What the 49ers Will Do in Free Agency

The 49ers have two glaring holes on their defense: Weakside linebacker and defensive end. And there's a strong chance the 49ers will address both positions in free agency.

Lots of fans want the 49ers to sign former 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to replace Dre Greenlaw while he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which makes sense. Al-Shaair was a terrific linebacker for the 49ers who really blossomed this past season on the Titans.

But that's the problem. Al-Shaair ranked fifth in tackles this past season. He's one of the best linebackers in the NFL now -- the 49ers should have re-signed him last season instead of letting him go. Now, he's in line for a lucrative multi-year deal. Which means he's not a mere one-year replacement for Greenlaw. He might be better than Greenlaw now.

Unless the 49ers blow Al-Shaair out of the water with an offer, I doubt the 49ers will sign him. I think it's more likely they'll sign a defensive end.

Remember, the 49ers traded for Chase Young at the deadline this past season because they clearly felt they were one excellent edge rusher away from being Super Bowl Champions. Clearly, Young wasn't an excellent edge rusher for the 49ers -- he was a disappointment.

So they still should be in the market for a defensive end. And there will be some good ones available this offseason, such as Brian Burns and Danielle Hunter. And the 49ers have shown they're not afraid to spend tons of money on defensive linemen.

Stay tuned.