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
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL analyst: 49ers should offer Brock Purdy $25-30 million annually
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a pivotal decision as they evaluate how much quarterback Brock Purdy is worth. Now eligible for a contract extension, Purdy's future salary has become a hot topic of debate. Critics argue that his recent dip in production this season has... -
PFF suggests 49ers sign this linebacker in free agency
NFL free agency is still two months away, but for Pro Football Focus, it's never too early to make predictions. Contributor Bradley Locker highlighted one free agent for each NFL team to target this offseason, and for the San Francisco 49ers, he suggested bolstering their... -
No Huddle Podcast: Top Candidates for the 49ers' Next Defensive Coordinator
(Episode 402) — Jason Aponte of Niners Nation joins Brian Renick to discuss the 49ers firing Nick Sorensen, which available candidates are their favorites, who the 49ers should be hiring, whether they should look at the college ranks for a new defensive coordinator,... -
49ers mailbag: Will Brock Purdy take a team-friendly deal? Who else will SF fire? What will the 49ers do with the number 11 pick?
It's January, and the San Francisco 49ers are at home watching the postseason. It's not what the team or the fans wanted, but there is hope that it could be the best thing for the players, giving them the time to rest, recover, and reset. For all we know, this time next year,...