Top free agent targets for the 49ers
By: Jake Rajala
The San Francisco 49ers outperformed expectations in 2021 as they snuck into the playoffs from the heroics of Jimmy Garopollo and Ambry Thomas. The genius Kyle Shanahan led his team to upset wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in the postseason.
Unfortunately, the universe and Cooper Kupp handed the 49ers a loss in the NFC championship. The 49ers will look to seek revenge in 2022 with Jimmy G Trey Lance and the rest of the blood-thirsty 49ers roster (cough, cough, Nick Bosa).
The 49ers will surely look to bolster their talent this offseason in free agency. The question is: which faces will be on Shanny’s radar this offseason? Well, here are a few available faces that would make a ton of sense.
- Patrick Peterson
The former All-Pro Arizona Cardinal Patrick Peterson could head back to the NFC West and join the CB needy 49ers. The Jason Verrett experiment was over when the 49ers signed him. Verrett played in one game in 2019 and one game in 2021.
Peterson could really help the 49ers combat Cooper Kupp, DeAndre Hopkins, and DK Metcalf. The young CB Ambry Thomas has the potential to be a quality starting CB in the NFL, but the 49ers need a proven, quality contributor at the vital CB position in the near future. PP can be the physical CB they need on the playoff stage.
- Gerald Everett
The 49ers once tried to add Jordan Reed as the number two TE and they somewhat resurrected him, as he recorded four touchdowns in 10 games with them. The 49ers should look at adding a talented TE2 with George Kittle once again.
Gerald Everett would be an interesting fit in the Bay area. The former Ram and current Seahawk had a career-high 478 receiving yards and career-high 4 touchdowns last season. The second-year QB Lance would benefit from Everett in the short passing game and the impressive 49ers play-action game could even improve from the NFC West TE.
George Kittle has also missed 11 games in the past two seasons combined. It may be wise to have a talented backup TE that can step up to the plate when Kittle likely faces more minor setbacks.
- Marcus Mariota
Shanahan will rightfully hand the keys of the Ferrari to Lance, but he’s still not a proven starting QB in the NFL. There’s a slight risk that Lance isn’t the best option to start for the 49ers at a point in the near future. Justin Fields and Zach Wilson faced their fair share of obstacles in 2021 and they weren’t able to hold the starting gig last season. Tua Tagovailoa was often replaced for Ryan Fitzpatrick in his rookie season, as well.
It may be wise for the 49ers to add a veteran QB with starting experience this offseason. Marcus Mariota would be an ideal target for Shanny, as he holds a similar skillset as Lance and they both could run very similar playbooks under the 49ers bright play-caller. Mariota is also 27 years old and it’s possible that he turns around his career in the 49ers scheme and holds down the 49ers starting gig for a long span in 2022 and beyond.
Shanahan was in love with Andy Dalton in the last offseason and he wasn’t happy when he signed with the Bears. The Red Rifle could also potentially be the QB the 49ers target to replace Jimmy G and join Lance. Mariota undoubtedly has more athletic ability than Dalton and Mariota is seven years younger, so I expect Shanahan to be more attracted to the former Heisman winner and Hawaii native in 2022. Although, it’s unclear if Mariota will prefer a destination that gives him a better opportunity to start like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Washington Commanders.
