The 49ers’ free agency needs could balloon if they let too many of their own players walk.
First, Trent Williams’ financial fate could dictate how the offensive line is reframed and how much money is available for other spots.
Second, an entirely new cornerback unit is possible, thanks to not having any of their top six options under contract for 2021.
All told, the 49ers could be left with only 10 of the 22 starters from their Super Bowl loss just 13 1/2 months ago.
Such vast turnover is unlikely. At least a couple free agents figure to return, whether that’s because of loyalty or the harsh reality of a stingy marketplace thanks to a reduced salary cap.
Here are the 49ers’ top three needs, which doesn’t include quarterback because there simply isn’t a plausible upgrade to Jimmy Garoppolo available:
1. Defensive end
Instead of being obsessed over Garoppolo’s fate or his potential successor, the 49ers’ marquee player to watch this offseason is Nick Bosa, whose recovery from 2020 knee reconstruction is vital to the franchise’s short- and long-term future.
The 49ers must be cautious with Bosa’s comeback and not overload him. Dee Ford’s health issues may make him a sunk cost. So obviously the 49ers need top-shelf reinforcements. Kerry Hyder Jr. emerged as a pleasant surprise last season, and his upcoming payday could be crippled by the NFL’s cap crunch, leading him back to the 49ers.
Do they take fliers again on former first-rounders Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan? Rather than overpay for Shaq Barrett or Carl Lawson – if available — perhaps the 49ers wait for a veteran to take a one-year deal in hopes of a kinder market in 2022.
Otherwise, the 49ers could use their top draft pick on a defensive lineman for the sixth time in seven years.
2. Cornerback
This regime, as was the case in Trent Baalke’s era, believes in investing more on the defensive front than in the secondary, as evidenced by the parade of cornerbacks who played 2020 as a contract year. Despite the obvious need, perhaps they move their money elsewhere and rely on the draft to stockpile starting cornerbacks (a la 1981 and 2000).
Jason Verrett’s 2020 comeback is tempered by an injury history that could scare off other suitors, and he’s earned the right to test the market, at least. Losing Verrett and captain Richard Sherman would be a double-whammy; Sherman’s veteran presence and knowledge was invaluable the past three seasons.
Highly regarded slot cornerback K’Waun Williams could be hurt by a market deep at his position. Emmanuel Moseley remains unsigned as a restricted free agent, but that could change soon. Perhaps 2017 third-round pick Ahkello Witherspoon is lurking as a bargain buy for someone after a hot-and-cold tenure.
So many unsigned cornerbacks, so little investment, thus far.
3. Offensive line
Retaining Williams at left tackle is the No. 1 goal, and sneaking in another proven veteran or two on the interior would better protect Garoppolo in his do-or-die year.
Signing Williams at perhaps $20 million annually (or more) is the suck-it-up cost of business. But it could deplete this offseason’s cap room. So what if the 49ers go cheap?
In-house tackles are Mike McGlinchey, Justin Skule, Shon Coleman and Colton McKivitz, perhaps even Daniel Brunskill. With at least eight starting-caliber tackles hitting the market, the 49ers might find a gem in there, or the draft is a reasonable path.
Again, the line’s interior is a concern, unless the 49ers find the market offers up Brandon Scherff (Washington), Joe Thuney (Patriots), Corey Linsley (Packers), Alex Mack (Falcons), Andrew Norwell (Jaguars), Brandon Brooks (Eagles), Kevin Zeitler (Giants), Trai Turner (Chargers), Ted Karras (Dolphins), and Nick Martin (Texans).
A plug-and-play veteran makes sense for an offense with so much at stake in determining its future at quarterback and contention from a quarterback future and title-contending standpoint.
