George Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers strongly linked to $5M Dallas Cowboys edge defender

Sometimes comparisons work wonders. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa earned an 86.3 overall PFF grade, ranking 0th among 115 qualified edge defenders. Niners edge rusher Mykel Williams secured a 53.9 overall PFF grade, ranking 101st among others. As for Dallas Cowboys edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, he earned a 79.2 overall PFF grade, ranking 18th among others. No wonder CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell picked Clowney for San Francisco.The Niners have called back Bosa and Williams for 2026 but adding a “healthy and proven push rush threat” could relieve stress off their primary edges’ shoulders. Both of them ended their seasons early because of torn ACLs.Plus, Bryce Huff announced early retirement on March 12. He is only 27. And he had recorded 17 solo tackles, 11 assists, 5.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. PFF gave him a 69.2 overall grade, which ranks him 46th among others. But he’s no longer playing for the league. So, there’s a spot open for Clowney. Among other reasons, the 49ers ranked last in the league in team sacks for the 2025 season. They recorded 1.18 sacks per game, the lowest among postseason teams. Clowney could give them all they need to overturn their 2025 season scoring.The Cowboys DE amassed unbelievable stats last year alone: 41 total tackles [24 solo], 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, four passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble all in just 13 games. His PFF pass rush grade was 80.6, and his PFF run defense grade was 70.6.Sports Illustrated’s Tom Jensen had already predicted Clowney for Raheem Morris’ franchise in February.The Niners have hired the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, Raheem Morris, as their new defensive coordinator. His former team secured 57 total sacks last season. He’s entering a team that recorded just 20 sacks last season. The coach may be looking for a veteran and healthy edge defender who can turn this record around in his new franchise. Morris primarily uses a 3-4 scheme, while the Niners have stuck with a 4-3. This should not be a problem for the 33-year-old OLB because he has experience playing in both defensive schemes.The Niners also signed Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw in this free agency [San Francisco is Greenlaw’s parent franchise]. His re-signing could signal that the franchise is looking to revamp the season. So maybe things will work out for Clowney in San Francisco. CBS Sports analyst did pick Dallas DE for the Niners, but what if he had already chosen a team for himself?Pro Football Rumors’ Connor Byrne reports that if the veteran edge rusher signs elsewhere, it could be his 8th team out of his 13 NFL seasons. In 2023, he played for the Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson. He recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks, 43 combined tackles, 19 QB hits, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles that year.The veteran told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson recently, “They got a lot of good guys that I can relate to in that locker room. I’ll definitely be open to going back to Baltimore, playing with Lamar Jackson now. It was a great time for me.” Jackson even replied on X: “Definitely.” The star QB had also expressed excitement over Maxx Crosby’s signing by sharing Denzel Washington’s boom meme. Though it did not come to any fruition. Anyhow, PFSN’s Alex Kennedy projects a one-year, $6.1 million contract for Clowney. As per Spotrac’s calculated market value, the veteran is expected to sign a one-year, $5.7 million contract, giving him an average annual income of $5.7 million. So, will it be the Ravens or the Niners who acquire the Dallas edge defender? Only time will tell…