Perhaps they ought to consider it a kind of mulligan.
It was assumed that there was no real need to keep linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair when the 49ers let him go as a free agency last season and he signed a one-year deal with the Titans, since Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner were already in place and there were two draft picks coming up at the position.
A year later, Al-Shaair’s return would be greatly appreciated by the 49ers defense.
Al-Shaair’s return would be quite logical, considering he is once again a free agent and Greenlaw sustained an Achilles tendon injury in the Super Bowl defeat to Kansas City.
According to USA Today’s Touchdown Wire, which offers a sneak peek at this year’s offseason by outlining “One free agent every team should want to sign in 2024,” that is the idea.
And after putting up a strong season after joining the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, writer Kyle Madson believes Al-Shaair should be the center of attention for the Niners.
Dre Greenlaw of the 49ers: A Complicated Offseason
Last season, Al-Shaair started every one of the Titans’ 17 games and recorded a career-high 163 tackles, good for sixth place in the NFL.
While he wouldn’t start for a fully healthy team in San Francisco—a position he may be pursuing in free agency—he would still be a fantastic backup while Greenlaw heals and a very good third linebacker.
“The 49ers won’t have much wiggle room under the salary cap to spend big in free agency,” wrote Madson.
Al-Shaair might have overpriced himself after a successful season with the Titans, making the 49ers unable to finance him. ..
“Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and linebacker Oren Burks both performed poorly in the Super Bowl, and it was evident.
” In addition to providing Greenlaw with a temporary substitute while he heals from his Achilles tendon injury, adding a player like Al-Shaair gives San Francisco a known face that is familiar with their defense and a potential long-term option to replace Greenlaw should he end up departing in free agency following the 2024 season.
Is Azeez Al-Shaair Interested in Going Back?
Now, as Madson pointed out, the question would be whether the 49ers could afford to bring in Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair, ranked No. 6 among linebackers available to free agents by Pro Football Focus, is expected to sign a three-year deal worth $20.25 million.
The 49ers could manage a deal like that, but there’s a chance Al-Shaair receives more.
An additional pertinent query is: Would Al-Shaair like to return to San Francisco? Earlier this year, he declared his intention to remain in Tennessee, expressing dissatisfaction with the harshness of the people in the Bay Area.
(We believe he was kidding.)
He told SI.com, “I would love to be back with the Tennessee Titans next season.” We’ll watch to see how things work out.
I wish I could be here. I’ve had a great experience visiting Nashville.
This group of people has a stronger southern heritage. I suppose it’s just what I’m used to. Not as cruel as they were in California, these people (laughs).
“For me, Nashville is closer to home. Here, it seems like I’m beginning to create a new home. I would like returning to the Titans.
