NFL free agency kicks off next week, allowing veteran players to find new homes. Teams are also looking to strengthen their rosters with experienced talent before turning their attention to the draft.
Due to salary cap constraints, the San Francisco 49ers aren't expected to be aggressive spenders. Several of the team's free agents are unlikely to return, and general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan appear focused on getting younger this offseason.
However, that doesn't mean the 49ers will stay idle when free agency begins. Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Bradley Locker identified the perfect free-agent fit for every NFL team, naming defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike as an ideal match for San Francisco.
"In the wake of their injury-tarnished season, the 49ers are in the process of sorting out which pending defensive free agents to bring back," Locker wrote. "Addressing the defensive line should be on John Lynch's docket, and Onwuzurike is a name to keep in mind.
"In his first season of regular run with the Lions, Onwuzurike turned heads in 2024, producing 47 pressures to go along with a 66.5 PFF run-defense grade. Last year, that run-defense mark would've been better than any other 49ers defensive lineman other than Nick Bosa. Also, with Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, Onwuzurike would jell in his 4-3 scheme. Since 2023, the 27-year-old ranks 13th among 36 qualified defensive linemen in PFF overall grade on 4-3 snaps (71.4)."
Last season, Onwuzurike recorded 28 tackles (one for a loss), 13 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, per Pro Football Reference.
Signing him won't come cheap. The 49ers' top priority this offseason is securing a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Additionally, the dead cap hit from trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel will further complicate their financial flexibility.
"Onwuzurike might sign for more than anticipated, but if the 49ers have room for him, he could help offset the loss of Javon Hargrave and assist the struggling Maliek Collins," Locker added.
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