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5 Players the 49ers Should Still Target in Free Agency

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi /
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Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dwight Freeney (54) celebrates a sack against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (not pictured) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dwight Freeney (54) celebrates a sack against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (not pictured) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Freeney-Outside Linebacker

2015 Statistics

Dwight Freeney isn’t the same player he was when he was younger. He was one of the best edge defenders for much of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, Father Time has caught up to Freeney and slowed his play. Now, at age 36, Freeney is probably signing the last contract he’ll sign as a professional football player.

And the 49ers should be the team to sign him. Freeney, operating as a situational pass-rusher for the Arizona Cardinals, managed eight sacks in 2015. Do you know where that would put him on the 49ers? First on the team.

The 49ers need to find a way to upgrade their pass rush. They may choose to do so in the NFL Draft but that isn’t enough. They should consider signing Freeney to an inexpensive deal for a year. Again, the 49ers need veteran leadership. Guys like Anquan Boldin and Dwight Freeney become glorified coaches in their interactions with teammates. Quite simply, a lot of players could stand to learn a thing or two from these men.

When Dwight Freeney can still do the following to quarterbacks, he is worth signing. Even if it is simply for a year.

Outside Linebackers Aaron Lynch and Eli Harold could benefit in learning from Freeney as he plays his final NFL season. The 49ers need to find a way to generate a pass rush. If Freeney is able to come in and teach, while contributing maybe another six or seven sacks, he is worth the contract.

According to OverTheCap, Freeney’s most-recent contract with the Arizona Cardinals was for $970,000 with sack incentives built into the structure that could earn Freeney more money. The 49ers should give Freeney a similar contract, with bonuses based on the number of games he plays as well as his sack numbers.

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