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NFL Free Agency: 5 Realistic Free Agents the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium. The Texans won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium. The Texans won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker Jerrell Freeman

2015 Statistics

2015 Salary: $2,356,000

The 49ers need some help alongside inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman this offseason, and it sure would be nice if San Francisco could land free agent and Super Bowl-winning linebacker Danny Trevathan off a stoundout year with the Denver Broncos.

The problem is Trevathan will likely be one of the most sought-after defenders on the market this offseason. As FanSided’s Nathaniel Reeves noted, the 25-year-old linebacker could easily be coveted by teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints.

And while the 49ers have plenty of cap space, the Jaguars have the most with just under $80 million available.

So Jacksonville, if things fall that way, would be the favorite to land Trevathan.

But another likable option would be Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman. Freeman will turn 30 years old this year and still has a few more good years left in his body. He also recorded 66 tackles and three sacks in the Colts’ 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.

Pro Football Focus also gave Freeman a plus-21.4 overall grade on the season.

More importantly, Freeman would add veteran prowess and leadership for a team largely consistent of young, developing players. And Bowman would certainly benefit from having an established leader alongside him.

Next: CB Sean Smith