Meanwhile, third-round draft pick Romello Height adds further depth to the edge group.
While Joey Bosa has often been linked to San Francisco amid speculation, FOX Sports reporter Ben Arthur suggests a different veteran option could make more sense for general manager John Lynch: defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
"The Niners could use some insurance behind star edge rusher Nick Bosa (coming off a torn ACL), as their pass rush struggled in 2025 with Bosa missing 14 games," Arthur wrote. "The 33-year-old Clowney, the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft who's now played for seven teams, has had at least 8.5 sacks in two of his past three seasons."
Clowney recorded 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 10 quarterback hits with the Dallas Cowboys last season, according to Pro Football Reference. Entering his 13th NFL season, he could still provide production and veteran stability.
Clowney is not the only veteran free agent Arthur connected to the 49ers. He also pointed to linebacker Bobby Wagner as a potential fit, particularly given some recent injury concerns.
"At 35 years old, Wagner is well past his prime," Arthur wrote. "But he remains a very cerebral and effective player in the run game, coming off his 10th straight season with at least 130 tackles. It's why he makes sense as a top backup option for the 49ers, who have injury concerns at both inside linebacker positions — former All-Pro Fred Warner is coming off a season-ending ankle injury, and Dre Greenlaw has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons combined.
"Wagner's longtime Seahawks teammate, KJ Wright, is also San Francisco's linebackers coach."
In his second year with the Washington Commanders, Wagner finished last season with 162 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions, and four passes defensed, per Pro Football Reference.
Do you think the 49ers would benefit from adding either player? Leave a comment below.
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