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49ers Sign Austin Bryant to One Year Deal

Bryant, 26, is a former fourth-round draft pick who has dealt with injuries every season of his career.
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The 49ers just signed another defensive lineman.

This time it's former Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant, according to The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Bryant joins Clelin Ferrell and Javon Hargrave as free agent defensive linemen the 49ers have signed this offseason.

Bryant, 26, is a former fourth-round draft pick who has dealt with injuries every season of his career. Last season, he missed nine games and recorded zero sacks, which is why he was available for a cheap, one-year deal. But in 2021, Bryant played in 14 games, played 436 snaps and recorded 4.5 sacks. So he might have some edge-rushing potential the 49ers can unlock. Or he might be another injury-prone player who rides the bench.

Since the start of free agency, the 49ers have somewhat rebuilt their defensive line. They let Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam and Jordan Willis each sign elsewhere, which is significant because those three accounted for 11.5 sacks last season on the 49ers. Will Bryant, Ferrell and Hargrave record more than 11.5 sacks next season?

Have the 49ers really improved their pass rush this offseason?

It seems like the pass rush isn't necessarily better or worse than last season. Right now, it seems like a wash. For the pass rush to improve, the 49ers will need a healthy season from Arik Armstead, who played in nine games last season and recorded zero sacks. And they'll need a breakout season from second-year defensive end Drake Jackson, who recorded three sacks in 15 games as a rookie.

Signing Bryant seems to show confidence in Jackson, because Bryant isn't a threat to take Jackson's playing time. Bryant isn't even a lock to make the team.