FanPost

Free Agents the 49ers Should Consider Signing

By looking through the 49ers depth chart, it is understandable as to why they finished the 2016 season 2-14. The lackluster roster is in need of some serious rebuilding. Unfortunately, the 49er faithful may have to patiently wait another few seasons to start seeing some real results. As the free agency period has passed and the 2017 NFL draft has come to an end, most head coaches are filling out depth charts for the upcoming season. Before finalizing any starters or depth players, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan should take another look at some of these free agents that could potentially prove to be worth a contract.

Brandon Flowers (CB, Former team: SD) Alongside the hiring of new head coach Kyle Shanahan, came the hiring of the new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Formerly an assistant Seahawks coach, Saleh plans to run a defense similar to what Pete Carroll puts on in Seattle. The 49ers are likely to heavily utilize zone defenses which complements their new 4-3 scheme. This is where Flowers thrives. A physical corner with great play recognition, Flowers could fit right into Saleh’s defense and become a leader for San Francisco's secondary. If nothing more, Flowers could be a mentor for newly drafted corner Ahkello Witherspoon. With a veteran presence like Flowers, the Niners not only improve in a shallow, talented-deprived position, but also add the experience of someone that can help guide their future. While concussion concerns float around the 31-year old corner, many believe there's still gas in the tank for Flowers and more games for him to play. The 49ers should be interested in adding an immediate impact player at the corner back position after cutting ties with Tramaine Brock earlier in the year.

Ladarius Green (TE, Former team: PIT) At one point in time, most assumed that Green would eventually take over the starting tight end spot in San Diego after the retirement of future hall of famer Antonio Gates. Being 6’6, with a 4.5 40 time, and by having great receiving abilities, it's easy to see why Green is highly touted. On May 18th, the Steelers decided to go in a different direction and part ways with the 26 year old tight end. The 2016 season was littered with nagging injuries for Green and his biggest question mark is whether or not he can stay on the field. Vance Mcdonald will likely get cut from the roster which leaves George Kittle, a rookie out of Iowa, as the starting tight end. Kittle possesses great run blocking ability and is versatile enough to also be used as a fullback. The skills of Kittle is amp up the Niners run game while Green can be a valued pass catcher. It will be interesting to see how Shanahan uses Kittle in the offense, but by adding Ladarius Green to the roster, the 49ers add another great receiving weapon. This tight end set of Kittle and Green could be utilized to compensate for the poor receiving corps for the 49ers.

Austin Pasztor (G, Former team: CLE) Coming off a breakout year in 2016, Pasztor would be a huge upgrade over Zane Beadles at the left guard position. Pasztor is entering this season at the age of 27 and has proved to an above average pass blocker. The 49ers’ offensive line was ranked 28th in the NFL during the 2016 season and should be near the top of the list on areas to improve. San Francisco has already taken a forward step by acquiring center Jeremy Zuttah from Baltimore. By adding another lineman with Pasztor’s talent, the Niners pass game should open up more for Shanahan’s dynamic offense. Quarterbacks for the 49ers were sacked for a total of 47 times during the 2016 season, which is 3rd most in the league, so Pasztor’s presence should also reduce that number.

Gerald Hodges (OLB, Former team: SF) It seems odd that a 49er made this list but nonetheless, John Lynch should seriously consider bringing Hodges back to the squad. As of today, Hodges remains a free agent, and San Francisco could use Hodges’ talent as a weak side backer. After a season ending injury to Navorro Bowman last year, Hodges stepped in and was efficient in run defense and coverage. Although not considered to be a ‘thumper’ or an ‘enforcer’ on the field, Hodges gets his job done and has shown improvement through his last three seasons. Hodges contains a small sample size to his name but many teams see the high upside in the young linebacker. Johnny Holland, former linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and current 49ers linebacker coach, should be ecstatic to work with a player like Hodges who is filled with untapped potential. If resigned, Hodges would compete with newly acquired Malcolm Smith for the third linebacker spot behind Navorro Bowman and rookie Rueben Foster.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.