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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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Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery addresses the media at a press conference after a 22-19 victory against the San Diego Chargers in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery addresses the media at a press conference after a 22-19 victory against the San Diego Chargers in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: WR Alshon Jeffery

2016 Cap Hit: $14,599,000

The No. 1 target the 49ers should pursue this offseason is Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

The problem is many other teams will probably feel the same way.

Jeffery could easily be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this offseason. He won’t come cheap.

But an earlier report from NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (h/t CSN Bay Area) pointed out Jeffery and the Bears were far apart on a long-term extension. Chicago slapped the franchise tag on Jeffery this offseason, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him land elsewhere.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Jeffery already has two 1,000-plus yard receiving seasons under his belt. And 2016 is looking to be a repeat of that accolade, even with the Bears’ substandard quarterbacking play.

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San Francisco will have to overspend to land a talent like Jeffery. But considering the team’s cap space and glaring need for offensive playmakers, it would be money well spent.

Jeffery would be 27 years old in 2017, which means he would be in the prime of his career and a potential long-term staple of the 49ers offense.

Next: Are the 49ers Gearing Up to Spend Big in 2017 NFL Free Agency?

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.