But if the goal is to maximize Nick Bosa and keep this defense in a true win-now position, there's still one more obvious box to check: adding a reliable edge presence opposite him.
The 49ers landed Odighizuwa in exchange for a third-round draft selection, a worthwhile price for an interior rusher who consistently affects the pocket. Odighizuwa, 28, has applied 32 pressures while being double-teamed since the start of 2024, according to Next Gen Stats. Even more telling: his 9.1% pressure rate in those double-team situations ranks third over the past two seasons. If opponents are forced to allocate extra bodies to the interior, it changes the math on the edge—exactly the kind of ripple effect that can free Bosa to hunt.
That said, an interior disruptor alone doesn't complete the picture. The 49ers are still in the market for another edge rusher—someone who can line up across from Bosa, win with power and technique, and hold up against the run so newly appointed defensive coordinator Raheem Morris (and this unit as a whole) can stay out of obvious personnel tells. If you're looking for a pro's pro who remains productive and could come at an affordable price point, there's one name that fits the moment: Cameron Jordan.
The case for Cameron Jordan with the 49ers: Production, professionalism, and fit
Jordan turns 37 this summer, and yes, he's long in the tooth. But the "twilight" label doesn't mean the impact is gone. The longtime Saint is coming off another double-digit sack season after posting 10.5 sacks, a reminder that his game has aged well even as the league gets younger and faster.
Over 15 seasons in New Orleans, Jordan has compiled 763 tackles and 132 sacks, while also forcing 17 fumbles and recovering 12. That combination of sustained production and veteran credibility is exactly what a contending roster looks for when it's trying to make a short-term push without compromising long-term flexibility.
Jordan also isn't your prototypical speed rusher who wins only by turning the corner. He's a more complete package at defensive end: a big edge who can set a firm edge in the run game, collapse pockets with power, and still finish when he gets home.
Pair that skill set with a front that now features an interior player capable of drawing double-teams, and the fit starts to look clean. If protections slide inside to account for Odighizuwa's disruption, and if Bosa commands the attention he always does, Jordan becomes the kind of savvy, assignment-sound finisher who can capitalize on the leftovers.
Even the broad-stroke analytics back up the idea that Jordan's floor remains high. Pro Football Focus (PFF) isn't the be-all and end-all, but it does provide another lens on a player's week-to-week consistency. Jordan earned an overall grade of 76.0, which ranked 24th among 115 qualified edge defenders. He also recorded 36 pressures, ranking 53rd. These numbers reflect a veteran who may no longer live in the top tier of volume disruption, but still offers dependable, above-average play with real finishing ability.
From a team-building standpoint, the financials matter, too.
Spotrac projects Jordan to earn about $6.8 million annually on his next deal. This figure fits the type of short-term veteran swing contenders often make when they're trying to patch a premium position without committing multiple years. If the 49ers could land him on a one-year contract, they could still spend an early draft pick on a potential successor, then let that rookie develop behind two professionals who know how to prepare and how to win: Jordan and Bosa.
In the short term, Jordan would give the 49ers a legitimate, steady option across from Bosa—one who is also a three-down option. In the long term, the move doesn't have to block development if San Francisco pairs it with a draft investment. If the 49ers are serious about squeezing the most out of a championship window, Cameron Jordan checks the boxes: productive, professional, scheme-versatile, and realistically attainable.
Written By:
Bob served as a site editor for two FanSided sites from 2018 to 2025. He has also been a contributor to 49ers Webzone, part of USA Today Sports, since 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob has written and edited numerous articles across both networks. In addition to sports writing, he has taken on creative writing opportunities in the past, crafting slogans and articles for clothing companies and analyzing odds for various sports betting outlets. When he isn't writing, Bob manages his family farm, established in 1928, and is the president and owner of Bob Heyrman Farms LTD. During his downtime, he enjoys dining in beautiful downtown Detroit and attending various sporting events.
All articles by Bob Heyrman
Bob Heyrman
Bob served as a site editor for two FanSided sites from 2018 to 2025. He has also been a contributor to 49ers Webzone, part of USA Today Sports, since 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob has written and edited numerous articles across both networks. In addition to sports writing, he has taken on creative writing opportunities in the past, crafting slogans and articles for clothing companies and analyzing odds for various sports betting outlets. When he isn't writing, Bob manages his family farm, established in 1928, and is the president and owner of Bob Heyrman Farms LTD. During his downtime, he enjoys dining in beautiful downtown Detroit and attending various sporting events.
All articles by Bob Heyrman
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