The San Francisco 49ers are looking to strengthen their defensive line this offseason, whether through free agency or the more cost-effective NFL Draft. With quarterback Brock Purdy set to take up a larger portion of the salary cap in future years, the 49ers aren't expected to be big spenders in free agency.
Nick Bosa is the most recognizable name along the defensive line, and the team has been searching for a complementary piece on the opposite edge. Last year, they signed defensive end Leonard Floyd, who quietly posted 8.5 sacks—his first season since 2019 without at least nine.
While calling Floyd a disappointment would be an overreaction, the signing didn't necessarily have the desired impact. The 49ers' defense earned a 68.1 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade, ranking 18th in the NFL, and their 37 total sacks were tied for 23rd.
The interior of the defensive line has also been a concern, and the 49ers are expected to part ways with Javon Hargrave. ESPN's Nick Wagoner even speculated that the team might entertain bringing back Javon Kinlaw, who was largely disappointing during his first stint in San Francisco.
Despite some looming financial constraints, Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard is hearing that the 49ers could be an attractive landing spot for those about to search for a new NFL home.
"I've heard from a few NFL sources that the 49ers have been mentioned as a popular potential destination for at least a few top defensive linemen who have quietly started looking around should they get waived for salary savings or hit the trade market," Kawakami wrote.
Kawakami mentions several players who might be drawn to joining defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in Santa Clara. One such name is Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa, who could become a salary-cap casualty in the coming weeks. Obviously, he has familiarity with the team through his brother.
"It is easy to imagine him lining up opposite his brother, Nick, and the 49ers might be able to land him without much of a bidding war given Joey's injury issues the past few years," Kawakami noted.
However, those injury concerns could give the 49ers pause. Kawakami points out that the team has parted ways with high-priced veterans like Arik Armstead due to injury issues, just as they're about to do with Hargrave.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett would be an expensive acquisition. Not only would the 49ers need to pay the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but they would also likely need to part with significant draft capital just to get him on the roster.
Kawakami also names a few other possibilities. Chargers defender Khalil Mack, a former 49ers target, is just a year removed from a 17-sack season. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson could be a trade option if the Cincinnati Bengals look to free up salary cap space. Kawakami even mentions Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby as a potential target.
"Crosby, at 27, is several years younger than every other name mentioned here and is under contract for this year and next," Kawakami commented. "Though, as with most big-name trades, he'd likely expect an extension and raise when and if he lands with a new team, and he'd deserve it."
With the 49ers looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season and prove that their Super Bowl window is still open—or as tight end George Kittle has often said can be kicked wide open—a cautious approach this offseason might not be the best route.