4 free agents 49ers can sign to relieve pressure from growing injuries
The San Francisco 49ers are banged up on both sides of the football right now. They could use some help, and these four free agents could provide just that if they go out and sign them before another team does.
The Niners have been reeling due to injuries. Thankfully, they got back two of their stars on offense in wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle, which helped them defeat the New England Patriots in Week 4.
Yet, San Francisco did not finish the game unscathed as star linebacker Fred Warner left with an ankle injury and defensive lineman Jordan Elliott also had to exit due to a knee injury.
Not to mention the fact running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with scary injuries, safety Talanoa Hufanga is still banged up, and the Niners are hoping they can get Dre Greenlaw back soon.
With the 49ers having so much money tied up elsewhere, they likely cannot sign a splashy free agent, but they can make some moves at the margins.
There are several key areas the Niners can address to ensure they have adequate depth, and these four free agents will help them in that regard.
4 free agents 49ers can sign to alleviate injuries
1. DT Hassan Ridgeway
If the 49ers want to add some depth to their defensive line, signing Hassan Ridgeway could be a good option.
Ridgeway played for the Niners back in 2022, recording a sack and 28 tackles in 12 games played. He spent last year with the Houston Texans but only played in three games.
He is familiar with the style of defense that the team plays and should be able to slot in nicely with Maliek Collins as an interior lineman. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area mentioned Ridgeway's name as a potential option to address their injuries on the defensive line in an episode of the 49ers Talk podcast.
The injuries to Javon Hargrave and Jordan Elliot make the interior line a definite point of emphasis for the team. Two young D-linemen, Sam Okuayinonu and Evan Anderson, have filled in nicely thus far, but Ridgeway could add some veteran depth on the line.
The Niners also could use some help on offense, which the next slides will address.