Kansas City Chiefs trade deadline targets to improve the defense
By Scott Loring
Azeez Al-Shaair
Another 49ers player who could draw some potential interest at the deadline is linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The 6’3″ 230-lb. Al-Shaair has stepped in nicely at weakside linebacker for San Francisco while starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been injured, boasting a 62.4 grade on PFF. The 2019 UDFA from Florida Atlantic racked up an impressive 395 tackles in 43 collegiate games and has proven to be a reliable run defender in his third season in the NFL.
While the Niners appreciate his production, they might not want to pay him in 2022 when he will become a restricted free agent. Selling high on his recent success in a spot role could be the right move for John Lynch.
The Chiefs have invested a couple of high draft picks on linebackers recently, selecting Willie Gay, Jr. and Nick Bolton in the second round of the last two drafts. However, a recent injury to Anthony Hitchens may force Veach’s hand into pursuing some help on the defense’s second level. Al-Shaair can play both the WILL and the SAM. One thing to keep an eye on is whether he can pass a physical before Tuesday; Al-Shaair was a late scratch for the Niners’ Halloween game because he did not pass pre-game concussion protocol.
Projected Compensation
If Al-Shaair clears concussion protocol, he could be had for a 6th round pick.