The 49ers believed they had won the offseason when they signed Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million
contract. They thought they had signed the best free agent available and improved the NFL’s top defense.
To sign Hargrave, however, they had to release numerous key defensive players. Players include Jimmie Ward, Azeez
Al-Shaair, Samson Ebukam, and Charles Omenihu. So, while the 49ers did not officially trade for Hargrave, signing
him required them to release four vital players.
And halfway into the 2023 season, that trade-off has not paid off.
Hargrave has only three sacks after eight games. So far, he hasn’t made much of an impact as a pass rusher.
Remember, he had 11 sacks for the Eagles last season, which is a major reason the 49ers paid him so much. They
expected him to improve their pass rush, but he hasn’t. And he’s not excellent versus the run, therefore the run
defense has deteriorated.
Losing Samson Ebukam has dealt a significant blow to the 49ers’ run defense. He was their best edge setter the past
two seasons, outperforming Nick Bosa. Clelin Ferrell, Randy Gregory, Drake Jackson, and Chase Young have taken
his position, but none of them can set edges like Ebukam, who has a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.9 this season.
Hargrave’s is 75.1.
Losing Al-Shaair was also a blow. He and his replacement, Oren Burks, are both good starting linebackers. And
losing Ward has been the most devastating blow of all. He’s an excellent nickel corner who can defend the run and
the pass. His replacement, Isaiah Oliver, is a horrible nickel corner who excels at nothing.
