According to OverTheCap.com, San Francisco has 18 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. After a Super Bowl appearance, the team may need to make tough decisions in the coming weeks to ensure it remains competitive.
NFL free agency begins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 13, at 1 p.m. PT. However, teams can start negotiating with impending free agents two days earlier, on Monday, March 11.
The following 49ers' offensive players are set to become unrestricted free agents, and the Pro Football Focus grades they earned during the 2023 season:
- QB Brandon Allen (N/A)
- WR Chris Conley (65.4)
- QB Sam Darnold (66.0)
- TE Ross Dwelley (52.8)
- G Jon Feliciano (79.8)
- WR Ray-Ray McCloud (63.1)
- T Matt Pryor (88.5)
- TE Charlie Woerner (63.5)
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, general manager John Lynch expressed interest in having guard Feliciano return in 2024. Feliciano rotated with Spencer Burford at right guard but saw his playing time increase as the season progressed.
Both of Purdy's backups are set to become unrestricted free agents. It's likely the 49ers will seek to retain one of them and either draft another quarterback or sign one in free agency.
The following 49ers' defensive players are set to become unrestricted free agents, and the Pro Football Focus grades they earned during the 2023 season:
- LB Oren Burks (58.9)
- DE Clelin Ferrell (60.7)
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (55.1)
- S Tashaun Gipson (67.8)
- DT Kevin Givens (53.1)
- DE Randy Gregory (46.8)
- DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (60.0)
- DT Javon Kinlaw (53.8)
- S Logan Ryan (61.7)
- DE Chase Young (74.7)
Gipson's plans for 2024 remain unclear. The safety considered retirement last offseason before returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal.
The 49ers didn't exercise Kinlaw's fifth-year option. He has yet to live up to his draft status as the No. 14 overall pick in 2020 and will likely be allowed to test free agency.
San Francisco could look to bring back Burks and Flannigan-Fowles after linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw is expected to miss most—possibly all—of the 2024 season.
When asked about the options to replace Greenlaw during the upcoming season, Lynch stated, "Maybe those contingency plans were last year with the two rookies that we drafted, Dee Winters and Jalen Graham. Can they take that step, or do we need to go insulate them? Those are decisions we have to make, and we're constantly looking into those things, seeing if we feel comfortable or do we need to add to the equation."
Ferrell started every game opposite defensive end Nick Bosa before suffering a knee injury during Week 18 and landing on injured reserve.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers eyeing CB help? PFF links team to two free agents
NFL free agency is still six weeks away, giving teams like the San Francisco 49ers a chance to find some quick fixes and bid on veteran talent. Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Mason Cameron recently identified several impending free-agent defensive backs and predicted... -
Four 49ers featured among PFF's top 100 impending free agents
Pro Football Focus recently unveiled its list of the top 100 impending NFL free agents, and four San Francisco 49ers players earned spots within the ranking. This offseason promises to be pivotal for the 49ers as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season while... -
PFF names 49ers as best landing spot for this top-25 free agent
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to invest significantly in their young quarterback, Brock Purdy. With that in mind, it's only logical for the team to prioritize protecting their long-term asset. Many expect general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to use... -
PFF identifies one free agent the 49ers can't afford to lose
Pro Football Focus contributor Dalton Wasserman analyzed the latest crop of impending NFL free agents, highlighting one player each team can't afford to lose. For the San Francisco 49ers, Wasserman spotlighted linebacker Dre Greenlaw—a free agent whose future is clouded...