Robert Saleh is off to Tennessee, and Raheem Morris is set to usher in a new era of defensive football for the San Francisco 49ers.
The hire has been celebrated by fans and analysts alike, but there's still one glaring issue: The defense lacks talent and depth at all three levels.
Morris is a great coach with a proven track record, but every coach needs to rely on quality players to some extent. The Niners will need to add to their defense this offseason, both through free agency and the NFL Draft.
One upcoming free agent is an obvious fit.
San Francisco could sign former Las Vegas Raiders edge defender Malcolm Koonce without breaking the bank, solidifying a defensive front in desperate need of reinforcements.
49ers should pursue Malcolm Koonce in free agency
The 2025 season may have been an outlier for the 49ers in terms of injuries, but it exposed their lack of depth on defense to an alarming degree. When starting edge rushers Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams went down, the Niners were helpless up front. Bryce Huff is still effective as a pass-rusher, but his inability to defend the run has cost San Francisco too often.
It's clear that they need to bring in at least one edge defender this offseason.
But they don't exactly have the money to make a splashy move. With Brock Purdy's money on the books, the 49ers will have to get a bit more creative in free agency.
Koonce could be the perfect solution. While he won't be the biggest name on the free-agent market, he's still just 27 years old and has proven himself to be a capable starter in the NFL. He's produced 13 sacks over the last two seasons and has grown as a run defender in recent years. If Bosa or Williams struggle with injuries again next season, fans in San Francisco could rest easy with Koonce on the roster.
Spotrac currently estimates that Koonce will receive about $9.9 million per year in free agency. Especially considering his age and history of production, the 49ers should be quick to jump on that deal. With other pressing needs on the roster, it would be hard to justify spending a larger chunk of the salary cap or a first-round draft pick on the position.
If San Francisco nails this move, it could end up being one of the best decisions of the offseason.