The San Francisco 49ers are set to make changes after a disappointing 2024 season.
After making the playoffs for three straight seasons, San Francisco’s injury-riddled 2024 season resulted in a 6-11 finish, the worst in the division. With free agency less than a week away, the 49ers will have to decide which free agents to bring back, and have already informed players like Javon Hargrave of their intent to part ways.
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker listed “perfect” free agent matches, with the 49ers filling the hole left from Hargrave by signing Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike.
“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. 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.”
Onwuzurike, who was on a four-year, $8 million deal with the Lions, will likely not cost nearly as much in free agency as Hargrave. According to Spotrac, he is projected to sign a two-year deal worth $9 million and would be a great addition to the 49ers’ defensive line in 2025.
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