San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is understandably grabbing all of the team's headlines this week after the starter's impressive extension. It seems like rare good news for a team that has taken a step back over the last two years. After pushing their Super Bowl window to the brink, the team has been forced to make tough choices, including parting ways with Deebo Samuel.
Still, there are reasons to believe in this team if they can stay healthy and continue to make underrated moves in free agency. Early in the offseason, the 49ers signed safety Richie Grant as a special-teams and depth option. While this move isn't an exciting one it does provide needed options at the position. It brings up an interesting reunion as well with another former Falcon defender remaining on the market deep into free agency.
Former Atlanta Falcons Pass Rusher Matthew Judon is the Perfect Final Piece for the 49ers' Defense
If there is one thing that San Francisco can never have enough of, it is pass rushing options. Playing with a great defensive line and opposite of Nick Bosa brings out the best in any pass rusher. San Francisco watched this last season with aging veteran Leonard Floyd remaining productive in the system.
Floyd has since signed with Atlanta replacing Matthew Judon. The free agent was put in pass coverage consistently during his time in Atlanta and used incredibly poorly, resulting in a frustrating season. This gives San Francisco the ultimate buy-low opportunity and would reunite Judon with his former teammate Richie Grant.
Signing Judon is a move that signals the 49ers aren't punting on the 2025 season. It shows the team still views itself as the class of the division despite splashier moves from the Rams and Seahawks in the 2025 offseason.
It was only two seasons ago that Judon was one of the league's top pass rushers. It isn't off the board; this version of the veteran returns in the right environment. Considering the low risk and lack of depth at the position, the 49ers would be wise to explore bringing in the veteran, hoping for a rebound season.