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NFL Free Agency: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jeff Allen (71) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jeff Allen (71) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Guard Jeff Allen

Statistics

As was the case last year, the 49ers offensive line will be a primary point of concern entering 2016. A big worry will be what happens if left guard Alex Boone walks via free agency.

San Francisco has some depth here. But it’s not exactly up to par. Interior lineman Marcus Martin has been a disappointment, two-year pro Brandon Thomas hasn’t gotten onto the field and the experiment with right guard Jordan Devey didn’t work out at all. Is second-year pro Ian Silberman promising?

While the 49ers may consider experimenting with retired, possible-to-return tackle Anthony Davis at a guard spot — or lineman Trent Brown, for that matter — another plausible addition would be Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jeff Allen.

Allen has the flexibility to play at either the tackle or guard positions — versatility the Niners may want in the eventual formation of their O-line.

And he may not be overly expensive given that he appeared in just 12 games for the Chiefs last season.

Regardless, Allen would provide some immediate thump to the 49ers O-line and take away a lot of the concerns with this unit heading into an uncertain future.

Next: CB Josh Norman