49ers sign former Browns defensive tackle to 2-year deal [report]

The 49ers are back with another mid-level signing that is anything but sure to get the blood pumping. Before you ask, yes, it's another two-year deal, and yes, it's on the defensive line.

This time, though, it's a defensive tackle: Jordan Elliott, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, on a two-year, $10 million deal.

That figure is interesting, as is Elliott. While Pro Football Focus is not the end-all-be-all of talent evaluation, Elliott's 46.2 overall grade ranked 120 out of 141 qualified defensive tackles last season.

He is by no means a gap-plugging run-stopper. But his pass-rushing grade of 63.9 (72nd out of 140 DTs) may be an indication that the 49ers view him as a complement to Javon Hargrave on third downs, or other clear pass-rushing situations. Either way, it's a substantial price. Former 49er Maurice Hurst, who had a resurgent season last year (after two injury-riddled ones in Santa Clara) got a one-year, $3.2 million deal.

It remains to be seen what the guarantees are on all these deals the 49ers are handing out, but so far they are not acquiring elite-level talent. They are arguably over-spending on the league's middle class.

However, if the 49ers' plan is to acquire a quality corner in free agency, and possible add a gap-plugging defensive tackle in the draft like Texas' T'Vondre Sweat, and/or draft offensive line help in a tackle-heavy class, these moves might make a bit more sense, rounding out the edges on a team that's been lacking depth.