49ers Blog and Q&A: Report: 49ers eyeing sack master John Abraham

49ers Blog and Q&A

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March 8, 2013

Report: 49ers eyeing sack master John Abraham

Former Falcons defensive end John Abraham is scheduled to visit the 49ers after a meeting with the Seahawks today, writes Mike Garafolo of USA Today. Abraham (6-4, 263) has been a 4-3 defensive end throughout his career but projects to outside linebacker - who moves to defensive end in passing situations - in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme.

The Falcons released Abraham, 34, last week in a cost-cutting move after a season in which he started 15 games and finished with 10 sacks. Abraham hasn't had any fewer than 9 ½ sacks in his last three seasons with Atlanta. Meanwhile, the 49ers are happy with their two starters at outside linebacker - Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks - but there is a sense that Smith, at least, wore down at the end of the season when he was dealing with a shoulder injury.

Smith finished with 19 ½ sacks and was named the team's MVP. Brooks finished with 6 ½ sacks and played well in the NFC Championship game - against Atlanta - and in the Super Bowl. He also intercepted a pass for a touchdown Nov. 25 against New Orleans.

The 49ers also have Parys Haralson, who is returning from a triceps tear, on the roster at outside linebacker, as well as 2012 rookies Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson. Veteran Clark Haggans is a pending free agent. He had surgery to repair a partially torn labrum after the season.

It's not known whether the Seahawks will push to sign Abraham before he leaves today. A four-time Pro Bowler, Abraham needs 6½ more sacks to become one of the NFL's Top 10 all-time sack leaders.

-- Matt Barrows

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