The 49ers could use pass-rushing depth in 2025, and a reunion with Charles Omenihu isn't out of the question.
The San Francisco 49ers have developed something of a "getting the band back together" theme entering 2025, highlighted by the reunion with their former defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, who spent 2021 through 2024 away as the New York Jets' head coach.
With Saleh back in his old role, and the Niners looking to bounce back from their own frustrating 2024 campaign, it certainly wouldn't hurt to explore some familiar faces who may be on the market this offseason.
Including one of their former pass-rushers, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu.
Omenihu, 27 years old, came over to San Francisco from the Houston Texans via a trade back in 2021 and immediately made an impact as a rotational pass-rusher.
Granted, Omenihu never served under Saleh, rather his heir in now-Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. But the defense was more or less identical, and Omenihu found a footing in a situational pass-rushing stead for the balance of 2021 and through 2022, only to go on and have more success with K.C. in 2023 and 2024.
Having already beaten the 49ers in the Super Bowl a season ago, Omenihu will look to add yet another Super Bowl ring to his collection when Kansas City squares off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59.
And the Niners should pay attention to him.
Charles Omenihu is a pending free agent the 49ers should monitor
Omenihu enjoyed career-best numbers in 2023, notching seven sacks, but injuries forced him to miss all but six games the following season, pointing to the likelihood of him departing via free agency this offseason.
The underwhelming 2024 efforts could point to a relatively affordable contract this offseason, which would be ideal for a cap-conscious San Francisco team that desperately needs to infuse some depth into its defensive line.
Behind All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa, the 49ers don't have too many viable options. Yetur Gross-Matos flashed at points last season despite missing the first half because of injuries, while veteran Leonard Floyd remains a presence.
But, considering the names behind those two consist of underwhelmers like Robert Beal Jr. and Drake Jackson, targeting an experienced and proven commodity like Omenihu might not be the worst idea.
Especially if he performs well on the grandest of NFL stages.