The San Francisco 49ers are making strategic moves to bolster their pass rush ahead of the 2024 season. With a sack percentage of only 6.69%, placing them 18th in the NFL, the team faced challenges, especially after losing notable edge rusher Leonard Floyd to the Atlanta Falcons. Recognizing this gap, the 49ers are proactively seeking improvements through trades and draft strategies, focusing on enhancing their defensive line performance.

This approach comes as the franchise looks to compete at the highest level, particularly in a league where quarterback pressures can significantly influence game outcomes. The 49ers are aiming to solidify their defense, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the league.

The Atlanta Falcons have made headlines with their offseason moves, but the spotlight is now on linebacker Divine Deablo, named the biggest surprise of the OTAs. Deablo, who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders, started 14 games last season, recording 63 tackles and one sack. His impressive performance during the offseason has made him a potential candidate for a starting position, especially following the team's decision not to re-sign Nate Landman or Lorenzo Carter.

As a cost-effective addition at a base salary of $1.66 million, Deablo’s integration into the Falcons' defensive lineup could significantly bolster their overall performance. With expectations rising, Deablo’s ability to transition from a depth role to a starting linebacker will be crucial for the Falcons as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Falcons have committed to utilizing their first-round draft pick from the 2025 NFL Draft primarily as an edge rusher, aiming to ease the rookie into the league without overwhelming him. This pick represents a strategic addition to a defense that has been bolstered by offseason acquisitions, including veterans like Leonard Floyd and Divine Deablo. The Falcons are looking to maximize the potential of their young talent while ensuring that they maintain competitive performance right from the start of the season.

Former third-round pick Zack Baun transformed from a one-year, prove-it deal player to an NFL standout, being named a first-team All-Pro and helping the Philadelphia Eagles clinch the Super Bowl LIX championship. His impressive 2024 season included over 150 tackles and numerous forced fumbles, drawing comparisons to NFL greats. Baun's success has inspired discussions about potential breakout players across NFC teams for 2025, highlighting talents like Arizona's Michael Wilson, who is poised for a significant leap with quarterback Kyler Murray's backing.

Other notable mentions include Atlanta’s Leonard Floyd, who could invigorate a struggling pass rush, and Carolina’s Tre'von Moehrig, expected to bolster a weak defense. Additionally, Dallas' Dante Fowler is in a prime position to thrive alongside Micah Parsons, while Green Bay's Tucker Kraft is on the brink of Pro Bowl status. Each of these players represents an unheralded talent with the potential to make a significant impact next season.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant push to enhance their financial flexibility by offloading 17 players this offseason, resulting in an NFL-high dead cap hit of $92,651,013. This decision reflects a strategic shift, aiming to streamline their roster and improve future salary cap management. Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles follow closely with a dead cap figure of $71,991,237 after their recent trades.

Among the notable 49ers released are Deebo Samuel, Arik Armstead, and Leonard Floyd, all of whom considerably impact the team's cap space. This move showcases the 49ers' commitment to establishing a more financially sustainable roster while potentially unlocking future acquisitions or contract extensions for their remaining core players.