It’s only the second day of 2023 NFL free agency, but the 49ers have suffered massive losses on the roster. This time, defensive end Samson Ebukam is leaving the Bay.

Reports surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the former San Francisco 49er will be signing with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. A deal reportedly for 3 years, $27 million, Ebukam heads to Indy with the hopes of cementing himself as an elite defensive player on the edge.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first with the news.

Colts signing DE Samson Ebukam to a 3-year, $27 million deal. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/TvcMJhnH9k

— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2023

Samson Ebukam, 27, signed with the 49ers in 2021, after spending the first part of his career down the coast with the Los Angeles Rams. During his two seasons in San Francisco, the Nigerian pass rusher became a vital cog for the organization. He finished his Red & gold tenure with 74 combined tackles and 9.5 sacks in 32 regular-season games. 2022 was his best year, racking up a career-high in sacks (5) and QB hits (13).

The 49ers wanted to keep the majority of their defensive lineman this offseason, but after signing DT Javon Hargrave to a massive contract, that became increasingly less likely. Already losing a handful of defensive starters already, San Francisco will need to find additional depth in the trenches.

On the flip side, Ebukam’s play warranted a contract of this nature, cashing in on two productive seasons. He will join former 49ers’ DL DeForest Buckner in Indy, hoping to make easy work of the AFC South.

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