The 49ers signed free-agent defensive end Justin Smith on Saturday in a move they hope will bolster their pass rush. Smith, the No. 4 overall pick by Cincinnati in 2001, had 43 1/2 sacks in seven seasons with the Bengals and was one of the top pass rushers available on the free agent market this season. His deal is reportedly for six years and is worth $45 million, including $20 million in guarantees. The Niners were tied for 21st in the NFL last season with only 31 sacks. Bryant Young, who led the team with 6 1/2 sacks, retired after the season leaving a big void at end. (Updated 03/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/17/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Smith had at least five sacks in each of his first six seasons with the Bengals before recording only two last season. He has led the Bengals defensive line in tackles in each of the past six seasons. But he'll be playing in the Niners' 3-4 scheme this year and might not produce the kind of totals we're used to seeing from him. He'll warrant double coverage and won't be any better than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy DL unless he proves he can be a reliable stat producer putting his hand on the ground in a 3-4 scheme (not many ends do). (Updated 03/03/2008).
DE-OLB Justin Smith will be featured in the 49ers' defense this season. Although he will start at right defensive end, he could end up just about anywhere. The 49ers used him in a lot of different roles during the club's three-day minicamp. On some plays, he stood up, assuming a linebacker role. "Well, I'm not one to say it's going to give us an advantage, but I think No. 1, it's going to utilize Justin's talents and it's going to fit into the things that we do so it's a good marriage," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. 05/15/2008
No information available at this time.
The 49ers signed free-agent defensive end Justin Smith on Saturday in a move they hope will bolster their pass rush. Smith, the No. 4 overall pick by Cincinnati in 2001, had 43 1/2 sacks in seven seasons with the Bengals and was one of the top pass rushers available on the free agent market this season. His deal is reportedly for six years and is worth $45 million, including $20 million in guarantees. The Niners were tied for 21st in the NFL last season with only 31 sacks. Bryant Young, who led the team with 6 1/2 sacks, retired after the season leaving a big void at end. (Updated 03/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/17/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Smith had at least five sacks in each of his first six seasons with the Bengals before recording only two last season. He has led the Bengals defensive line in tackles in each of the past six seasons. But he'll be playing in the Niners' 3-4 scheme this year and might not produce the kind of totals we're used to seeing from him. He'll warrant double coverage and won't be any better than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy DL unless he proves he can be a reliable stat producer putting his hand on the ground in a 3-4 scheme (not many ends do). (Updated 03/03/2008).
