According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the San Francisco 49ers are signing former Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant to a one-year deal. He visited with the team on Wednesday.
The #49ers are signing Austin Bryant to a one-year deal, per source. https://t.co/klhBk32YmN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 23, 2023
The Lions made Bryant (6-5, 250) a fourth-round selection (No. 117 overall) out of Clemson in 2019. He registered nine tackles, a tackle for a loss, three quarterback hits, and a pass defensed through nine game appearances with the Lions last season, per Pro Football Reference.
His most productive season came in 2021 when the edge rusher recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks to go with his 31 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and six quarterback hits.
Bryant joins former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell as new additions to the 49ers' defensive line. The team lost defensive ends Samson Ebukam (Colts), Charles Omenihu (Chiefs), and Jordan Willis (Raiders), along with defensive tackles Maurice Hurst (Browns) and Hassan Ridgeway (Texans) in free agency.
Bryant, 26, has recorded 65 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and a pass defensed in 33 game appearances (six starts) through his four NFL seasons.