The San Francisco 49ers are continuing to look for help at edge rusher. In addition to veteran edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who reportedly worked out for the team on Sunday, the 49ers also brought in outside linebackers Andre Carter and Xavier Thomas for workouts, according to the NFL transaction wire.
Carter has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Army following the 2023 NFL Draft and has experience playing as an edge rusher.
Thomas is a former Arizona Cardinals edge rusher who entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick out of Clemson in 2024. He spent his college career as a productive pass rusher and was viewed as an intriguing developmental prospect coming out of Clemson.
The 49ers' interest in three pass rushers today is notable, particularly given the team's current situation along the edge. San Francisco is a little thin on the edge after dealing with injuries at the position during training camp (Makail Kamara and Romello Height), creating a need for additional bodies and potentially prompting the team to explore players who could provide immediate depth.
The 49ers still don't have last year's first-round pick Mykel Williams back. Williams tore his ACL last season as a rookie. He is reportedly recovering well and should return early in the regular season. But they need camp bodies sooner rather than later.
Okoronkwo is the most experienced of the three. Carter and Thomas would represent younger options with more developmental upside. With training camp underway, San Francisco has plenty of time to determine whether any of the three players can earn a roster spot or provide needed depth heading into the 2026 season.
Comments