SANTA CLARA — The 49ers went into the 2024 offseason looking mostly for supporting cast members to complement an already loaded roster on a defending conference champion. The company line espoused culture, work ethic, accountability and being fits for their systems of offense and defense.
Only those who truly “love football” need apply.
There is no indication the 49ers have been disappointed in terms of how their new veterans have comported themselves in terms of professionalism.
There is also no indication the 49ers (3-4) brought aboard anyone who has made a major impact heading in to Sunday night’s (5:20 p.m.) game at Levi’s Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys (3-3).
A look at how the new veterans have fared:
Edge rusher Leonard Floyd, free agent, 2 years, $20 million
Floyd, 32, had 10 1/2 sacks for Buffalo last season, although just one came in the last six games. Finding a second edge threat to go along with Nick Bosa has been a goal since Dee Ford was injured in 2020. Floyd has three sacks so far and at 244 pounds has disappeared for stretches at a time. The 49ers are still on the lookout for an edge rusher as the trade deadline approaches on Nov. 5.
Defensive end/tackle Yetur Gross-Matos, free agent 2 years, $18 million
Played in three games before going on injured reserve with a knee injury. The 49ers like his outside/inside capability and he’s expected back after the bye at some point so there’s still hope they can get something out of him.
Outside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, free agent, 1 year, $5 million
A Green Bay All-Pro as recently as 2021, Campbell was signed specifically to step in for the injured Dre Greenlaw. Campbell has been exposed in coverage (quarterbacks are 22 of 27 for 201 yards throwing in his direction). He has 13 blitzes but just one pressure and has five missed tackles overall. Greenlaw’s eventual return, as well as Dee Winters’ development could dramatically reduce his playing time in the second half of the season before he departs in free agency.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, acquired from Houston for 7th-round pick
Probably the most productive of the newcomers, Collins has three sacks and 18 tackles and can be counted upon in terms of health — which was the biggest reason the 49ers parted ways with Arik Armstead. Has been jump-off-the-screen dominant on occasion and has recovered two fumbles — both in 49ers’ wins.
Maliek Colllins (99) celebrates a fumble recovery in the 49ers’ Week 3 win over New England. Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
Cornerback Isaac Yiadom, free agent 1 year, $3 million
Yiadom had 14 pass breakups after getting in the starting lineup in New Orleans last season and has been working with the first team since his arrival. Had just five snaps against Kansas City — far and away a season low — as the 49ers are working rookie third-round pick Renardo Green into the mix to go along with mainstays Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir.
Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, free agent, 2 years, $7 million
Considered a run-stopper on a stout Cleveland run defense, Elliott was supposed to bring the same skill to the 49ers to go along with Collins and Javon Hargrave in the middle. With Hargrave lost for the season (torn triceps), Elliott’s balky knee has prevented him from stepping in with regularity up to this point.
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, free agent, 1 year, $1.292 million
Ya-Sin did some good things with Indianapolis to start his career but hasn’t taken a single defensive snap despite being active all seven games. Playing on his third team in three years, Ya-Sin has started once in his last 21 games. He has played 72 snaps on the 49ers’ shaky special teams.
Tight end Eric Saubert, claimed off Houston practice squad
Saubert and Jake Tonges were signed in hopes of finding a second receiving option to go along with George Kittle and to provide blocking in the way Charlie Woerner did a year ago. Saubert has four catches for 67 yards in two starts and has shown some blocking skill.
Running back Patrick Taylor Jr., 1 year, $1,055 million
Got his most work in 2023 with Green Bay, carrying 32 times for 141 yards in 11 games. Pressed into action just once on offense when Jordan Mason was injured against Seattle, Taylor carried five times for 16 yards and caught one pass for 12 yards. He has played 60 special teams snaps. Upon Christian McCaffery’s return, it will be strictly special teams (33 snaps so far), being inactive or worse.
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Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, 1 year, $2.25 million
Dobbs had starting experience with three teams and the 49ers wanted him enough to guarantee his contract for one year. Dobbs, however lost a competition with returnee Brandon Allen to be the backup for Brock Purdy, with coach Kyle Shanahan trusting Allen’s knowledge of the decision. He’ll be an “in case of emergency, break glass” quarterback unless Purdy and/or Allen go down and will simulate mobile quarterbacks for the scout team.
Linebacker Ezekiel Turner, 1 year, $1.15 million
Turner was a core special teams player for six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the 49ers in the offseason, presumably to replace the departed Oren Burks. However, Turner was released by the 49ers on Aug. 14. He has since resurfaced on the practice squad of the Houston Texans and was a game day promotion one time, getting 13 snaps on special teams.
