ers should try adding in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent target No. 2: EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, Chargers
Just when you think you’ve got enough pass-rushers, add another.
The 49ers will look to extend their star, Nick Bosa, this offseason. But it’s possible depth EDGE Arden Key, who finished second on the defense with a career-best 6.5 sacks in 2021, looks for his first substantial payday after turning heads. Even if the Niners retain him on the cheap, it still wouldn’t hurt to find more of an every-down pass-rusher who can likely alleviate the soon-to-be departure of oft-injured EDGE Dee Ford.
Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Uchenna Nwosu doesn’t command anywhere near the attention as his fellow linemate, EDGE Joey Bosa. But Nwosu has been one of those solid rotational pass-rushers over his four-year career, finishing 2021 with a career-best five sacks and eight tackles for a loss.
Even rotational pass-rushers can get a little costly, so San Francisco might have to be mindful about adding someone out of its price range.
Since Nwosu hasn’t exactly established himself as even a second-rate pass-rushing name, however, he’d likely be a cheap and safe option with a familiarity of a 49ers-like defensive scheme.