Ranking 49ers' biggest offseason needs ahead of free agency
The next two weeks are critical for the 49ers, as they set their sights on returning to the terrain they occupied in 2019 as the top team in the NFC.General manager John Lynch manages a roster with some gaping holes at this stage of the offseason. He is not alone. Most NFL teams face similar dilemmas in what should be a fascinating free-agent signing period.The lowering salary cap is likely to create an element of chaos around the league. Many teams must make cuts to comply with the salary cap. Teams will still spend big money on big talent. But they must also manage their rosters to cut costs with a large segment of lower-priced players.As the 49ers enact their plan to form their roster, here is a look at their biggest needs -- in increasing order -- as their roster is currently constructed.
The 49ers want to bolster the backup spot. So the 49ers, in essence, hope to add a player whom they hope never has to step onto the field during the 2021 season.
Nick Mullens is a restricted free agent. The 49ers are not likely to tender him because he is currently in the midst of a six-month recovery from surgery on his throwing elbow. C.J. Beathard is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
The 49ers have three quarterbacks on their roster: Jimmy Garoppolo, Josh Rosen and Josh Johnson. Do they sign a veteran? Do they trade for one? Do they draft one?
All those options are wide open a week before the start of the new league year.
The 49ers have their starting wideouts: Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Richie James is under contract. Jalen Hurd was injured his first two seasons, so anything he gives them at this point is just a bonus.
Veteran receiver Travis Benjamin remains under contract after taking the COVID-19 opt-out. It remains to be seen if he fits into the team’s plans.
What the 49ers have lacked for most of the past four seasons is a true slot receiver -- a player who can get open quickly and give the 49ers’ quarterback an easy pitch-and-catch option to keep the chains moving. Trent Taylor, who is a free agent, was supposed to be that guy. But injuries rendered him a non-factor.
Kendrick Bourne is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers can afford to wait and let prices drop before addressing this area.
The 49ers have three starters: Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw. Bosa is rehabbing after his season ended in Week 2 with a torn ACL. After that, there are a lot of spots to fill with the team’s rotation.
Edge rusher Dee Ford missed 15 games last season with a back condition that places his NFL future in jeopardy. Also, D.J. Jones, Kerry Hyder and Solomon Thomas are scheduled free agents.
Currently, Kentavius Street, Kevin Givens and Darrion Daniels could fit as rotational players. Ronald Blair, Jordan Willis and Dion Jordan are free agents who could fit backup roles.
If the 49ers are able to re-sign left tackle Trent Williams, their offensive line will be improved from a year ago. If Williams leaves, the 49ers will be in a difficult spot.
It will take a lot to bring back Williams. He could attract a contract in the range of $20 million or more per season. Williams’ athleticism, size and strength make him a perfect fit for the demands of Kyle Shanahan’s offense -- both as a run-blocker and pass-protector.
The 49ers will also look at the free-agent market to see if there are options available to make upgrades at center and right guard, where Daniel Brunskill and Colton McKivitz are the most likely options if nobody is added. Both players gained valuable experience last season and should be improved if they return as starters in those roles.
The 49ers started eight different cornerbacks last season. Not one of them has a contract for next season.
The 49ers are likely to bring back Emmanuel Moseley, who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent. After him, the 49ers have to cobble together at least another starter, a nickel back, and a comfortable number of top reserves who will inevitably be called upon to play major roles in 2021.
Richard Sherman has already foreshadowed that he will continue his career elsewhere. Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams are likely the 49ers’ top targets at this position. But they could be attractive options for Robert Saleh and the New York Jets, too.
