San Francisco 49ers: Assessing offseason needs ahead of free agency

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers with offensive tackle Mike Person #68 at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Dante Fowler #56 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his sack and fumble recovery in the fourth quarter during a 36-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Edge Rusher

Why it’s a need: San Francisco has not had an effective outside pass rush presence since Aldon Smith and desperately needs edge players capable of finishing off the pressures DeForest Buckner, who had 12 sacks last season, generates from inside. For too long, the Niners pass rush has been mediocre and improving it has to be their number one priority this offseason.

Odds of a free agent signing: Even if Nick Bosa doesn’t fall to them with the second overall pick, the odds are the 49ers will take one at that spot, be it Josh Allen or a surprise name like Brian Burns. However, this is the area of the team where competition and depth is most required, so don’t be surprised if the Niners sign multiple pass rushers to go along with a likely rookie addition.

The 49ers are reportedly interested in a trade for Chiefs pass rusher Dee Ford, while Trey Flowers would be the biggest splash they could make on an edge rush market now somewhat depleted by franchise tags.

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Dante Fowler and Markus Golden are talented players they could pluck from division rivals, while many view Shaq Barrett, who has struggled for playing time with the Denver Broncos, as a potential under-the-radar signing who has the skill set to make a significant impact.