San Francisco 49ers: 5 Possible late offseason additions

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a defensive play against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Shane Ray

If the 49ers are willing to give up future draft capital to find a difference-making edge rusher, then Ray is a name they should have on their list of targets. Ray’s time with the Denver Broncos appears to be coming to an end after they declined his fifth-year option.

Lynch has a strong relationship with Broncos GM John Elway and, though a wrist injury derailed Ray’s 2017 campaign, his eight-sack 2016 season hinted at a player who can make a significant impact off the edge.

Of course Ray has benefited from playing across from Von Miller. He would not have that luxury with San Francisco and his athletic profile, including a 10-yard split in the 46th percentile and a three-cone in the fourth percentile, per Mock Draftable, is not one that screams 49er.

But Ray is only 24 and, if the 49ers can get him at the right price, it could be worth the gamble of taking him on, if only for a year, to see if he can be developed into an impact player.

Dante Fowler

The 49ers may have shredded the Jacksonville defense in Week 16 last year, but it still one San Francisco is looking to mimic as the team develops. And one of the high draft picks on that unit could be available after the Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Fowler.

The former third overall pick lost his rookie year to an ACL injury and has dealt with off-field issues, but 2017 was his best year as a professional as he put up eight sacks and a further two in the postseason.

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With a 10-yard split in the 93rd percentile, Fowler’s burst off the ball and athletic ability is obvious but, with a Jacksonville exit seemingly on the cards for him anyway, surely the Jaguars would rather get something for him than letting the former Florida Gator walk for free in 2019?

That could be where the 49ers step in and look to strike a trade. Saleh only got the chance to work with Fowler for one season and, after seeing what he did in 2017, he would likely relish the chance to renew acquaintances and make him a focal point of the defense.