The San Francisco 49ers have received significant acclaim for their offseason strategy, characterized by a more aggressive approach in free agency and trades than usual.
Among the analysts expressing admiration is Mina Kimes, who shared her thoughts on her podcast, “The Mina Kimes Show.” “I love what the Niners did,” Kimes remarked. “I love the trade for Osa Odighizuwa. They”ve been looking for that pass-rushing 3-tech for a minute. People forget how dominant Buckner was with the Niners in 2019. Oh my God.”
Kimes emphasized her excitement about seeing Odighizuwa team up with Nick Bosa on the defensive line, pointing out that Odighizuwa excels as a pass rusher rather than a run defender. Over the past two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Odighizuwa has tallied 112 total pressures and earned a 71.5 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. However, his run-defense grade of 58.9 indicates room for improvement, having surpassed that number only once in his career (65.1 in 2023).
“He”s not a plus run defender,” Kimes acknowledged. “He has consistently been one of the better pass-rushing defensive tackles in football. In fact, over the last three years, he ranks sixth in ESPN”s pass-rush win rate. So you already have guys coming back, and you”ve added him up front.”
While acquiring Odighizuwa for a third-round draft pick may have long-term implications, it”s a strategic decision for a team contending for a championship. Despite facing numerous injuries last season, the 49ers finished with a 12-5 record and made the playoffs.
“The thing about signing veteran players who are proven—your Evans, your Osa, even bringing in a guy like Kirk to give you reps from the slot,” Kimes explained. “If the Dolphins are doing this, or a bad team, it would be foolish. But if you”re a team like San Francisco, that went as far as you did despite missing half of the entire football team, the timeline makes sense.”
Kimes concluded by stating, “They actually probably had my favorite free agency of any team, and I think the idea of all these guys coming back, joined by these players, is terrifying.” This choice of the word “terrifying” is particularly noteworthy given Kimes” allegiance to the Seattle Seahawks, a division rival of the 49ers.
