San Francisco, Su – May 4, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers bolstered their defense by signing a star linebacker as an undrafted free agent, per sources, after the 2025 NFL Draft. Finalized last week, the move aims to rebuild a unit that slumped to 20th in points allowed (24.3 per game) during a 6-11 season. John Lynch’s pickup targets depth behind Fred Warner, Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area.
Warner, the 49ers’ defensive anchor, lost Dre Greenlaw to free agency, leaving Dee Winters and Curtis Robinson as unproven backups. The linebacker, a 6-foot-1, 226-pound Oregon State product, recorded 82 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024, per ESPN. “I’m a high-motor guy who loves physicality,” he told Sports Illustrated, highlighting his fit in Robert Saleh’s scheme.
The rookie’s 89.3 PFF coverage grade showcases versatility, vital for Saleh’s nickel-heavy defense, used in 70% of 2024 snaps, Chad Reuter, NFL.com. Kyle Shanahan’s roster, leaning on Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, needs defensive stops to complement an offense averaging 20.7 points, Pro Football Focus.
Lynch’s undrafted gem, signed for $1 million with minimal guarantees, fits the 49ers’ $22 million cap, strained by Purdy’s $50-60 million extension, OverTheCap. The linebacker’s special teams experience—25 snaps per game at Oregon State—adds immediate value, Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area.
Risks linger. The rookie’s 4.7-second 40-yard dash raises speed concerns in coverage, Reuter, NFL.com. Winters, a 2023 draftee, and Jalen Graham compete for snaps, potentially limiting his role, Tom Pelissero, NFL Network. Lynch’s 11 picks, including Mykel Williams, must still address Trent Williams’s heir.
The signing echoes Lynch’s knack for undrafted finds—Sam Okuayinonu, T.Y. McGill. “I bring energy and tackling,” the linebacker said, Sports Illustrated, aligning with Saleh’s aggressive ethos. His 12 tackles for loss in 2024 signal run-stopping prowess, Bleacher Report.
Saleh’s 2025 overhaul, bolstered by Nick Bosa’s pass rush, gains a hungry rookie. Puka Nacua’s cap warning about Purdy stresses cheap talent’s role, Sporting News. Lynch’s 2026 compensatory picks remain intact, a strategic win, Pelissero, NFL Network.
This addition could solidify San Francisco’s linebacker corps, supporting Warner and fueling Purdy’s 2025 playoff push. If speed or inexperience hampers the star linebacker, the 49ers risk thin depth in a fierce NFC West, Dane Brugler, The Athletic.
