Niner Noise
FanSided

Five Available Free Agents Who Could Still Help 49ers

By Jerod Brown

Feb 3, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of the helmets of the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants and the Seattle Seahawks at the NFL Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of the helmets of the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants and the Seattle Seahawks at the NFL Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 31, 2015; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Dixon (26) speaks with Karlos Williams (40) and Bryce Brown (35) during training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Dixon (26) speaks with Karlos Williams (40) and Bryce Brown (35) during training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony “Boobie” Dixon- Running Back

Anthony Dixon was a fan favorite when he played for the 49ers and he’s been missed since he left. On the field, he doesn’t offer a whole lot anymore. He’ll turn 29 years old in September and has had a hard time generating any success as a running back.

He does, however, offer value as a core special teams player that can be used in a pinch. Injuries are an unfortunate reality of football and the 49ers’ running back corp knows that all too well. After watching the carousel of players come through the door in the second half of last season, Baalke should be on the lookout for a dependable player to weather any potential storm.

Anthony Dixon is that sort of player. As far as contracts go, the 49ers could offer him close to the veteran minimum and throw some incentives his way to encourage Boobie to play hard on special teams. If he is able to crack the 53-man roster, they can evaluate how, if at all, he’ll be best used on Sundays.

Dixon isn’t exactly a perfect fit for Kelly’s offense but he brings some dependability. The 49ers special teams group has seen a decline in recent years and could use a little swagger to improve. As a member of the “Tony Montana Squad”, the 49ers’ special teams group that would dance before kickoffs, Dixon brought energy and enthusiasm to an unheralded position on the field.

The 49ers’ front office needs some good public relations play while the Colin Kaepernick mess sorts itself out. Signing Anthony Dixon, and for cheap, would immediately buy them a couple of days.

Remember, these players don’t come without a little baggage. Boobie is no different. He recently tweeted about his progress in healing from an injury that he suffered at the end of the 2015 season. 

It sounds like Dixon himself is willing to take some time to get better. He’ll be ready by late-July when the team is in the middle of offseason work. The 49ers should try to sign him on the cheap once he’s ready to go.

Next: Defensive Depth and Versatility