Relying on free agents to take your team to the next level, especially after a four-win season, is not a team's best option as proper drafting and development of younger players is what will ultimately help sustain success for a franchise. But you shouldn't underestimate the importance of what a few good free agent signings can do for a team.
They can bring in a veteran presence to an otherwise young team. The 49ers' own Richard Sherman is the perfect example of just that. They can show younger players how to be professionals in their day-to-day duties, helping along that development process.
As the start of the 2019 league year is on the horizon, let's take a look at the top five free agents who the 49ers should keep their eyes on.
Now it's likely that Dallas will do everything it can to keep a player of this magnitude and sign him to a long-term deal. Nonetheless, with some other big names that it has to sign and Lawrence likely wanting top dollar it's certainly a possibility he tests free agency. As long as it's a possibility the 49ers should be doing their due diligence.
Clowney will be entering his sixth season but is only 25 years old and has quite a bit of football left in the tank and could certainly change the face of the 49ers defensive line. The 49ers won't be able to take Clowney away easily though as the Texans will have the option to utilize the franchise tag on him if they see fit.
He also was graded as the top pass rusher in the 2018 postseason with a 92.3. It seemed that it all just clicked for Ford in 2018. He was dominant throughout the year and would fit nicely into the 49ers' scheme.
The Chiefs can also utilize the franchise tag but with the recent firing of their defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, a new coordinator may not see him as a fit and the Chiefs could let him test free agency. If that happens, expect the 49ers to go all in.
Even playing for two different teams with different systems in 2018, Tate still managed to put up nearly 800 yards and four touchdowns while averaging over 10 yards per reception. In a Shanahan offense, I think those numbers could elevate by a large margin. He wouldn't be a long-term solution being that he is already 30 years old but he would fill the "Pierre Garçon" roll in a much better fashion for less money.
Tate should be on the 49ers' list, as Shanahan could work wonders with a consistent veteran receiver near the end of his career.
Honorable Mentions:
Dante Folwer Jr., Los Angeles Rams, EDGE
Ronald Darby, Philadelphia Eagles, CB