4 free agents who could (improbably) re-sign with 49ers in 2023
By Peter Panacy
49ers improbable free-agent re-sign No. 2: EDGE Samson Ebukam
EDGE Samson Ebukam never truly became that quality No. 2 pass-rusher behind the All-Pro Nick Bosa whom the 49ers envisioned back in 2021, and Ebukam topped out at a career-best five sacks last season.
Not bad for a situational pass-rusher, but the Niners were hoping for something more when they inked him to that two-year, $12 million free-agent deal.
It seems likely San Francisco would let Ebukam walk while hoping 2022 rookie EDGE Drake Jackson takes the next step in his own development toward being Bosa’s complementary piece.
However, with Jackson falling out of favor (and field time) late last season, the 49ers may have no choice but to bring Ebukam back to help ensure Bosa doesn’t have to “do it all” again as he did a season ago.
Considering the 2023 NFL free agency class of pass-rushers is pretty weak, the Niners may hope they can spend an average of $6 million per year on someone of Ebukam’s ilk.