The roster for the 2023 San Francisco 49ers is pretty much set, but there are still free agents the team could bring on. They would need to release players first, but the goal for the team currently is to bring on the best depth available. There are three positions the San Francisco 49ers should focus on the most, specifically based on the players available. The positions are Defensive End, Cornerback, and Offensive Line. Here is a look at three potential free agents for the San Francisco 49ers.
Edge Depth for the San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers do not need starters for the defensive line, but they are slim on their edge rushers. There is definitely depth needed in the position, and based on who is still available, the team should look at Yannick Ngakoue. If he is cheap enough to sign, he would fit well with the 49ers. Nick Bosa and Drake Jackson are the projected starters. The team signed Clelin Ferrell in free agency and re-signed Kerry Hyder Jr. The team has solid depth, but in case of injury, Ngakoue would be a solid pick-up.
Former Colts DE Yannick Ngakoue (91) – Marc Lebryk/USA TODAY Sports
Ngakoue has been in the league since 2016 when he started with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was most recently with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent just one season. Ngakoue is just 28 years old but has been on five teams. A cheaper one-year deal would be great for the 49ers.
In 2022, Ngakoue started in 15 games for the Colts. He ended the season with 29 combined tackles, 18 of which were solo, and eight tackles for loss, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 9.5 sacks in 2022 and 16 quarterback hits. That may raise his price a bit, but Ngakoue could be able to also challenge the second-year player, Jackson to become a better player. If the San Francisco 49ers can pick up Ngakoue for a decent price, they should.
Cornerback Depth for the San Francisco 49ers
Former Broncos CB Bryce Callahan (29) – Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers have finally found their starters at the cornerback position but have a history of injuries with weak depth. One cornerback still on the market is Bryce Callahan. The cornerback is 31 and will be 32 in October. His age may write him off, but that works for a player who hopefully does not have to see the field. Callahan started his career with the Chicago Bears but spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers finally have their starters with Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, but depth is critical.
In 2022, Callahan played in 15 games, starting in 11. He had three interceptions for 37 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. The 49ers have a goal to increase scoring on defense, and they can add a depth piece who can do it. Not having a desperate need in any position makes finding depth a tad easier, but if they can afford it, Callahan would be a solid pick-up.
Offensive Line Depth for the San Francisco 49ers
Former Titans LT Taylor Lewan (77) – Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The 49ers could use more depth on their offensive line. Whether it is a guard or a tackle, more players could be useful. Left tackle Taylor Lewan is a free agent that is still available. If the team needs another depth piece, he is someone to look at. The offensive line is important, especially for the 49ers who have two quarterbacks who were injured last season. Lewan will be 32 by the time the season begins, which is a solid veteran age for depth.
After spending every season of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Lewan is looking for a new home. In 2022, Lewan did not allow any sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. This is key for the 49ers, even if he never gets a snap for the team. He has had injuries in the past, but the hope for depth is that they never see have the field because starters are healthy. The San Francisco 49ers do not need a starter, but in case of injuries, Lewan is not a bad option.
The most important part of the offseason was signing valuable depth, and it is evident the team did focus on that. The 49ers have a built roster already and would need to release players before signing. If the San Francisco 49ers were to add more players who are still available free agents, these would be valuable options.
