49ers Gear Up for Challenge Following Myles Garrett's Trade to Rams

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The recent trade of Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams struck San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster with an immediate shock. The addition of the formidable pass rusher to a division rival means the 49ers will face Garrett twice this season, starting with their opening game in Australia.

Foerster described his initial reaction, saying, “It was kind of a little gut punch at first, you’d feel like, gosh, here we go.” However, he quickly shifted his focus to preparation, arriving early to analyze game footage of Garrett, the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “He’s a tough football player. He’s going to be a challenge for us to take care of," Foerster added. "But we had a plan last year. It’s good for them and it’ll be a good challenge for us.”

Garrett, who spent nine seasons with the Browns, has faced the 49ers in three previous games, including a match last season where he recorded one of his impressive 23 sacks. Following a 26-8 victory for the 49ers in Week 13, star left tackle Trent Williams remarked that he wouldn’t mind avoiding Garrett in the future, calling him the “best ever.” Now, Williams and the team are set to confront him two times this upcoming season.

Reflecting on last season's performance, Foerster noted that the 49ers had a strategy that allowed them to handle Garrett effectively. With the Rams now boasting Garrett, who joins a squad that narrowly missed the Super Bowl last season, the 49ers’ game plan remains steadfast. “We had to take care of Jared Verse. We have to take care of Myles Garrett. It’s an edge player,” he explained, emphasizing that while Garrett is a unique talent, the approach to managing an edge rusher remains similar.

Quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi maintained a pragmatic outlook, asserting that the Niners are accustomed to facing tough opponents weekly. “Every game’s hard,” he said. “It is what it is. New players, free agency, trades, it’s so common nowadays.”

In roster updates, the 49ers have signed safety Ashtyn Davis to a one-year contract to bolster their defensive depth. A Santa Cruz native and former Cal player, Davis was drafted by the New York Jets in 2020 and brings significant NFL experience. Meanwhile, the team waived running back Jermar Jefferson, who had joined the roster just last week.