The 49ers are set to bring back an important piece of their defensive line. Defensive end Ronald Blair is set to sign a one-year deal to stay with the 49ers according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Blair was a fifth-round pick in the 2016 draft and quickly became a strong rotational end on the 49ers’ defensive front. He posted 3.0 sacks in Year 1, 2.0 sacks in Year 2 and a career-high 5.5 in his third season. His fourth year was cut short by a torn ACL in Week 10 that he suffered while sacking Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson for his third sack of the season.
Depth was a vital part of what made the 49ers’ defensive front so relentless last season, so having Blair back will ensure they have some of that depth back. Whether he’ll be ready for the start of the season is still up in the air as he recovers from his knee injury.
