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49ers Must Avoid Signing This Newly Released Pro Bowl Pass Rusher

The 49ers could be interested in bringing in this former Pro Bowl pass rusher, but they're better off passing on him.
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch (left) talks with cornerback Eli Apple (right) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch (left) talks with cornerback Eli Apple (right) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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The San Francisco 49ers were a joke with rushing the pass rusher this past season. They were dead last in sacks with 20.

Being without Nick Bosa will do that. Not only does losing his production hurt, but he's an impactful player who opens it up for everyone else.

However, that just shows the 49ers that they need an adequate option opposite of Bosa. They haven't had that since 2019 with Dee Ford. This offseason, they need to try to address that.

It just so happens that a former Pro Bowl pass rusher just became a free agent -- Bradley Chubb. The Miami Dolphins released Chubb in a salary cap-clearing move.

Chubb tallied 8.5 sacks last season along with 54 pressures. Both stats would've made him the lead pass rusher on the 49ers. However, he's a player they should avoid signing.

49ers must avoid Bradley Chubb

Bradley Chub
Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) runs on the field prior to the game Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When it comes to adding to the defensive line, the 49ers shouldn't be looking at the short-term. If they are, then by all means, Chubb is their guy.

He could give adequate contributions in the first year with the 49ers. But in the grand scheme of things, he's not a fit.

Chubb will be 30 years old when the 2026 season begins. And while that's not a drastically old age, the timer for his decline will be kicking in.

Last offseason, the 49ers made it clear to inject a ton of youth into their defensive line. Their goal was to create a core for years to come.

Maybe that plan changes this offseason, and they view Chubb as a necessary immediate addition. If not, then Chubb doesn't fit that plan at all.

Bradley Chub
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) leaves the field following a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images | Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Besides, Chubb will not be cheap or even moderately priced. The 49ers will need to cough up some serious money to lock him in.

Looking at it from Chubb's perspective, it makes sense for him to join the 49ers. He will benefit from being the complementary player for Bosa.

No longer will double-teams be an issue for him. He faced a career high 23.1% of it last year. And, Chubb gets to play for a playoff-contending team.

The line will be drawn based on where the money is. I don't see how the 49ers offer him a lot of money backed by several years. This is where it ultimately comes down to, even if they do want him.

Chubb would help nicely in 2026, but with his future questionable to sustain his level, he's not worth what the 49ers would have to sign him to.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE SANCHEZ

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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