Kyle Shanahan may be looking to reunite with a member of last year’s NFC champions.
The 49ers are working out former Falcons defensive end Tyson Jackson on Tuesday according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #49ers could add depth in the front 7, as they are working out former #Falcons DE Tyson Jackson today, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2017
Jackson, 31, was selected third overall out of LSU in the 2009 draft, and played in every game with the Falcons last year, starting seven times. Jackson graded out poorly in nearly every category according to Pro Football Focus, and was ranked as the 67th most effective interior defensive player in the league last season. Jackson’s 13 regular season tackles were a career low.
After being drafted by the Chiefs and spending five years in Kansas City, Jackson signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Atlanta in 2014. Jackson was cut by the team on March 9 of this year. Throughout his eight year career, Jackson has tallied 165 tackles and nine sacks.
While mostly ineffective last season, Jackson’s versatility to play both on the edge and inside would seem to make him a good stylistic fit for Robert Salah’s defense. The competition will be stiff however, as the front seven, a spot where the Niners have spent three first round picks in consecutive seasons, is arguably the deepest unit on the team.