The Philadelphia Eagles announced the release of defensive end Connor Barwin on Thursday, and he figures to be a popular target for teams looking for help on the edge. MMQB columnist Albert Breer is reporting the San Francisco 49ers inquired about a potential trade before the eventual release.
The 49ers are looking for help at the edge rusher role, and Barwin makes sense to compete for the Leo role. He is 6’4, 264 pounds, and while he is coming off a couple less than stellar seasons, he has shown the ability to get to double digit sack totals. IN 2011 he had 11.5 sacks, and in 2014 he had 14.5 sacks. However, consistency has been an issue in terms of closing the deal in getting to the quarterback.
Back in 2013, Barwin signed a six year, $36 million deal with the Eagles. There had been talk earlier this year about restructuring the deal, but nothing came of it. He restructured it once back in 2015.
Barwin is 30, so any signing would not a particularly long-term addition. For the time being, Ahmad Brooks and Aaron Lynch are two candidates for the Leo role. The team could also spend a high pick on an edge rusher in the draft. But for the time being, Barwin is at least on our radar.