Barring a significant change in philosophy this offseason, the pass rush will continue to be the foundation for the 49ers’ defense. That’s why they could look to bolster that unit in free agency despite returning Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam and Arik Armstead.
With Arden Key coming off a career year that might’ve earned him a sizable pay day in 2022, the 49ers may have to look elsewhere for edge help. It’d make sense for them to bring back Jordan Willis, and Dee Ford’s future is still up in the air. There are a handful of veteran options on the free agent market that make sense for a club looking to consistently win in the trenches:
Dorance Armstrong, Cowboys
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Dallas may not let Armstrong get away, but the 49ers may be willing to overpay a little bit for the 24-year-old former fourth-round pick who posted a career-high 5.0 sacks last season. Armstrong has good size at 6-4, 255 pounds and he might even be able to kick inside to play the role Key played…