SANTA CLARA – Flipping the financial calendar to a new league year may prompt the 49ers to address high-priced contracts on their payroll.
And it may not stop them from thinking big as free agency ignites Monday.
The NFC champions’ roster makeover began last week, with the release of cornerback Isaiah Oliver after a scuttled one-year tenure. Restructuring other contracts, or ditching them completely, will create more space for acquisitions, in-house extensions or future moves this year or next offseason.
The 49ers’ regime, led by coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, typically have a surprise or two to make in their annual championship quest.
Complementing their offensive and defensive lines with a veteran might be paramount in this spring’s shopping season, all due respect to needs at cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker and tight end. Here is how the trenches are looking:
Defensive end
WHY HERE: The 49ers’ defensive front line is considered the engine that makes everything go. It sputtered in 2023, and it would be suspect to invest even more when Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead already have cap numbers totaling nearly $60 million in 2024. But the 49ers desperately need a bookend opposite Bosa, and that could come with another high-priced veteran or, more likely, younger prospects who could rotate into that spot.
WHO’S AVAILABLE: Josh Allen (Jaguars; franchise tagged), Brian Burns (Panthers; franchise tagged), Danielle Hunter (Vikings); Jonathan Greenard (Texans), Bryce Huff (Jets), Leonard Floyd (Bills; 32), Yannick Ngakoue (Bears), Andrew Van Ginkel (Dolphins), Jadeveon Clowney (Ravens; 31), Romeo Okwara (Lions), Emmanuel Ogbah (Dolphins); Marcus Davenport (Vikings); Za’Darius Smith (Browns; 32); and, Derek Barnett (Texans).
BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: Acquiring Joey Bosa from the cap-conscious Chargers and pairing him with younger brother, Nick, would be the ideal formula, though it will cost multiple draft picks and millions of dollars. The other intriguing – and outrageous – option is to repeat 2019 (see: Dee Ford, Chiefs) by trading for a franchise-tagged Allen or Burns, then awarding him a top-of-market contract, like the other three starters on the 49ers’ line.
HIGH-PRICED SIGNING: Hunter has 33 sacks in three seasons since neck surgery, including 16 ½ last season at age 29. The Vikings gave him a $72 million extension in 2018, so he’s onto his third contract, and perhaps his last, so he won’t come cheap. No one will. But maybe the 49ers go with a younger model, such as the Texans’ Greenard (12 ½ sacks last year) or the Jets’ Huff (10 sacks under coach Robert Saleh). Flloyd, 31, left the Bears in 2020 to play for the Rams and their defensive coordinator Brandon Saley, who’s now on the 49ers’ staff.
IN-HOUSE OPTIONS: Clelin Ferrell acquitted himself nicely in 2017, but 3 ½ sacks aren’t enough to justify a sizeable raise. Chase Young came from Washington with concerns and didn’t erase them, but a full year/offseason in the system could be what he needs for a bigger year (and a bigger contract next spring). Randy Gregory didn’t produce much, either, and he could be onto his fourth team in as many years.
Offensive line
WHY HERE: Of course the 49ers will want to insulate Brock Purdy from career-threatening, offense-imploding hits and pressure. Every team wants that for their quarterback. The 49ers’ line is not as bad as some perceive. It just broke down in key moments in the Super Bowl. While many focus on upgrading the right guard and right tackle spots, the 49ers need a succession plan in place once Trent Williams is done at left tackle, presumably in the coming years.
WHO’S AVAILABLE: Mike Onwenu (Patriots), Laken Tomlinson (Jets), Jon Runyan Jr. (Packers), Robert Hunt (Dolphins), Andre James (Raiders), Coleman Shelton (Rams), Lloyd Cushenberry (Broncos).
BIG DEAL AHEAD: Onwenu’s experience at both guard and tackle, in four seasons with the Patriots, could be just what the 49ers are looking for in terms of positional flexibility and future lineups. Tomlinson, who blossomed as a reliable right guard for the 49ers from 2017-2021, obviously is well-versed in the 49ers’ scheme, as is Hunt, Runyan and Shelton. If the 49ers look to Cushenberry or other centers, that would be a surprise signal of any displeasure with incumbent Jake Brendel. Most credited offensive tackles hitting the market are over 30, so they’re not exactly long-term solutions to replace Williams, but what about another (non-related) Williams: the Bengals’ Jonah Williams?
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BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: Brandon Scherff once played on Washington’s line with Trent Williams and has nine years of experience. He kicked Arik Armstead in the knee on a perceived dirty play last November, but Scherff is a five-time Pro Bowler whose $15 million salary could make him expendable with the Jaguars.
IN-HOUSE OPTIONS: John Lynch recently expressed a desire to re-sign Jon Feliciano, who seized the starting right guard spot last season ahead of Spencer Burford. It likely will take a hefty raise to lure back Feliciano, who pocketed $2.25 million for last season’s try at a Super Bowl ring. Other 49ers’ free agents are Matt Pryor and Ben Bartch.
