The 49ers will have to replace defensive end Samson Ebukam, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Colts according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Ebukam’s contract is worth a maximum of $27 million with $11 million in the first season.
This was an expected offseason loss for San Francisco after Ebukam played well in his two years with the 49ers. His first four years were spent as a standup outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme with the Rams. Joining the 49ers allowed him to put his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 edge rusher and he thrived with his two best seasons as a pro. He’s also an effective run defender which certainly didn’t hurt his value.
Ebukam missed only two games in his two years with the 49ers. In 32 games with 26 starts he posted 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 24 QB hits and 9.5 sacks. He put up a career high 5.0 sacks last season after hitting the 4.5-sack mark in each of the previous three years.
For the 49ers the hope is second-year DE Drake Jackson will be able to step in to fill the void left by Ebukam. He’s the only other true edge rusher on the roster, so finding more depth on the edge will be imperative for them in the draft and through the rest of free agency.
