The San Francisco 49ers have been prominent in NFL rumors this offseason because of a Brock Purdy contract extension and the pursuit of a Deebo Samuel trade. While two big moves could be on the horizon, a more immediate focus is NFL free agency.
San Francisco missed the playoffs this past season, finishing the year with a 6-11 record. While injuries played a massive part in it, the 49ers roster also lacks the depth that helped it reach the NFC Championship Game in three consecutive years. It’s why NFL free agency will be critical this spring.
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According to Sportskeeda‘s Tony Pauline, the 49ers are heading into NFL free agency with a focus on offensive linemen and a cornerback, with the possibility of adding a wide receiver.
Adding a wide receiver could be contingent on when Samuel is traded. With that said, it’s obviously a lower priority for the club since the 49ers draft class in 2024 featured first-round pick Ricky Pearsall and fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing.
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San Francisco will likely need to replace Charvarius Ward. The veteran had a down year in 2024, which isn’t surprising given the loss of his child. While he is one of the best cornerbacks available in NFL free agency, Ward has expressed a preference to play outside of California given his family’s trauma in the state.
D.J. Reed Jr. is the best cornerback available and he would add a high-end starter who 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is very familiar with. If the team wants to spread its money around on multiple positions, veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III or Rasul Douglas could be more cost-effective options.
As for the 49ers offensive line, only one spot is secured long-term. San Francisco will likely need to find a long-term replacement for Trent Williams, but that will come from the 2025 NFL Draft. Outside of right guard Dominick Puni, everyone else on the offensive line is a replacement-level player.
As for potential targets in NFL free agency, veteran guards Kevin Zeitler and Brandon Scherff could offer immediate help while Morgan Moses, Dan Moore Jr. and Alaric Jackson could be targets to start at offensive tackle next season.
