Free agency in the NFL officially began on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and the 49ers wasted little time getting involved.
San Francisco agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway on Wednesday. Ridgeway joins cornerback Charvarius Ward and linebacker Oren Burks as new additions for the 49ers.
Ridgeway was originally a fourth-round selection of the Indianapolis Colts. Following three seasons with Indianapolis, Ridgeway was traded to Philadelphia for a seventh-round pick.
I love the way Hassan Ridgeway has played so far this year!! #Eagles #flyeaglesfly pic.twitter.com/0tHAW8iRSU
— Brian Westbrook (@36westbrook) September 22, 2021
This move bolsters a 49ers defensive line which lost D.J. Jones earlier in the week to free agency. Ridgeway has participated in 65 games with 12 starts, reaching more than 300 snaps in a season only twice.
Ridgeway was productive as a pass rusher in 2021 as a rotational player for Philadelphia. He recorded eight total pressures: two sacks, three knockdowns, and three hurries.
Sheesh Hassan Ridgeway
— Alex 👋 (@dbs408) March 16, 2022
In other news, the 49ers officially announced they tendered one-year contracts to restricted free agent LB Azeez Al-Shaair and OL Daniel Brunskill.
7:10 – According to reports the 49ers will lose running back Raheem Mostert and offensive lineman Tom Compton. Mostert will rejoin former San Francisco offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in Miami on a one-year deal worth up to $3.125 million.
With Mostert out of the lineup last season the 49ers were forced to use Deebo Samuel at running back. If they can’t find an explosive element elsewhere the running game could take a step back.
Compton is set to join the Denver Broncos. After rookie Jaylon Moore struggled to replace an injured Mike McGlinchey, it was Compton who stepped into the starting lineup to help solidify the right side of the offensive line.
The 49ers have a number of young offensive linemen to fill Compton’s spot in the rotation, and they may add more through free agency or the draft.
LT – Trent Williams, LG – Aaron Banks, C – Alex Mack, RG – Daniel Brunskill, RT – Mike McGlinchey/Jaylon Moore
If the 49ers go into next season with this as the starting O-line where do they rank at the end of the year if they stay healthy all year? Here would be my predictions:
PFF Overall Rank: 21
Rushing Yards Rank: 13
Passing Yards Rank: 15
Sacks Allowed Rank: 24