The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in the familiar position of reloading for a run at the Super Bowl and putting an end to their continuous title dry spell.
Last year, Javon Hargrave was the splash signing to bolster the interior defensive line. Then, mid-season, Chase Young became an add-on via trade for the 49ers’ NFC title run. But along with addressing their 2024 roster, the Niners also have to find a replacement for Young, as he’s likely walking out through free agency. We break down some moves the Niners could make in free agency to the edge rusher room.
San Francisco 49ers Free Agency Predictions: Edge Rusher Targets
After San Francisco acquired the former No. 2 overall pick at the NFL trade deadline last season, Young had 2.5 sacks in 10 regular season games. Although he was criticized for his lack of effort in the NFC Championship Game, Young saved his best performance for the Super Bowl, which included sacking Patrick Mahomes.
If the 49ers don’t want to bring back Young, or if he signs elsewhere, there will be plenty of replacements available in free agency. Here are some of the best options.
Aggressively Pursue Brian Burns or Josh Allen
While Nick Bosa has told reporters he’d love to see his fellow Ohio State Buckeye back with the Niners, it’s not guaranteed Young will return. And if SF doesn’t re-sign Young, the edge rusher market will be very enticing for the Niners.
There are Niners fans who have been clamoring for Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers in recent offseason periods. Burns’ uncanny first-step explosiveness and speed off the edge have 49ers fans envisioning the damage he can bring opposite Bosa. Good news — the 49ers don’t need to surrender draft capital to grab Burns, as he’s an unrestricted free agent this spring. That is if he isn’t franchise-tagged.
If not Burns, don’t rule out the 49ers making a dash at Josh Allen. The Jacksonville Jaguars star is expected to garner a bevy of attention following his breakthrough 17.5-sack season. Allen, though, is anticipated to score a big contract this offseason. Considering how the 49ers currently are 25th among teams in salary cap space available ahead of the league year, it’ll be tough to ink the 26-year-old star to a huge deal.
Then again, the 49ers somehow grabbed Hargrave and cornerback Charvarius Ward in the last two offseason sessions — all the more reason not to shy away from the thought of either Burns or Allen, PFN’s top two free agent edge rushers, for the Niners.
Turn to a Former No. 1 Overall Pick: Jadeveon Clowney
If the 49ers opt to avoid a bank-breaking signing at EDGE but want to stay with their current theme of giving former top-five picks a home, look no further than veteran Jadeveon Clowney.
He’s already a well-established journeyman, having spent time with five different NFL franchises, including four since his 2018 departure from the Houston Texans. Clowney, even in his 30s, is still a reliable pass rusher.
His 2023 work with the Baltimore Ravens is proof. Clowney racked up 9.5 sacks playing for the AFC runner-up. That is Clowney’s best total since his Pro Bowl season in 2017 with the Texans.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agent Rankings — Top 100 Players
At this stage in his career, Clowney appears to be just fine teaming with a younger, elite rusher. After all, he played on the same line with Myles Garrett with the Cleveland Browns. He also formed a stout tandem with first-time Pro Bowler Justin Madubuike this past season. Clowney should have zero problems adjusting to the 49ers’ room if brought over.
And, for what it’s worth, Clowney has to be option No. 3 as a potential replacement for Young and could come at a less demanding price than his two counterparts in Burns and Allen.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!