49ers predicted to nab $3 million Titans starter to address future need

The San Francisco 49ers are currently shorthanded along the defensive line after the team lost Javon Hargrave to a serious injury that could be season-ending, which has obviously negatively impacted San Fran's defense.

The Niners can't do much about their need for an interior defender this late in the season, but they may want to give themselves some insurance in 2025 by bringing in a solid depth piece upfront — and a current Tennessee Titans defender could be on their radar if that's the case.

Bleacher Report's Kris Knox floats the idea that Hargrave could be a cap casualty in 2025. It remains to be seen if that will be the case, but if so, he thinks the Niners could end up with Titans defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, someone the Niners should consider even if Hargrave is back.

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.

San Francisco could save $20.7 million by releasing the 31-year-old with a post-June 1 designation.

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.

As Knox notes, Joseph-Day and the Niners are already quite familiar with each other after he appeared in five games (including playoffs) with San Francisco in 2023.

Joseph-Day is in the midst of a career year with the Titans, with his 2.5 sacks being just half of a sack shy of his career-high. He's also posted 27 tackles, three tackles for loss and five QB hits. On top of his ability as a pass-rusher, Joseph-Day has also been strong against the run, posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.3.

Having the money to sign Joseph-Day won't be an issue. The Niners are projected to have $48.2 million in cap space in 2025, per Over the Cap, and the veteran won't be expensive, even off a career-best campaign.