For the second consecutive offseason, the 49ers have ample resources to do whatever they want in NFL free agency and the veteran trade market. According to OverTheCap.com, San Francisco is projected to be more than $69 million under the 2019 salary cap, the seventh most room in the league.
Last year, general manager John Lynch was a little guarded with the spending but still above average in aggressiveness. Cornerback Richard Sherman was the biggest name the 49ers signed after his castoff from the rival Seahawks, with the moves for running back Jerick McKinnon and center Weston Richburg being next on the marquee.
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This year, wide receiver Antonio Brown, soon to part ways with the Steelers, has made it known he would love to play for the 49ers. For Lynch, since acquiring Brown will also cost a personnel asset or two on top of inheriting a big contract, it's a big decision that will affect San Francisco's ability to address its other team needs.
Here's breaking down the 49ers' free agency outlook and how they might tackle each position.
49ers team needs
- Defensive end
- Cornerback
- Wide receiver
- Safety
- Linebacker
- Guard
Defensive end
The 49ers can rush the passer from defensive tackle with DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas. But they need to nail down someone who can get to the QB off the edge. With the No. 2 overall pick, staying there could yield an answer with either Nick Bosa or Josh Allen. At this point, since the Niners used two recent high first-rounders on Bucker and Thomas, there's no reason to think they will shy away from addressing the defensive line early with a new developing void.
Should they go the veteran route, the two best system guys they can go after — Dante Fower Jr and Bruce Irvin — both played for two teams last season. They also could take a flyer on Dion Jordan.
Cornerback
The 49ers shored up things on one side with Sherman, but young Ahkello Witherspoon struggled last year. Nickel corner Jmmie Ward is a free agent. San Francisco should be thinking more about upgrading inside first, and it would not need to break the bank for either Darqueze Dennard or Justin Coleman.
For the outside, knowing Sherman turns 31 in March, the 49ers likely will go for a younger veteran. Rashaan Melvin and Bradley Roby are coming off disappointing years but can round into being useful in Robert Saleh's zone scheme.
Wide receiver
With Pierre Garcon being released, the 49ers aren't totally stuck as they prepare their receiving corps for a big boost with the return of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Marquise Goodwin was a favorite of Jimmy G, and Dante Pettis has high upside in his second year. They also have two promising options in the slot with Trent Taylor and Richie James, who will now benefit from the tutelage of assistant coach Wes Welker.
But a true, established No. 1 receiver would be an offense-changer. Brown is that guy because of his ability to dominate while running any route all the way through the red zone. He also can draw double-team attention to help free up the other receivers. There is a concern that Goodwin, who has been hampered by Achilles and calf injuries, can't hold up as the go-to guy. Pettis looks more appealing as a No. 2 and a speedy deep threat.
Another reason for the 49ers to go after Brown: They are unlikely to make receiver a high draft priority. Plus, the free-agent pool is full of the types of wideouts they already have. Brown could raise Garoppolo's game to the level they expected when they invested big money in the QB. Coach Kyle Shanahan, who worked with Julio Jones in Atlanta, would take full advantage.
Brown, though, is not a free agent. So the only questions are whether Pittsburgh will demand too high a price and whether San Francisco will prefer to make their free-agency splurge elsewhere.
Safety
That elsewhere could be reuniting Sherman with Earl Thomas.
In Seattle last year, Thomas proved to still be an elite playmaker in the same system San Francisco utilizes. With Jaquiski Tartt at strong safety, the 49ers need a free safety who can be a difference-maker in coverage. Adrian Amos is a rising star, but he might carry the same kind of price tag as that of Thomas.
Some more reasonable options that could help the 49ers against the pass are Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tre Boston and Tyrann Mathieu. Otherwise, they will be positioned to get a good safety after the draft's first round.
MORE: SN's latest 2019 NFL Mock Draft
Linebacker
The 49ers had to cut ties with Reuben Foster last season. Fred Warner and Malcolm Smith were below-average starters on the inside and weak side, respectively. Matt Nzeocha is a free agent. The goal should be to come out of free agency with one new starter and some competitive depth before addressing the position again in the draft.
For the inside, the 49ers could go big with Kwon Alexander, but Zach Vigil and Will Compton would be good assets against the pass at a lesser cost. On the outside, the older prizes are K.J. Wright and Thomas Davis, but Vincent Rey offers more versatility.
Guard
With Mike Person heading into free agency, the 49ers need a new right guard to play between Richburg and Mike McGlinchey. Andy Levitre, who worked well for Shanahan in Atlanta, makes the most sense. For cheaper a plug-in, there's also D.J. Fluker.
