The 49ers made the biggest move of the offseason last year when they signed Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal.
That's a lot of money for a defensive tackle -- more money than the 49ers were willing to pay DeForest Buckner a few years ago. That's why they traded him to the Colts. The 49ers clearly felt Buckner was good, but not quite productive enough to command more than $20 million per season, considering he averages roughly 8 sacks per year.
The 49ers made an exception for Hargrave. They felt he'd be a more consistent pass rusher than Buckner. They obviously understood Hargrave isn't a great run defender, but they saw he recorded 11 sacks in 2022 and signed him thinking he would maintain that production while playing next to Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead.
Wrong.
On the 49ers this past season, Hargrave was solid but not spectacular, considering he recorded 7 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. In comparison, Clelin Ferrell recorded 13 quarterback hits, and Bosa recorded 35.
New defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and presumptive new assistant head coach Brandon Staley need to find a way to unlock more production from Hargrave. That's a big way they can improve the defense before they even add anyone to it.
Perhaps they'll use more five-man fronts to give Hargrave more one-on-one matchups -- that's how he flourished on the Eagles. On the 49ers, he plays in a Wide 9 front and faces tons of double-teams, which are exhausting to take on repeatedly.
Staley has coached a 5-man front on the Chargers and the Rams. Let's see if he can get the 49ers to incorporate one, too.
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