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NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down the 49ers Free Agents, Cap Casualties in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Christian Ponder Performance 49ers
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) throws a pass during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Tier 3 Unrestricted Free Agents

We’ve broken down remaining unrestricted free agents into three tiers.

This tier — Tier 3 — is reserved for reserve and role players. These players are primarily roster fillers and/or guys who haven’t seen much of the field, if at all.

Tier 3 Free Agents

  • DE Tony Jerod-Eddie
  • LG Andrew Garner
  • QB Thad Lewis
  • QB Christian Ponder
  • TE Jim Dray

It seems unlikely the 49ers bring back any of the aforementioned names next season.

Longtime Niner defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie has seen his snap count decrease seemingly every year. This season, he’s managed just 85 defensive snaps and has just one tackle to show for it. Likely, rookie DE Ronald Blair has assumed Jerod-Eddie’s spot on the depth chart.

The quarterback situation is interesting. Along with quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, both Thad Lewis and Christian Ponder could be sent packing this offseason.

Ponder has received some calls to start late in the season. But, especially if head coach Chip Kelly stays put, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Niners re-sign Lewis to a deal to at least compete in training camp next year.