| 49ers looking to bolster
defensive line
Still seeking
to bolster a defensive front that appears undermanned and
undersized, even as the start of training camp looms, the
San Francisco 49ers have signed unrestricted free agent
end Byron Frisch.
The much-traveled Frisch, who is joining
his fourth team in as many NFL seasons, had auditioned for
49ers coaches and team officials a few weeks ago. Contract
details were not immediately available, but it is likely
Frisch signed a one-year contract that included a base salary
of $450,000, the minimum for a veteran of his tenure.
Frisch, 26, becomes the fourth veteran
free agent defensive lineman to sign with the 49ers this
offseason. San Francisco earlier in the spring signed tackles
D'Marco Farr, Travis Kirschke and Ross Kolodziej. Farr,
a former St. Louis Rams star, was forced to end his comeback
bid after two years away from the game, however, because
of knee problems.
San Francisco also selected a pair of
defensive linemen, tackle Anthony Adams and end Andrew Williams,
in this year's draft.
A former Brigham Young standout, Frisch
originally entered the league as a third-round choice of
the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 draft.
He was on the Tennessee roster as a
rookie but did not see action in any games. Frisch was released
in 2001, played for the Dallas Cowboys that season, and
then signed with the New York Giants in 2002. He has appeared
in 23 games and registered 16 tackles, five sacks, one forced
fumble and two passes defensed.
Given his limited playing time, Frisch
has been relatively productive as a pass rusher and has
always been a solid player against the run. He likely will
compete for the No. 4 end spot behind starters Andre Carter
and John Engelberger and top backup Sean Moran.
In a pinch, Frisch can move inside and
provide some snaps at tackle, another element that might
enhance his chances of earning a roster spot. San Francsico
reports to training camp on July 24.
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