The defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers don’t necessarily have a whole lot of holes to fill. They were an overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
In no way does this mean general manager John Lynch won’t be active in NFL free agency. Most were surprised by the big ticket signing of star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave last year. Perhaps, Lynch opts to go in that direction again.
There are perceived needs on the offensive line, at tight end and out on the edge. Cornerback could also be a focal point for the 49ers.
San Francisco currently finds itself $3.44 million over the 2024 NFL salary cap. Though, it can save tens of millions by restructuring multiple contracts. Expect that to be the case here in the next few days. With that as a backdrop, let’s look at four potential targets for the 49ers in NFL free agency.
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San Francisco 49ers targets in NFL free agency
Jonnu Smith, tight end
We’ve seen Lynch and the 49ers do this a lot in the past. That is to say, targeting players who have been released by other teams. They do not count against the NFL compensatory draft formula. Expect this to continue during the 2024 offseason.
Tight end behind George Kittle is an obvious need in San Francisco. Other players at this position caught a combined four passes for the 49ers in 2023. That’s just not going to cut it moving forward. We like Smith as a low-cost option. The veteran caught 50 passes for 582 yards while hauling in 71% of his targets for the Atlanta Falcons a season ago. He’d be an ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense behind Kittle.
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Mekhi Becton, offensive tackle
Among the biggest issues for San Francisco’s offensive line last season was the performance of Colton McKivitiz at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed the fourth-most QB pressures and fourth-most sacks among offensive tackles a season ago. This is a complete red flag in front of Brock Purdy.
Still only 24 years old, Becton is set to hit free agency. The former New York Jets first-round pick has not panned out in the NFL. He’s started 30 games in four seasons and missed the entire 2022 campaign to injury. With that said, the upside is there for Becton to compete with a potential high-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for the starting right tackle spot. He did start 16 games a season ago for the Jets.
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Darious Williams, cornerback
Another player who was a surprise release this offseason, Williams should certainly be on the San Francisco 49ers’ radar. The 30-year-old veteran has been a full-time starter for pretty much the past four seasons. In 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams recorded 19 passes defended and four interceptions. That former stat ranked second among NFL cornerbacks behind Charvarius Ward of the 49ers. Opposing quarterbacks also posted a mere 55% completion and 63.9 rating when targeting him.
There is a need at cornerback behind Ward in San Francisco. Deommodore Lenoir is much better suited for the slot after playing well in that regard a season ago. Ambry Thomas is not the answer at the other boundary spot. Getting Williams on the cheap would be a coup.
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Danielle Hunter, EDGE
This one just makes too much sense. Chase Young struggled in San Francisco after coming over from the Washington Commanders ahead of the in-season NFL trade deadline. He might not be back with the 49ers. Obviously, there is a major need out on the edge opposite Nick Bosa for the red and gold.
Hunter, 29, would not come cheap in NFL free agency. He’s looking at well north of $20 million annually. But the four-time Pro Bowler has been dominant for the Minnesota Vikings. This past season saw him lead the league with 23 tackles for loss. Hunter also recorded 22 QB hits, 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Just imagine a front four of Bosa, Hargrave, Hunter and Arik Armstead. Lynch and Co. have to be salivating over this possibility.