4 prospective San Francisco 49ers NFL free agency targets, including Danielle Hunter.
In no way does this indicate general manager John Lynch won’t be active in NFL free agency. Most were stunned by the big ticket signing of outstanding defensive tackle Javon Hargrave last year. Perhaps, Lynch opts to go in that path again.
There are perceived needs on the offensive line, at tight end and out on the edge. Cornerback might possibly be a focal point for the 49ers.
San Francisco now finds itself $3.44 million over the 2024 NFL salary cap. Though, it can save tens of millions by restructuring various contracts. Expect it to be the case here in the coming few days. With that as a backdrop, let’s look at four prospective targets for the 49ers in NFL free agency.
San Francisco 49ers targets in NFL free agency
Jonnu Smith, tight end
We’ve seen Lynch and the 49ers do this a lot in the past. That is to say, seeking players who have been released by other teams. They do not count against the NFL compensatory draft system. Expect this to continue throughout the 2024 offseason.
Tight end behind George Kittle is a clear necessity in San Francisco. Other players at this position caught a total four passes for the 49ers in 2023. That’s just not going to cut it moving ahead. We prefer Smith as a low-cost choice. The veteran caught 50 catches for 582 yards while hauling in 71% of his targets for the Atlanta Falcons a season ago. He’d be a great fit in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme behind Kittle.
Mekhi Becton, offensive tackle
Among the biggest difficulties for San Francisco’s offensive line last season was the performance of Colton McKivitiz at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed the fourth-most QB pressures and fourth-most sacks among offensive tackles a season ago. This is a whole red flag in front of Brock Purdy.
Still only 24 years old, Becton is about to hit free agency. The former New York Jets first-round pick has not panned out in the NFL. He’s started 30 games in four seasons and missed the full 2022 campaign due injury. With that stated, the upside is there for Becton to compete with a potential high-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft for the starting right tackle role. He did start 16 games a season ago for the Jets.
Related: San Francisco 49ers hire recently-fired head coach for significant position
Darious Williams, cornerback
Another guy who was a surprising release this summer, Williams should likely be on the San Francisco 49ers’ radar. The 30-year-old veteran has been a full-time starter for pretty much the previous four seasons. In 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams recorded 19 passes defended and four interceptions. That previous stat ranked second among NFL cornerbacks behind Charvarius Ward of the 49ers. Opposing quarterbacks also posted a measly 55% completion and 63.9 rating while targeting him.
There is a need at cornerback behind Ward in San Francisco. Deommodore Lenoir is much better suited for the spot after playing effectively in that area a season ago. Ambry Thomas is not the solution at the other boundary site. Getting Williams on the cheap would be a triumph.
Related: 2024 NFL free agency predictions
Danielle Hunter, EDGE
This one just makes too much sense. Chase Young struggled in San Francisco after moving over from the Washington Commanders ahead of the in-season NFL trade deadline. He might not be back with the 49ers. Obviously, there is a significant need out on the edge opposite Nick Bosa for the red and gold.
Hunter, 29, would not come cheap in NFL free agency. He’s looking at much north of $20 million yearly. But the four-time Pro Bowler has been dominant for the Minnesota Vikings. This last season saw him lead the league with 23 tackles for loss. Hunter also recorded 22 QB hits, 16.5 sacks and four caused fumbles. Just image a front four of Bosa, Hargrave, Hunter and Arik Armstead. Lynch and Co. have to be salivating over this potential.
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