During his tenure with the Washington Stubblefield's performance declined. In three seasons, Stubblefield recorded only seven and a half sacks. The 49ers are hoping he can rejuvenate his career in his return to San Francisco. Stubblefield is already penciled in to start at defensive tackle next to his good friend, and former teammate Bryant Young. In the past, the two have teamed to be one of the strongest inside duos in the NFL. If Stubblefield can return to form, and the 49ers, and Bryant Young believe he can, there is no reason why the two couldn't reclaim this title.

The 49ers believe Stubblefield is the final piece to the defensive puzzle. Currently the teams front four has John Engelberger playing at defensive end, with Stubblefield in the middle. Bryant Young will play next to Stubblefield, and Andre Carter will play next to young. On paper this starting defensive line seems to have it all from run stopping abilities, to hurrying the quarterback this line should be a significant upgrade from last season.

Providing the defensive line does improve its play from last season, it is fair to assume that the rest of the defense will benefit. Quarterbacks will have a harder time passing benefiting the defensive backs and linebackers, and the team shouldn't have to rely on the linebackers or defensive backs to bring regular pressure on the quarterback.