San Francisco 49ers: A Primer for the 2016 NFL Offseason
By Peter Panacy
A Solid 2016 Free-Agent Class is Needed
General manager Trent Baalke’s 2015 free-agency class was anything but stellar.
This crop included cornerback Shareece Wright (released), running back Reggie Bush (IR), defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (released) and wide receiver Torrey Smith, among others.
Out of that group, Smith has been the lone impact player to see the field over the course of the season. And it’s easy to argue he’s performed far from expectations.
Still, the 49ers will have plenty of cap space with which to work. And that’s a good thing given San Francisco’s laundry list of needs across the board.
According to Over the Cap, the 49ers are currently slated to have $40,731,082 in cap space next year — a number that doesn’t include roughly $10 million in unused cap space in 2015 and the added cash if San Francisco parts ways with quarterback Colin Kaepernick this offseason.
Funny how a Kaepernick release has become something of an afterthought.
The offensive line, defensive line and pass-rushing group will likely be the top areas in which Baalke searches for free-agent talent.
Ryan Sakamoto of NinerFans.com has some plausible options for the O-line in case guard Alex Boone walks:
If #49ers let G Alex Boone walk look for Baalke to target 2 players in free-agency. SF native G Amini Silatolu (Panthers) & G Jeff Allen.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) December 18, 2015
Here’s the trick though: Bad teams have more difficulty landing free agents unless they vastly overpay (think the 2014 Oakland Raiders). So the 49ers may have to go way above market value to lure in some bona fide talent.
Fortunately, Baalke will have the financial resources to do this in 2016.
Next: Grading High in 2016 NFL Draft