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In the past the Niners have brought in veterans to fill important roles. A major need right now is another pass rusher. The Colts released Freeney and Austin Collie today. When Justin Smith went down, Aldon Smith did not record a single sack while Justin was recovering from his arm injury. Aldon went 6 games without a sack including the playoffs. This past season was Aldon's first as a full time starter and maybe he ran out of gas. The Niners did not have a designated pass rusher to bring off the bench. The starting defensive linemen did not get enough rest during the season and it showed. The lack of a pass rush exposed the secondary. The first 13 games the defense averaged about 14 points per game. Then the last 6 including the playoffs it was 30 points per game.

Freeney can play the same role Aldon played last year. Come in on passing downs and get sacks. To pay him more, the more sacks he gets the bigger bonus. The veterans on this team like so many others will have to re-do some contracts to get Freeney on this team. He may be one of the missing pieces to another deep playoff run and eventually SB victory.

If he was effective in the 3-4, the Colts wouldn't have cut him. We need more of a rush OLB type.

I get your point about the Colts cutting him because he didn't work in the 3-4, and at his age, I don't see him improving or adjusting much anymore. Basically what you see will likely be what you get for the rest of his career. I love the guy as a player (I used to follow the Colts) and he was a legend, but at the price he will likely be offered by teams, I'd rather see us spend that money on someone younger who figures to be part of the team longer-term. One guy that I do like the sound of though is the other guy that you mentioned, Austin Collie. As I said, I used to follow the Colts, and this guy has some game. If he's cleared medically and can avoid any more concussions, he could really be a big addition to this team at WR.

He'd cost too much for what he is - a shorter, stronger Aldon Smith.