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San Francisco 49ers: An Early Look at the Team’s 2017 Free Agents

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tank Carradine (95) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tank Carradine (95) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Unrestricted Free Agents — Role & Depth Players

This one gets a little trickier. First, let’s establish what constitutes a depth/role player. To qualify, the player may not have been listed as a starter for three or more games during the 2015 season. Additionally, any such player shouldn’t have been considered a bona fide contributor in oft-featured packages or schemes.

When in doubt, just trust our judgment here.

49ers UFA Role/Depth Players

  • DE/EDGE Tank Carradine
  • LB Nick Bellore
  • RB DuJuan Harris
  • WR Jerome Simpson
  • LB Corey Lemonier
  • LB Ray-Ray Armstrong
  • DE Tony Jerod-Eddie
  • QB Thad Lewis

Players like defensive end/edge-rusher Tank Carradine and linebacker Corey Lemonier may wind up being extended at some point with the Niners picking up fifth-year options.

San Francisco appears to be holding out hope for Carradine, who has largely disappointed since being drafted in Round 2 of the 2013 draft. Asking him to drop weight for 2016, the 49ers hope Carradine will fill a specific pass-rushing role in sub packages.

The same can’t exactly be said of Lemonier, who has seen his stock fall since being drafted in Round 3 of the same year. Lemonier was fourth out of four outside linebacker spots on the depth chart last season, and he doesn’t look to be a favorite to overtake second-year pro Eli Harold anytime soon.

Lemonier won’t be re-signed in all likelihood.

Running back DuJuan Harris, who was picked up at the tail end of 2015, has a long way to go to make the 53-man roster. The chance is good, but so is the competition. Yet wide receiver Jerome Simpson may not even make the roster, given the 49ers’ youth movement at the position.

At any rate, don’t expect either player to be back in San Francisco in 2017.

The rest of the cast will have to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, they belong with the 49ers for an extended period of time. The best player to assume this may be defensive lineman Tony Jerod-Eddie, although recent draft additions to the D-line could negate the need.

And no, quarterback Thad Lewis won’t be on the 53-man roster this season.

Next: Unrestricted Free Agents -- Ian Williams