INDIANAPOLIS -- Cassius Marsh didn't last very long in New England.
Marsh was traded from the Seahawks to the Patriots on Sept. 2 of last year, but only played in nine game before being released on Nov. 11. He finished with 14 tackles and one sack, but had a lot of trouble with setting the edge and constantly ran past quarterbacks when rushing the passer. He just wasn't a good fit for the Patriots' scheme.
A day after being released, he was claimed off waivers by the 49ers where he played the final five games, finishing with two sacks, one more than he had in New England.
Speaking at the NFL combine on Thursday, 49ers GM John Lynch explained why San Fran was a better fit for the 25-year-old.
“I think he found an environment that No. 1 fit his skill set," he said. "We have that Leo position, edge rusher. Everyone is looking for an edge rusher and maybe it was a better fit for him in terms of the scheme and then I think he just felt comfortable in our culture and in our locker room. He played well for us. And when guys play well and we can see a future for them, we’re going to do our best to sign them and we did a deal that I thought was fair for him and fair for us. That gives him a lot of upside if he really performs. We think he has an opportunity to do that now. It is incumbent upon him, just like every other player to make that happen. We’re pleased to have him part of us moving forward.”
Added Lynch: “He’s also a great special teams player. He could play some Sam linebacker, but really we see him as an edge rusher.”
Marsh signed a two-year contract with the 49ers that reportedly has a total base value of $7.7 million.