5 teams that should sign Olivier Vernon
Chip Kelly can work well with the 49ers, but it might take some time before they’re competing for a postseason spot again. San Francisco needs to add some young impact talent, and has the money to shell out a contract to a big name free agent like Vernon.
The 49ers’ offense was by far the worst in the NFL last season, the primary reason the team slid to 5-11 in the first year of the post-Jim Harbaugh era. Still, the defensive has some weaknesses to fill as well, as the unit allowed 24.2 points per game in 2015.
Many of San Francisco’s retirements and unexpected departures such as Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and Aldon Smith have really hurt what was a fearsome pass rush not too long ago. Only three teams in the NFL registered fewer than the 28 sacks the 49ers put up last season, showing their need for a pass rusher.
Vernon would represent a massive upgrade to the pass rush unit, and is young enough that he could still be in his prime by the time the 49ers are competitive again. San Francisco has already extended nose tackle Ian Williams, giving them a nice foundation in the front seven with NaVorro Bowman if they can add an impact end.
The 49ers have the second-most cap room in the NFL with around $61 million, so they can afford a big-name free agent. Adding Vernon would allow San Francisco to invest its high draft picks in the offense and help get Kelly’s scheme up to speed quickly.
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