The San Francisco 49ers could potentially be in desperation mode the deeper they go into the offseason with regard to their pass rush.
Already coming off a league-low 20-sack campaign in 2025, the sudden retirement of defensive end Bryce Huff casts a long shadow on the Niners' ability to get more edge-rushing production. True, Nick Bosa's return from last year's torn ACL will help, but there needs to be much more impact than just one player can offer.
Simultaneously, San Francisco has re-stockpiled its linebacker corps over the first few days of the new league year, reuniting with Dre Greenlaw after his one-year stint with the Denver Broncos and also re-signing depth backer Luke Gifford to a two-year deal.
Those aren't beneficial moves for second-year pro linebacker Nick Martin, whose rookie campaign was wholly disappointing after the 49ers burned a third-round pick on him.
But, the Huff news might secretly be a blessing in disguise for the Oklahoma State product.
Bryce Huff retirement might be good news for 49ers LB Nick Martin
Martin's chances to solidify himself as an off-ball linebacker certainly waned last season, and he's not easily going to climb over Greenlaw, Gifford, Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune on the Niners depth chart behind All-Pro Fred Warner.
However, in light of Huff no longer being in the picture, coordinator Raheem Morris might get an unexpected boost out of the embattled backer.
And it's one of Martin's strengths, too.
Niners Nation's Kyle Posey explained this on a breakdown of Morris' defense, highlighting how walking down a linebacker in an odd-man front can best use Martin's abilities:
"We don’t know what to expect from Nick Martin because we didn’t see much of him as a rookie. However, Martin’s calling card coming out of college was that he was at his best rushing the passer. Walking Martin down in these fronts, given his history, likely made Morris an easy sell."
Indeed, Martin gained a reputation for getting to the quarterback in 2023 prior to missing most of the following year due to injury, recording six sacks and 16 tackles for a loss that season. And that might be the best way for the Niners to salvage the second-year pro's otherwise disappointing career.
It wouldn't have been quite as easy with Huff in the mix, or at least Morris might've explored other more plausible options.
But, with Huff out of the picture, Morris will need all the help he can get.
Here's one aspect in which Martin can help.