San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 5 Free Agents Team Will Sign in 2017
If the San Francisco 49ers have any hope of returning to relevance in the near future, making several big moves during 2017 NFL Free Agency would be ideal.
The San Francisco 49ers are in the middle of a major rebuild. Luckily for them, they have plenty of money to spend and a No. 2 overall pick to work with as they head into a pivotal offseason.
Unfortunately, 2017 NFL Free Agency isn't going to be as easy as this team would hope. Despite having about $95.4 million in cap space (via Spotrac.com), there will be plenty of players wary of signing with the 49ers considering the state of affairs in the front office. It's become clear owner Jed York isn't the easiest guy to work with or play under.
It also doesn't help that a rookie GM with no front office experience is now calling the shots. John Lynch was an outstanding player and is a great football mind, but he may not be ready to make some of the tough calls that come with running an NFL team. Even Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers' top offseason hire, is coming in as a first-time head coach.
Some players will be swayed by money, but plenty more will avoid this franchise like the plague. With so much uncertainty surrounding the team's future, it's not the type of situation stars want to put themselves in. And it's not like they'll be winning Super Bowls anytime soon.
So let's take a look at five players I'm predicting the 49ers will sign this offseason. It's going to be tough sledding for Lynch and Co. in the next month, but that doesn't mean they can't take a big step forward during 2017 NFL Free Agency.
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5. Andre Holmes, WR – Oakland Raiders
After parting ways with Torrey Smith, the 49ers need serious help at wide receiver. There are a number of big-name options they could target during free agency, but that doesn't mean they can't also look for some added depth as well.
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That's where someone such as Andre Holmes could fit into San Francisco's offseason plan. The former Raiders receiver has shown glimpses of greatness during his five-year NFL career, but hasn't yet turned his amazing athleticism and size into consistent production. Just this past season, he turned in only 14 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns.
It's clear Holmes has underwhelmed despite the persistent hype through five seasons. However, maybe a change of scenery (or an expanded role) could finally unlock some of his potential. With the 49ers desperate for playmakers out wide, Holmes may actually thrive in a rebuilding offense like San Francisco's.
Playing under Shanahan would certainly help bring out the best in Holmes. While I wouldn't go as far as saying he'd become an overnight star, the added opportunities on the other side of the Bay may be enough to coax some serious production out of the former undrafted free agent.
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4. Jarvis Jones, OLB – Pittsburgh Steelers
At some point this offseason, the 49ers need to make an upgrade or three at outside linebacker. Their current group of edge rushers is average at best, with only Aaron Lynch flashing any real upside at this point in time.
While Jarvis Jones is no home run, he's got the upside and experience to make an impact in 2017. More importantly, he's essentially unproven at this moment—any exceptional edge rusher isn't going to want to sign with the 49ers in the middle of this massive rebuild. Jones needs to find a team willing to gamble on his upside, and that's exactly what San Francisco is.
Through four seasons, Jones has been little more than a bust. In 50 appearances, he's racked up only six sacks after starring at Georgia as a pass-rushing specialist. It's safe to say something isn't going to suddenly click with Jones, but he can still serve as a capable starter for the time being.
The good thing about Jones is he'll be cheap talent. Even though the 49ers have plenty to spend, that doesn't mean they need to waste it on average starters. As mentioned before, though, there are only going to be so many free agents willing to sign with San Francisco considering the team's recent internal struggles.
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3. Morris Claiborne, CB – Dallas Cowboys
Coming out of college, Morris Claiborne looked like a star in the making. After five NFL seasons, it's become clear he's still got something to offer even if he has already been labeled a bust. Before another injury, Claiborne was putting together a strong 2016 campaign for the Cowboys.
That's why he seems like a reasonable option for the 49ers. Chances are the other top names on the open market (A.J. Bouye and Stephon Gilmore) will sign elsewhere, meaning San Francisco will be forced to look further down the list of free agents. However, despite the apparent stigma, Claiborne wouldn't be a bad signing by any means.
When healthy, the former first-round pick is capable of being a star. He's a tremendous athlete with good instincts in coverage, and can be effective against the run at times. While I wouldn't go as far as calling him a true No. 1 cornerback, he's better than anything the 49ers have when he's at his best.
Claiborne is absolutely a risky signing. He's coming off a groin injury that cost him a good chunk of his 2016 season. However, if he can stay relatively healthy, there's no denying he'd make an immediate impact on the 49ers' secondary.
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2. Brian Hoyer, QB – Chicago Bears
Following the departure of Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers are suddenly devoid of any quarterback talent. I mean that literally—they don't have a single gunslinger under contract right now. Suffice it to say, San Francisco must add a capable starter during free agency.
Yes, chances are high the 49ers will spend the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on a young arm. However, even if that is the case, they need to sign someone who can handle the starting job until the rookie is ready. There are several options available this offseason, but Brian Hoyer seems like one of the strongest candidates.
When healthy, Hoyer is arguably an above-average starter. Unfortunately, it's not often he's actually healthy. That's been his ultimate downfall up to this point, but maybe things would be different in the Bay Area. It could be Hoyer's opportunity to help this 49ers team turn the corner and get back on track towards contention.
Is he a long-term answer under center? Of course not. But Hoyer is more than capable of starting for a year or two until any incoming youngsters are ready. I can assure you he'd be a better option than re-signing Blaine Gabbert, and isn't nearly the headcase Kaepernick became. There are definitely worse options available during 2017 NFL Free Agency.
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1. Terrelle Pryor, WR – Cleveland Browns
Even though several big names will avoid the 49ers, someone is going to give in to their boatloads of cap space. One of their top targets will decide the money is enough to overlook the instability of this franchise. I'm guessing that'll be Terrelle Pryor.
As mentioned previously, San Francisco is in dire need of a No. 1 receiver. While signing Pryor would be somewhat of a gamble, we saw this past season he's capable of carrying a passing game. Imagine what he could do if he were catching passes from a quality quarterback–maybe Hoyer or a promising rookie?
I'm guessing the 49ers will try to land someone like Alshon Jeffery. However, chances are he'd rather sign for a contender since he'll likely get top-dollar offers from numerous teams. That could force Lynch and Shanahan to look elsewhere. Pryor seems ready to move on the Browns, so he makes perfect sense.
It also helps that Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot has already confirmed the 49ers' interest in the quarterback-turned-receiver.
When it all comes down to it, though, I believe Pryor will opt to connect with Shanahan. We saw the type of damage he can do with a competent passing game in Atlanta, and I'm assuming he's got a plan to put something similar together in San Francisco. Pryor could easily be the star of the show once all of the pieces fall into place.
