Robert Quinn Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Is former All-Pro DE what 49ers' ‘lethal’ pass rush is missing?

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/21/23

The San Francisco 49ers already bolstered their front seven with the addition of prized free agent defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and defensive end Clelin Ferrell.

But Pro Football Network recently suggested that the 49ers should add former three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Quinn to elevate the team’s pass rush to the next level.

“This may seem like an odd fit at first, but San Francisco’s front line, specifically the depth on the outside, is going through a reshuffle this offseason,” PFN’s Zach Knerr said. “…Playing for two franchises last season did him no favors, but it’s clear Quinn can still be a force to be reckoned with when rushing the passer. The 49ers were a top-10 team in the NFL at sacking the quarterback, racking up 44 in 2022. With their current signings and the talent they’ve retained, bringing Quinn in as a pass rusher could only make that unit more lethal.”

#49ers' edge rushers under contract:
Nick Bosa
Drake Jackson
Clelin Ferrell
Alex Barrett

Surely, they'll be looking to add more talent, but Ferrell fits the mold of a one-year flier the 49ers will look to mold into a pass rusher under the tutelage of Kocurek.
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) March 15, 2023

The 49ers tied for the 10th-most sacks last season but their pass rush took a hit in losing defensive ends Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam and Jordan Willis plus defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway via free agency.

The foursome combined for 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 134 pressures, 92 hurries and 26 hits. Ebukam and Omenihu ranked second and third on the team, respectively, in sacks, pressures and hurries.

Quinn had a turbulent 2022 season, recording just 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack and while splitting time with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. However, he’s just one season removed from an 18.5-sack season in which he totaled 47 pressures, 25 hurries and 17 tackles for loss.

Although he’s a bit older, Quinn, 32, has recorded double-digit sacks in five of his 12 NFL seasons, and he’s totaled 30 or more pressures and 20 or more hurries in all but three seasons.

While Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead are expected to be San Francisco’s starting edge rushers, adding Quinn into the rotation with Ferrell and 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson could help make up for the loss of production from its free agent departures.

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