There are always a few big names that dominate the discussion when free agency time rolls around, but there are often smaller names whose movements wind up having a big impact.
It is looking like 49ers defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois will be one of those players this year. Jean-Francois has been a backup all across the defensive line for the 49ers since they made him a seventh-round pick in 2009 and he showed the capability for more while filling in for the injured Justin Smith near the end of the regular season.
That’s led to reported interest in signing him in several places. We’ve heard that the Packers may be bidders and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens also have “some interest” in signing the defensive lineman. The Ravens were underwhelmed by the contributions of defensive tackles Terrance Cody and Ma’ake Kemoeatu last season, which indicates where they might see a fit for Jean-Francois.
With the Packers and others also intrigued by the prospect of adding Jean-Francois to the mix and the Ravens squeezed a bit by the cap, it may be difficult for them to wind up landing Jean-Francois.