The 49ers’ depth at defensive end is one of their roster’s biggest question marks going into training camp. Their options for improving that area via the free agent market were already thin, but the Steelers’ acquisition of former Chargers DE Melvin Ingram on a one-year deal limited the pool even further.
Chances are San Francisco is okay with what they have going into camp. They had the cap room to fit Ingram in if they wanted, and there was never any reported interest in him from the 49ers.
However, his signing in Pittsburgh takes one quality name off the board should the 49ers need to add another player there during camp. Ingram, 32, was a first-round pick of the Chargers in 2012 and posted 49.0 sacks in 113 games across nine seasons with the team. Last year injuries limited him to only seven games in which he didn’t notch a sack.
The 49ers will go into camp with Nick Bosa and Samson Ebukam topping their DE depth chart. Dee Ford will be in the mix if he’s healthy. Jordan Willis returned on a one-year deal, although he’s suspended for the first six games. Former Raider Arden Key inked a one-year contract after notching zero sacks last season in silver and black, and a handful of other players who’re more likely practice squad candidates round out the roster at defensive end.
There are still some veterans available should the 49ers need to add someone else, but thoughts of scooping up the three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram, were put to rest.