The San Francisco 49ers struggled to get after the quarterback in 2025, and while they’ll get Nick Bosa and first-round pick Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs, they could still use more help on the edge in 2026.
With a ton of cap space left to spend, San Francisco could still look to the market to sign a free agent, and interestingly, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently listed the 49ers as the best landing spot for linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
“The 49ers recorded just 20 sacks last season, and they have Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both recovering from season-ending injuries,” Knox wrote. “While both could be back early in the season—and the team added Romello Height in Round 3—San Francisco is a playoff contender that shouldn’t take chances with its edge rush.”
Van Noy, 35, entered the league as a second-round pick out BYU in 2014 and has spent time with the Detroit Lions, new England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.
In 173 career games, he’s recorded 561 tackles (74 for a loss), 102 quarterback hits, 57 sacks, 39 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and four interceptions. He’s made the Pro Bowl once and won two Super Bowls (both with the Patriots).
Van Noy recorded just two sacks in 15 games for the Ravens in 2025, which was his lowest mark since 2016. He may have lost a step, but he could definitely help the 49ers in a rotational role with Bosa, Williams, Height, Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu.
More 49ers: 49ers officially sign third-round draft pick Romello Height
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers picked as best landing spot for two-time Super Bowl champion
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
