Former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman signs deal with new NFL team
A former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman has found a new home in the NFL, as Hassan Ridgeway has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers announced the news just before 3 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon.
“The #49ers have signed DL Hassan Ridgeway to a one-year deal,” the team tweeted. “Welcome to The Bay, Hassan!”
Ridgeway first entered the league in 2016, when he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in 34 games over three seasons with the Colts, totaling 41 tackles with six tackles for loss, ten quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks. In 2019, Ridgeway joined the Philadelphia Eagles, With the Eagles, Ridgeway played in 31 games over three seasons and totaled 39 tackles with seven tackles for loss, ten quarterback hits, five sacks, and one forced fumble.
Overall, Ridgeway has totaled 80 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one safety in his six-year NFL career. Ridgeway will add some valuable depth to the 49ers stout defensive front.
At Texas, Ridgeway totaled 108 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown across his three-year collegiate career.
Ridgeway joins a loaded 49ers defensive line
While Ridgeway likely won’t play a large role in San Francisco, having depth will be important as the 49ers look to make another run into the playoffs next season.
That defensive line includes defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Maurice Hurst in addition to Ridgeway, plus Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and others at defensive end. The 49ers have also signed corner Charvarius Ward, safety George Odum, and linebacker Oren Books to contracts during free agency, adding incredible depth to an already impressive defense.
According to Spotrac, Ridgeway’s new deal with the 49ers is a one-year agreement worth $1.8 million. That includes a base salary just north of $1 million, with a $350,000 signing bonus and a $340,000 roster bonus.