Should We Sign a Free Agent DT for Depth?

With all the injuries at defensive tackle, and the chronic knee problems with Kinlaw, I think we should be looking to sign a free agent DT for depth. The only guys we seem to have left are Armstead, McGill and Omenihu when he plays inside. Is Akheem Spence still playing? We need another run stopper who can rotate in there, or I think our guys are going to wear down in the middle, especially against physical running teams. Free agents available are Malcolm Brown, Sheldon Richardson, and Zach Kerr (he played for us last year). Any thoughts?

They should but probably won't.

Yes. No idea who. Kinlaw is a complete question mark and I still feel wary of giving Armstead a full load of snaps with him just getting over the plantar facistis (sp). Losing Ridgeway and Givens in back to back weeks sucks.

This is one area I'm genuinely surprised they haven't made a move esp. given how much they prioritize the DL and their focus on stopping the run.

Most of our DE's do play inside too but maybe they're just realizing teams don't run anymore. LOL

They did try a trade but it didn't work out.

Inside the only pure DT's left "healthy" are Arik Armstead, Akeem Spence, and T.Y. McGill.

Like you noted, still a number of dudes out there esp. run stuffers.

They don't have enough money. Purdy will command a Mahomes sized contract.

Yes! Yes and Yes! That's what I've been thinking the last couple of injuries. Kerr/Richardson for rotation would be cool.

It feels like we've drafted about 20 of them in the last 6 years.

Originally posted by frankieuc68:
Yes! Yes and Yes! That's what I've been thinking the last couple of injuries. Kerr/Richardson for rotation would be cool.

Kerr was not good last year from what I remember. He was pushed around in the run game a bit too much.

They'll just elevate Spence this week since he's fresh. Next week, perhaps Kinlaw plays.

What's the word on Hyder? They have been using him a ton inside as well. Not sure who's out there than can be any value at this point.

Akeem Spence is listed on the PS. He is the only wide-body we have.

Star Lotulelei and Brandon Williams are available but both are past their prime.

The 49ers' pro scouts have been pretty good at digging out players in the past. I'm sure they are up-to-date on quality availability. At this time of the year, a lot of teams are looking just like we are.

Originally posted by dj43:
Akeem Spence is listed on the PS. He is the only wide-body we have.

Star Lotulelei and Brandon Williams are available but both are past their prime.

The 49ers' pro scouts have been pretty good at digging out players in the past. I'm sure they are up-to-date on quality availability. At this time of the year, a lot of teams are looking just like we are.

He's with KC.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
They'll just elevate Spence this week since he's fresh. Next week, perhaps Kinlaw plays.

IF IF IF they think Lance could he 100% medically cleared by the divisional round, I hope we keep Kinlaw on IR as we only have 2 IR spots left and one is likely going to be Elijah Mitchell.

Would obv much rather have Lance or Jimmy backing up Purdy than Josh Johnson in case Brock goes down to an injury.

Josh Johnson equals a guaranteed loss in the playoffs.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
They'll just elevate Spence this week since he's fresh. Next week, perhaps Kinlaw plays.

Thats what I foresee. Spence, AA, McGill(who's been really solid) then rotate Willis, Ohmenihu possibly Turay if they elevate him, in passing situations. Use McGill and Spence in run situations only

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by frankieuc68:
Yes! Yes and Yes! That's what I've been thinking the last couple of injuries. Kerr/Richardson for rotation would be cool.

Kerr was not good last year from what I remember. He was pushed around in the run game a bit too much.

Yeah.. unfortunately slim pickings out there in this time of the season. Boys up front just need a breather or 2 and limit their snaps. But I agree ☝️ if that is all we got going.