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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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Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker:  Jerrell Freeman, Indianapolis Colts

It’s a pretty solid year for inside linebackers, actually. Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan have played very well for the Denver Broncos, and both are pending free agents. They’ll join players like Rolando McClain and Derrick Johnson on the market, so there are plenty of options for interested teams.

Jerrell Freeman is probably a cut below the top of the market due to his age— he’ll be 30 years old on opening day. He played fantastically against the run this season, and is one of the league’s best nickel linebackers in terms of pass coverage. He’d look great next to NaVorro Bowman in the middle of the 49ers’ defense, and they should make an effort to woo him to San Francisco.

If Freeman’s too old for you, and the top inside linebackers too pricy, Zach Brown of Tennessee is a solid coverage linebacker. I wouldn’t consider him an answer to all of San Francisco’s issues, but he could be a stopgap while a mid-to-late round draft pick developed at the position.

Next: Cornerbacks