The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie to a one year deal worth $1.3 million, according to Ian Rapoport. TJE was a restricted free agent this offseason, but the team did not make a qualifying offer. That turned him into an unrestricted free agent, and let him pursue the market without restriction. The minimum qualifying offer this year was $1,671,000, so the 49ers saved $371,000 by waiting this out.
Jerod-Eddie re-signs in time for the start of the offseason workout program, and will have his work cut out for him. The 49ers defensive tackle depth chart includes some holes, but we could see younger options filling them ahead of TJE. Glenn Dorsey is recovering from last fall's torn ACL, and Ian Williams is recovering from offseason ankle surgeries. Quinton Dial and Arik Armstead will likely get the bulk of starting work. After that, Mike Purcell could find himself getting opportunities at nose tackle, and Kaleb Ramsey and Garrison Smith will also be in the mix.
Where it gets interesting is later this month. The 2016 NFL Draft is viewed as particularly deep along the defensive line, and the 49ers could have a chance at a guy like DeForest Buckner with the No. 7 pick. Jerod-Eddie is a very solid depth option, but he does not strike me as a long-term starting option. I think we see the 49ers draft at least one defensive lineman this month, and it could happen fairly early.