The 49ers are trying out another reclamation project along their defensive line. ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday reported former Raiders first-round pick Clelin Ferrell agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco.
Ferrell, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 draft, struggled to make an impact in his four years with the Raiders. He started 30 of the 58 games he played and managed just 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 32 QB hits.
He fits the mold of other struggling high-profile defensive ends the 49ers have signed. Arden Key came to San Francisco from the Raiders and revived his career. They had less success with former No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan who posted 3.0 sacks for the 49ers in 13 games back in 2020.
The 49ers needed depth on the edge, and Ferrell is a low-risk flyer on a one-year deal that could make or break his NFL career.