Winner: 49ers binge and purge
John Lynch and Co. have wasted absolutely no time restructuring the roster of the San Francisco 49ers, purging some well known players (and some not so well known) while making some huge splashes in free agency, with more to likely come.
First, the purging.
The 49ers let veteran starting receiver Torrey Smith hit the open market, then switched to defense and released Pro Bowl starting safety Antoine Bethea. They also dumped failed third-round center from 2014, Marcus Martin, who never lived up to expectations.
Out with the old and in with the new. These are significant moves, and they represent a complete shift away from Trent Baalke’s vision.
In its place, the 49ers are clearly under new management — a team that is not afraid to get what it wants on the offensive side of the ball.
Pierre Garcon — a guy who caught 113 balls in Kyle Shanahan’s offense in 2013 — is on his way to the Bay. So also is Brian Hoyer, who could still be joined by Kirk Cousins in a trade.
Shanahan, who made Taylor Gabriel into a star, also got a speedster for his tool kit in Olympian Marquise Goodwin, previously a Buffalo Bills receiver. Additionally, the 49ers reportedly landed Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk (barring last-minute setback), who is considered to be the best at his position in the NFL.
A significant defensive move was made as well, as Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Malcolm Smith will reportedly sign when free agency opens on Thursday.
This team had gobs of cash to spend heading into free agency and isn’t done spending still. Better yet, it appears the money is being smartly spent.