In 2023, the 49ers had a solid defense but focused heavily on rebuilding their defensive line during the offseason. General Manager John Lynch discussed the team’s strategy for strengthening their front on Monday. After their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, Lynch felt that the group needed a complete overhaul, leading to the addition of several veteran players.
The team signed Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Jordan Elliott as free agents, and also acquired Maliek Collins through a trade. Both Floyd and Gross-Matos were signed to two-year deals, a departure from the team’s usual approach, which Lynch explained was done to create continuity and stability on the defensive line.
Lynch expressed confidence in the new additions, highlighting Floyd’s experience and presence opposite Nick Bosa, as well as Gross-Matos’s potential as a player they were excited about. With the inclusion of Elliott and Collins on the inside, Lynch stated that the team successfully reworked their defensive line for the upcoming season.
The restructuring of the defensive line meant parting ways with some previous contributors, including longtime player Arik Armstead. The team is hopeful that the changes made during the offseason will result in a stronger and more effective front in 2024.
