Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: A Budget-Conscious Guide to Free Agency

By Bryan Knowles

What might Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke cook up in free agency? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
What might Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke cook up in free agency? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion (98) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion (98) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle: Letroy Guion, Green Bay Packers

The most likely free-agent signing the 49ers will make at nose tackle is re-signing Ian Williams, who was one of the few bright spots on the team last year. They have the cap room to pay him what he deserves, and he should be the one of the lynchpins of the line for the next three to four years at least, assuming he can stay healthy.

If something goes wrong in negotiations, however, a backup option might be Letroy Guion, who might be available for something close to the veteran’s minimum. Guion’s no longer a pass-rushing threat at all, but he remains solid against the run. Considering nose tackles more and more get replaced during passing downs, what you want is a big run-stuffing tackle.

Of course, Guion missed the first three games of 2015 thanks to a suspension based on the personal conduct policy. He also has reportedly faced domestic violence charges in the past, though those have mostly been dropped or settled out of court. That may cause the 49ers to stay clear, after struggling through the Ray McDonald situation in 2014.

Next: Inside Linebacker