The first was Air Force linebacker Ryan Watson, who can sign with a team after his military commitment is complete in April.
The New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns also expressed interest in Watson. He registered a career-high eight sacks to go along with his 37 combined tackles, 10 for a loss, and pass defensed as a senior in 2016, according to Sports Reference.
Yes, 2016.
Watson is two years removed from the game but was at an Arizona Cardinals minicamp in 2017. He was required to serve two years of active duty before receiving a "ready reserve" status, enabling him to join an NFL team.
The second linebacker the 49ers expressed interest in is Brandon Payer, who played college football at Colorado State-Pueblo but took part in Air Force's pro day. He had two 100-plus-tackle seasons (2016-17) during his four years with the ThunderWolves.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Four 49ers players selected to 2025 Pro Bowl
Four San Francisco 49ers players have been selected to the 2025 Pro Bowl: defensive end Nick Bosa, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner. Additionally, defensive end Leonard Floyd, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, quarterback Brock Purdy, and... -
No Huddle Podcast: 49ers in the Pro Bowl & Where Kyle Shanahan Ranks As a Head Coach
(Episode 400) — Al Sacco is in solo to react to the four 49ers that were named to the Pro Bowl, who was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, the history of 49ers in the Pro Bowl, discussing where Kyle Shanahan ranks as a head coach in the NFL, which coaches are closing in on... -
49ers' Deommodore Lenoir expresses frustration over Pro Bowl snub
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was not among the four San Francisco 49ers players selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl. Instead, he was named as one of four alternates from the team. Despite this recognition, Lenoir voiced his frustration, feeling that his standout season warranted a... -
Five things the 49ers should do in the final two games
The 2024 season has been a disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers. Actually, that's too nice. It's been a disaster. From contract disputes to players losing babies, a slew of injuries, and even a player being shot, 2024 has been a season the 49ers and their fans would like...