The San Francisco 49ers are at a crossroads as the 2024 season begins to slip through their grasp.
At 5-6, the 49ers are in last place in the NFC West, a shocking predicament given their Super Bowl appearance a season ago. They've already got a roster full of high-priced superstars, but things could look a whole lot different in seasons to come.
Soon, quarterback Brock Purdy is likely to command a $50 million annual pay raise, and if the 49ers do extend him, they'll have much less wiggle room in terms of the budget. But they'll still need to address all of their roster concerns, especially if they want to remain playoff-relevant.
Interior defensive line looks like one of those roster holes entering next season, and the 49ers could look to one of their former players to fill that hole. Bleacher Report's Kris Knox recently predicted that San Francisco would sign Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency.
"The 49ers could use defensive-line help now, due in part to Javon Hargrave's presence on injured reserve with a triceps injury. Defensive tackle may remain a need in the offseason, as Hargrave looms as a potential cap casualty.," Knox said.
"Bringing back Sebastian Joseph-Day, who spent time with the 49ers in 2023, would make plenty of sense. The 29-year-old has been a reliable contributor for the Tennessee Titans this season and appeared in all three playoff games for the 49ers last year."
Joseph-Day, 29, played the final two games of the season, plus all three playoff games, for the 49ers in 2023. He moved on to the Titans this season on a $4 million contract, and has since put up 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and 27 total tackles in 11 games.
Bringing in a budget free agent, especially one with experience in the 49ers' system, could be the smartest way to shore up the defensive line. The only question would be whether Joseph-Day has other suitors that could jack up his price tag.
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