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NFL Free Agency: 5 Positions the San Francisco 49ers Must Address in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

Veteran wideout Anquan Boldin will also hit the free-agent market this offseason and, given his age (35 years old), there isn’t any guarantee he’ll fit into San Francisco’s long-term plans.

If not, what exactly are the backup options?

Fellow receiver Torrey Smith isn’t going anywhere. But there isn’t exactly a lot of confidence in younger receiving targets Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington. Neither have impacted the offense in any desirable way, and each wideout has struggled with injuries during their respective pro careers.

Yes, the team may look to second-year pro DeAndre Smelter (NFI) to add some depth. But after being redshirted in 2015, will this other member of general manager Trent Baalke’s “All-ACL” team truly add something to the mix?

New head coach Chip Kelly could invigorate both Patton and Ellington’s careers. But that’s far from a certainty. More importantly, the Niners lack a bona fide playmaker at this crucial position — one against whom opposing defenses are forced to scheme.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery would be an excellent addition and an immediate threat from Day 1. But his $1.447 2015 salary will increase dramatically this offseason as the four-year veteran will be one of the hotter commodities on the open market.

Next: Inside Linebacker