NFL.com's Around the NFL writer, Kevin Patra, went through the NFC and named one free-agent fit for each team. Free agency officially kicks off at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 15.
Which player does Patra match with the San Francisco 49ers? He adds a pass rusher to pair with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, one that has racked up 9.5 sacks over the past two seasons—former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen.
"This choice might be wish-casting for a 49ers club with fewer holes than most teams entering free agency," Patra explains. "Allen came on strong in 2022, generating 5.5 sacks and 33 pressures (per Next Gen Stats) in 13 games for the Cardinals. He's an ascending talent who would provide pop opposite Nick Bosa. His versatility would fit nicely along a defensive line that has depth questions, especially if the Niners don't retain Samson Ebukam."
Ebukam is one of 20 49ers players set to become unrestricted free agents, six of whom are defensive linemen. Hassan Ridgeway, Kerry Hyder, Maurice Hurst, Jordan Willis, and Charles Omenihu are also slated to become available to other teams.
Allen, 25, has recorded 138 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 15 passes defensed, and an interception in 45 game appearances (35 starts) through his four NFL seasons.
Also among San Francisco's free agents are tackle Mike McGlinchey and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Patra identified fits for them, too. He sees the offensive lineman as a good match for the Chicago Bears.
"The Bears need weapons for Justin Fields, but how about spending a chunk of their salary-cap space on one of the top offensive tackles on the market?" wrote Patra. "McGlinchey excels as a run blocker, which fits the Bears' offense well, even if they end up wanting to air it out more in 2023. Chicago has attempted to fill the O-line holes through the draft (2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins, who's missed 15 games the past two seasons) and less costly veterans (Riley Reiff, headed for free agency after signing a one-year, $3 million deal). Neither avenue has worked out. Shelling out cash to bring in a bona fide right tackle immediately improves the Bears' trench play."
As for Al-Shaair, the writer can see the linebacker landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"If the Bucs move away from longtime star Lavonte David, they'll be looking for a younger playmaker to fill the gap," wrote Patra. "Al-Shaair fits the bill. Though he was trapped behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw for much of his time in San Francisco, Al-Shaair showed flashes of playmaking ability when on the field, including during a 102-tackle campaign in 2021 when he replaced an injured Greenlaw. With several off-linebacker options hitting free agency, Al-Shaair's market will be an interesting one to track. Whoever ultimately inks the LB will be getting a playmaker on the rise."