Golden Nuggets: Suh’s signing adds more intrigue to 49ers-Rams rivalry

The battle for the NFC West just got a little more interesting. The LA Rams continue to stay busy this free agency season by announcing the signing of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh, who was released by the Miami Dolphins, will be joining the Rams on a one-year deal. Pairing Suh with Aaron Donald forms an impressive defensive front. Donald was the best defensive lineman last season while winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The 49ers have used the free agency period to bolster their offensive line. They brought in Weston Richburg and Jonathan Cooper in the last couple of weeks. They are expected to use the draft to continue to add talent on the line. They will also have Joshua Garnett back to add to the competition. With Suh and Donald on the Rams’ defensive line, it makes it all the more important that the 49ers have a solid offensive line to protect Jimmy Garoppolo. Donald by himself destroys offensive lines, so adding someone of Suh’s caliber could wreak havoc. The Rams won the NFC West last season and the 49ers expect to be contenders this season. This season could turn out to be an epic battle between the 2 rivals.

With Jaquiski Tartt coming back from injury and the emergence of Adrian Colbert, the 49ers will try to work Jimmie Ward back at corner. Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon will likely be the starters, but with Sherman trying to come back from injury, Ward could provide backup just in case Sherman has setbacks. The 49ers will likely add a corner from the draft or free agency. Ward provides the team with an experienced option and he could also be in play as the slot corner with competition from K’Waun Williams.

49ers links

Looking towards the future | Still have cap space available (Wagoner)

Like Christmas Day | Lynch on Garoppolo trade (Maiocco)

Changing the franchise | Jimmy G (Fann)

Still trying to find Jimmie a position | Jimmie Ward to get CB reps (Fann)

Draft to affect Jimmie Ward (Barrows)

1st round of the draft (Fann)

Ward experiment to begin again (Inman)

Safety or corner | What to do with Jimmie? (Maiocco)

Could the 49ers make a move? | Odell (Biderman)

Having him alongside Jimmy G would be a dream | Where could Odell go? (Florio)

Mock 6.0 (Asher)

Reuben Foster update (Biderman)

Lessons from Shanahan’s 1st season (Branch)

Big move by the Rams | Suh to the Rams (Biderman)

Pierre is not impressed | Garcon on Suh’s signing (Biderman)