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2016 Offseason: 5 Best-Case Scenarios for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

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 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Capitalizing on a Stellar 2016 Free-Agent Class

According to Over the Cap, the Niners will have $52,582,714 in available cap space against the projected $150 million salary cap assigned by the league — third highest out of all 32 NFL teams.

That’s a huge chunk of space for general manager Trent Baalke. But it would be all for naught should Baalke either not use it or not use it correctly.

Baalke’s track record from free agency last season doesn’t look very good. Free-agent acquisitions like defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, cornerback Shareece Wright, running back Reggie Bush and right tackle Erik Pears didn’t exactly pan out.

But just because one offseason was bad doesn’t mean the next one will be the same.

San Francisco has a plethora of positional needs. Pick a position and, chances are, the 49ers need an upgrade there. Fortunately, this year’s free-agent class has a lot of NFL-ready talent. And the 49ers would be wise to dip into that pool

While Baalke could find any number of players to help the roster, let’s go with a minimum of three impact players to find via free agency.

Take your pick at which position, but here is a rundown of some possibilities:

  • Defense
    • DE Muhammad Wilkerson
    • OLB Von Miller
    • OLB Bruce Irvin
    • DE Malik Jackson
    • ILB Jerrell Freeman
    • CB Josh Norman
  • Offense
    • WR Marvin Jones
    • OG Evan Mathis
    • RT Mitchell Schwartz
    • WR Alshon Jeffery

Broncos linebacker, and Super Bowl 50 MVP, Von Miller will likely be franchise tagged, so that rules him out of the equation in that case. But defensive end Malik Jackson would be an excellent fit. And the 49ers have the capital to make it happen.

Even if nose tackle Ian Williams returns to San Francisco, loading up with Jackson would give the 49ers additional pass-rushing help.

And teams can never have too much assistance there.

The offensive line will require some upgrades too. Out of the crop of free-agent O-linemen, Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz would be an excellent addition. He finished 2015 with a plus-18.7 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus.

A wide receiver like Bengals target Marvin Jones would be an excellent complement to wideout Torrey Smith and, potentially, a nice long-term replacement for veteran receiver Anquan Boldin.

Whatever the case may be, Baalke will need to tab at least three free agents who can provide the immediate upgrade the Niners so desperately need.

Next: A Home Run Draft Class