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5 Under-the-Radar Free Agents 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers chief executive officer Jed York (left), Chip Kelly (center), and San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) pose for a photo in a press conference after naming Kelly as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers chief executive officer Jed York (left), Chip Kelly (center), and San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) pose for a photo in a press conference after naming Kelly as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the game winning field goal as time expires in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated St. Louis Rams 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the game winning field goal as time expires in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated St. Louis Rams 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Tucker-Kicker

Signing a free agent kicker won’t make fans scream out in joy. But Phil Dawson is a free agent and is over 40 years old. It’s unreasonable to expect him to play much longer, and the 49ers shouldn’t pay the roughly $3 million that Dawson is currently earning.

They should, however, pay that money to Justin Tucker. Tucker has played four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and is set to become a free agent. The 49ers will have to spend big for a kicker but Tucker is worth every penny.

He is automatic from 40 yards in and missed only one field goal between 40-49 yards this season. The opposing team rarely has any chance to return the ball as Tucker had touchbacks on all but nine of his kickoffs this season. He is about as polished and routine as a kicker gets in the NFL, including never missing a PAT in his career.

Tucker has said that he would like to remain in Baltimore but the 49ers should be willing to spend big to bring him to San Francisco. It isn’t the type of move that fans crave but, with how often this team kicks field goals, it’s a prudent move to secure one of the best kickers in the league moving forward.

Not to mention, the guy is one hell of a singer and could spend some time at the SF Opera House during the offseason.

The 49ers will have money to spend this offseason as they put together a roster to compete in a loaded NFC West. Whether they take directly from division rivals or draw from other team’s wells, they need to explore all options in signing the players to be successful.

Head coach Chip Kelly will certainly have his list of players that he would like to see the team sign but general manager Trent Baalke should investigate under-the-radar free agents as well. In rebuilding the depth of the 49ers, there are bargain options that could immediately pay dividends.

With money in the bank, the 49ers should be big spenders moving into next season. Although there are big-name free agents available, Baalke and his team could get tremendous value if they look just a little below the surface.

Next: 5 Players That Will Benefit Under Chip Kelly

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN Statistics unless otherwise indicated. All salary information courtesy of OverTheCap.com unless otherwise indicated.