Here are the teams most likely to sign Burns (assuming he doesn’t return to the Panthers), according to BetUS.

The 49ers need a defensive end and Brian Burns will be a free agent. Will they sign him?

Currently, they don’t have enough cap space, but they easily can restructure contracts to free up some spending money, which they surely will do. And that’s why the oddsmakers expect the 49ers to make a run for Burns.

Here are the teams most likely to sign Burns (assuming he doesn’t return to the Panthers), according to BetUS.

1. The Baltimore Ravens: +400

2. The Jacksonville Jaguars: +500

3. The Los Angeles Rams: +600

4. The Detroit Lions: +700

5. The Philadelphia Eagles: +700

6. The San Francisco 49ers: +800

So the 49ers aren’t the favorite to land Burns, and there’s a good chance he’ll end up in the AFC. But if he signs with an NFC team, the oddsmakers expect most of the top teams to be interested in him. And if Burns signs with the Rams or the Lions, he could tilt the balance of power in the conference. Remember, the 49ers beat the Lions by a mere three points at home in the NFC Championship Game — the difference between the teams is miniscule.

The 49ers have lots of needs on their roster, and they’re already heavily invested on the defensive line with expensive starters such as Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead. But the 49ers still don’t have a suitable defensive end opposite Bosa, and they’ve been looking for that player ever since they traded for Dee Ford in 2019.

Remember, the 49ers traded a second-round pick for Ford, then gave him a five-year, $87.5 million contract. Then this past year they traded a third-round for Chase Young.

Don’t be surprised if the 49ers make another big investment at defensive end this offseason. Burns is the best one available. Let’s see how aggressive the 49ers will be.

49ers Reportedly Interested In Re-Signing Notable Defender

(Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

Super Bowl LVIII was in the San Francisco 49ers’ sights as they were just one half away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

The 49ers had a double-digit lead at halftime and had the game under control before Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs ripped off a run to force overtime.

After San Francisco scored a field goal in the extra period, Mahomes marched down the field and hit Mecole Hardman for a touchdown to win the game.

It must’ve been hard for 49ers fans to watch the team go out the way they did, but at least they’re still set up to compete for a Super Bowl in 2024.

The defensive line could use some reinforcements but it appears that San Francisco is considering bringing back Chase Young, per Dan Graziano of ESPN via 49ers on NBCS.

“The 49ers have at least some interest in bringing back edge rusher Chase Young, who was a bit of a disappointment for them after their deadline deal to acquire him from Washington but is still just 24 and has a great relationship with star 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa,” Graziano wrote.

The 49ers reportedly have "some" interest in re-signing defensive end Chase Young in free agency 👀https://t.co/OQSaJKAwun

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) March 3, 2024

Young came to the Bay Area at the NFL trade deadline and it was considered a win for the 49ers because of his upside and talent.

However, Young failed to make much of an impact in the regular season and postseason so some thought San Francisco would let him walk in free agency to recoup a compensatory pick.

It sounds like the 49ers will explore their options along the edge and a reunion with Young is at least in the cards.