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After several days of explosive news, it seems that the first phase of free agent signings has wrapped up for the 49ers. However, many quality players remain, despite many of the marquee free agents having completed deals. It stands to reason that players remaining after the “priority” bustle at the opening of free agency are still valuable players, perhaps in need of improvement in an area or two - and may be much cheaper than their more-established counterparts that found deals quickly. The 49ers, as of late, have been seen largely as one of the least talented rosters in the league, and some truth may still remain to that claim. One can certainly hope that the FO will continue their aggressive approach to bolstering the roster as free agency continues on.
I can’t imagine players like OL Jack Mewhort, S/LB Eric Reid, or WR Jordan Matthews would come cheaply, but if the price was right, these are players that have produced - significantly at some points - and can provide a steady veteran presence that should help to stabilize their positional groups. Other free agents, like TE Eric Ebron, represent uncommon physical ability with a promise of upside - the kind of boom-or-bust addition that could synergize surprisingly well with the well-rounded, steady incumbent George Kittle.
Then there’s DT Donkeykong Suh. On to his next destination in his Deionian tour of mercenary work, this is the kind of trap signing that can tank a fledgling team biting after a big name on the downside of his prime. As 49er fans, we’ve recently been on the receiving end of that disappointment, most recently with CB Nnamdi Asomugha, WR Randy Moss, and RB Reggie Bush. Although Moss actually contributed within the confines of his role, his production could’ve been reproduced by replacement-level talent - which, in effect, he was. Perhaps Suh still has enough left in the tank to contribute, but I doubt that he does so at a journeyman’s pay grade. Hard pass.
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