Though the San Francisco 49ers free agency has had splashy moves like signing Javon Hargrave, they have lost many valuable players. It is assumed that the team will not make any additional big moves, but there are still holes that need to be filled. While they could add depth in the draft (and most likely will) the 49ers will need veterans in free agency as well. Here is a look at the team’s remaining needs in free agency.
San Francisco 49ers Remaining Needs
There are three positions specifically that the team needs to be sure to address. Depth in the draft will occur, but a cheap veteran would be more beneficial. Here is a look at the top positions still needed.
Offensive Line
The team has re-signed two of their offensive linemen, Jake Brendel and Colton McKivitz. McKivitz was signed to a two-year extension before legal tampering even began. It can be assumed that McKivitz will take over as the right tackle, due to Mike McGlinchey no longer being a part of the team. While he is projected to be the starter, it would still be a good idea for the team to look for a veteran who could play right tackle.
San Francisco 49ers center Jake Brendel – Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group
Jake Brendel is a big player that will return to the team in 2023. He signed a four-year deal, turning down a larger contract with the New York Jets. Brendel was the starting center in 2022 and seems to be the team’s long-term solution for that position. Despite it taking some time for his career to take off, Brendel was one of the stronger players on the offensive line in 2022.
While the team has re-signed two of their players, they may want to bring in a veteran presence on the line, specifically the right tackle. They may have re-signed players, but they lost a couple and should bring more in, especially for a team riddled with injuries.
Defensive End
The 49ers are known for having a strong defensive line. With Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and now Javon Hargrave, the team is sure to put a great deal of pressure on any quarterback they face. The one issue is that they need someone on the other side of Bosa. The 49ers have recently signed Clelin Ferrell, which is great depth on the line, but Ferrell is not a proven starter. Under the coaching of Kris Kocurek, Ferrell can do well, but he is too unknown.
San Francisco 49ers DE Drake Jackson – Eakin Howard/Getty Images
The team also has a second-year defensive end, Drake Jackson. Jackson did have three sacks and 14 combined tackles in 2022, according to Pro Football Reference, but he turned into a healthy scratch by the end of the season. Jackson could turn into a starter, but it would be wise for the team to bring in a veteran to help the line grow. Luckily the 49ers have never had an issue finding defensive players to sign cheap one-year deals to build up the line. There are also a couple of their own free agents, such as Jordan Willis, that they can bring back.
Safety
The 49ers’ defensive backs position finally found its strength in the 2022 season but lost multiple key members. The 49ers were able to retain Tashaun Gipson but lost Jimmie Ward. The team has many young corners who can grow and added another with the signing of Isaiah Oliver. While veteran depth will always be helpful for cornerbacks, it is important that the team finds another safety in free agency.
San Francisco 49ers Safety Tashaun Gipson – Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
Ward was moved to the slot position in 2022, and it was projected that he would play for another team in 2023. While Ward was assumed to be leaving, San Francisco also lost their safety, Tarvarius Moore. Losing Moore is losing a key depth piece. Before thinking about the draft, the 49ers need to look for a veteran in free agency. Luckily, they have two starters they will not need to worry about with Gipson and Hufanga, but injuries are no stranger to the Niners. The loss of Moore may be greater than people realize. The team will need to look for veteran depth in that position.
The 49ers have plenty of draft picks to build up young depth, but these positions need someone with experience. The draft could be saved for positions such as tight end, linebacker, and even a new kicker. As for these three positions, look for the team to make a couple more moves before the draft.
