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NFL Free Agency: 5 Players the 49ers Should Target in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown (53) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) as he runs the ball during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown (53) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) as he runs the ball during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: ILB Zach Brown

2016 Cap Hit: $1,250,000

Niners All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman can’t do it all. And fans are craving for the days when he and now-retired linebacker Patrick Willis used to patrol the interior of San Francisco’s defense.

The 49ers could be good here again. Bowman, along with defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead, are nice cornerstones. But adding someone else to pair with Bowman should be a focal point this offseason.

Especially to hinder opponents’ running games, against which San Francisco has struggled this year.

If the Buffalo Bills are smart, they’d extend linebacker Zach Brown, like, yesterday. Buffalo’s 3-4 scheme should be an easy adjustment, and Brown is emerging as a tackling machine his first season with the Bills.

Pro Football Focus grades him at 89.9 against the run and 89.5 overall so far in 2016. Pretty good.

Brown might be one of the more sought-after defenders on the market this offseason, if these stats keep up.

Remember, the Niners will have the money.