Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Latest News & Rumors Before 2016 NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

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Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Already Targeting Some Free Agents?

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee accumulated a list of possible free-agent targets who may be on San Francisco’s radar this offseason.

He listed Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Kelechi Osemele, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin and Cincinnati Bengals wideouts Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones as possible targets — some with rumored interest from the 49ers.

Out of that group, Osemele and Smith may be the costliest. Osemele will likely be one of the more sought-after O-linemen in free agency, and Smith counted for $7 million against the cap last season. That number should rise in 2016.

San Francisco has a need for another wide receiver to complement incumbent Torrey Smith. With veteran Anquan Boldin hitting the free-agent market, it’s possible a player like Sanu or Jones would be the perfect fit to lock up.

Targeting a player like Osemele also makes sense given the 49ers’ need to improve its permeable offensive line this offseason. While there are likely some cheaper options on the market, Osemele would address a great need especially if free-agent guard Alex Boone signs elsewhere — a likely scenario.

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One point of note is the NFL Scouting Combine often provides a basis for free agents to start initial discussions with potential suitors.

Tampering aside, player agents looking for new clients at the combine frequently meet with general managers and scouts on hand to watch collegiate prospects participate in various drills.

It’s not hard to put two and two together.

More stories and rumors will certainly follow the 49ers in the days leading up to the start of free agency on March 9. So stay tuned for further developments.

Next: 49ers Primer for 2016 Free Agency

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Over the Cap.