Edge rusher Ebukam signed from rival Rams
The 49ers addressed their once-elite defense as free agency talks began Monday.
After locking in cornerback Jason Verrett to a one-year deal (for the third straight year), news surfaced about the 49ers’ edge-rushing needs.
First, they’ve agreed to a deal that poaches Samson Ebukam from the NFC West-rival Los Angeles Rams, as first reported by NFL Network. Ebukam had 14 sacks in four seasons, and he should exceed those numbers in defensive line coach Kris Kocurek’s wide-9 scheme.
In a related development, injury-stricken defensive end Dee Ford agreed to a restructured deal covering two years at $24 million, per the NFL Network. He previously had an $11 million injury guarantee for 2021, and his future’s been cloudy ever since a back injury kept him out after last season’s opening game.
Ford’s reworked contract should lessen his cap liability, which was set for $20.1 million, second only to Jimmy Garoppolo’s $26.4 million.
Offensively, the 49ers celebrated fullback Kyle Juszczyk’s return (five years, $27 million), but that can’t overshadow lingering issues with their offensive line. Left tackle Trent Williams got his wish to test the market, and free agency’s top interior linemen signed elsewhere, those being center Corey Linsley (Chargers) and guard Joe Thuney (Chiefs).
Adding an edge rusher was a high priority for the 49ers not just because of Ford’s status, but with Nick Bosa coming off an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Solomon Thomas, Dion Jordan, Ziggy Ansah, D.J. Jones and
Ronald Blair are 49ers defensive linemen unsigned for 2021.
Ebukam, 25, cost the 49ers $12 million on a twoyear deal that could max out at $13.5 million. His signing can’t become official until Wednesday when the new league year opens.
Signing a young, cheaper edge rusher is a safer path for the Niners considering how that market exploded Monday: Shaq Barrett (Bucs; four years, $72 million); Leonard Floyd (Rams; four years, $64 million); Matt Judon (Patriots; four years, $56 million); and Romeo Okwara (Lions; three years, $39 million), according to multiple reports.
Ebukam (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) started 14 games last season and produced 4 1/2 sacks for the second straight season. He had 20 quarterback pressures in 168 pass rushes, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s played in every game over four seasons.
A Nigeria native, he was drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Washington, where he had 9 1/2 sacks in 2016 while teaming with Kendrick Bourne, who’s reportedly leaving the 49ers after four years for the New England Patriots (three years, $22.5 million, per NFL Network).
Ebukam scored two defensive touchdowns in the Rams’ 54-51 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, one on an 11-yard fumble return and the other on a 25-yard interception return.
Ebukam’s deal comes after the 49ers have re-signed two of their top free agents: fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Verrett, the latter of whom settled for a $5.5 million deal with his sights set on a bigger payday next year.
Verrett will likely pair with Emmanuel Moseley as the starting cornerbacks, while Richard Sherman exits after three seasons.
Last week, Moseley agreed to a two-year deal ($10 million) that the 49ers announced Monday.
”Emmanuel is a great example of how we look to build our football team,” John Lynch said in a statement. “After originally joining us as an undrafted player, he put in the time and effort and we have watched him develop into a key contributor on both defense and special teams. We are excited to keep him as a 49er for the next few seasons.”
Lynch and CEO Jed York tweeted congratulations to Verrett but the team has yet to officially confirm his deal.