Why DT Evan Anderson might be assured a role with the 49ers this season

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly signing defensive tackle, Evan Anderson, an undrafted rookie free agent (UDFA) from Florida Atlantic, to a guaranteed contract. Aaron Wilson, who covers the NFL and the Houston Texans for KPRC 2 Houston, was the first to report this, saying, "49ers went big for undrafted defensive tackle Evan Anderson: $280,000 total guaranteed money, $30,000 to sign and $250,000 of his base salary guaranteed, per a source."

Matt Maiocco, of NBC Sports Bay Area, shared Wilson's post and added an interesting addition: "This basically assures DT Evan Anderson at least a spot on the 49ers' practice squad as a rookie. The minimum salary for practice-squad players for the full season is $225,000."

This shows that the 49ers, who surprisingly did not draft a defensive tackle, are likely high on Anderson. If the team is offering him as much as they reportedly are, it is an indication that GM John Lynch and company may believe Anderson is good enough to almost certainly make the practice squad and that he has a chance to eventually make the active roster. Anderson (6'3, 326 lbs.) would be a welcomed addition to the 49ers defensive front. Last season, teams ran the ball on the 49ers more than they have in the past, especially in the postseason.

The former FAU Owl effectively takes on double teams and has shown flashes in which he wreaks havoc in the middle of the line. He was voted a team captain and was named third team All-American Athletic Conference. In 2023, Anderson had 22 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Anderson's reaction to signing with the 49ers was captured on social media and was shared by football fans around the country. The video shows the defensive tackle celebrating by doing a flip into a pool.