The San Francisco 49ers finished last in the NFL in sacks last season. Injuries obviously played a big role in that, as Nick Bosa And Mykel Williams were both lost to season-ending ACL tears. While the Niners addressed the edge rusher position in the NFL Draft by selecting Romello Height, it’s still fair to be worried about their ability to get after the quarterback entering next season.
Besides Bosa, Williams, and Height, the Niners also have Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu. White was shot in the ankle earlier this year, though, and is still recovering from that injury. If the Niners have injuries again, which seems more like a “when” than “if” proposition at this point, even if that’s a pessimistic view, it’s scary to think about who they may have trying to sack the quarterback.
That’s why it may not be the worse idea for San Francisco to add one of the veteran edge rushers still available in free agency.
Adding any of these guys would just bring some peace of mind to the position group.
Joey Bosa
At this point, Joey Bosa has become something of a white whale for 49ers fans. The last two offseasons, many fans have clamored for San Francisco to sign him. Last year, he went to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, and this year, general manager John Lynch has already poured cold water on the notion the Niners will sign him.
He’s still available, though, and at a certain point if Bosa doesn’t have any other enticing options and his asking price comes down enough, maybe San Francisco can finally reunite the Bosa brothers.
Jadeveon Clowney
While Jadeveon Clowney is no longer the same dominant force he was thought to be when drafted No. 1 overall over a decade ago, he’s still a solid veteran edge rusher.
He had a good year last season with the Dallas Cowboys under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who is now an assistant coach for the 49ers.
Clowney shouldn’t be too expensive, and the Niners really only need him to rush on third downs, so he could be a good option as well.
Cameron Jordan
San Francisco already signed one player who had played his entire career with an NFC South team this offseason, wide receiver Mike Evans, so why not do the same thing with Cameron Jordan?
He’s only ever known the New Orleans Saints, but maybe he wants to switch things up and join a new team at this stage in his career. He proved last season he’s still effective even at his age, so he could still be a contributor for the 49ers.
If the Niners sign one of these players, they could enter 2026 feeling much more confident about the defense’s ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
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