Now that Raheem Morris is settling in as the new defensive coordinator for the 49ers, it’s fair to wonder if he might lure any of his former players to San Francisco.
One name to keep an eye on in is Arnold Ebiketie, who is set to hit free agency after four years with the Atlanta Falcons. Niners Nation’s Nicholas McGee floated the idea of a reunion between Morris and Ebiketie when free agency hits.
“The Falcons have a host of defensive players set to hit the open market at the start of the new league year, and one player Morris might be keen to take with him to the 49ers following the end of his time as head coach in Atlanta is edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie,” McGee wrote on February 2.
“Ebiketie did not visit with the 49ers before the 2022 draft, but he fits the mold of what they look for athletically from the defensive linemen.”
49ers Pass Rush Had Some Serious Issues in 2025
San Francisco’s pass rush was alternately plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness last season, and the defense finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks in 17 games.
Both top edge Nick Bosa and promising rookie Mykel Williams both went down with season-ending knee injuries, and the unit as a whole failed to step up much in their absence. Heading into 2026, the Niners have Bosa and Williams, both coming off serious injuries, along with Sam Okuayinonu, who is a restricted free agent, and Bryce Huff.
Ebiketie has started 12 games and played in 67, so he’d be more of a rotational guy for Morris.
“Ebiketie’s film is that of a rusher who can win consistently with explosiveness and power, but who also has the flexibility to turn the corner when he gets to the top of his rush,” McGee added. “While not known as a dominant run defender, Ebiketie only had one missed tackle in the run game in 2025. After the 49ers’ struggles stopping the run minus Bosa and Williams, there’s reason for optimism Ebiketie could be an asset who can allow Bosa and Williams some rest on base downs.”
More on Why the San Francisco 49ers Could Sign Edge Arnold Ebiketie in 2026 Free Agency
GettyThe San Francisco 49ers are a top contender to sign pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie when 2026 free agency rolls around.
Ebiketie came into the league as a second-round pick in 2022. His first season was modest, as he finished with 2.5 sacks. He took a step forward in 2023, recording 6.0 sacks, and matched that total again in 2024. Those two seasons remain the strongest stretch of his career. He had 2.0 sacks and six QB hits in 2025.
A big plus for Ebiketie is that he has had no major concerns injury-wise during his four years. The most notable setback came late in his rookie season, when he dealt with a forearm injury. He has missed just one game in his career.
Morris knows the 27-year-old DE’s history well. The new Niners DC understands Ebiketie’s strengths, and he also understands his limits, especially against the run. In the NFL, a little familiarity can go a long way, so don’t be surprised if Ebiketie heads to the Bay Area when free agency kicks off on March 11.
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