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5 Players the 49ers Should Avoid in NFL Free Agency

By Eric Gamboa

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) practice before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) practice before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) after throwing a pass during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) after throwing a pass during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Lorenzo Alexander, Outside Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Per Spotrac, Alexander’s current contract has an average annual salary of $885,000, and with 12 sacks on the season he looks like a great FA acquisition.

But much like our No. 3 FA to avoid, at age 32, Alexander is entering the downside of his career. In his previous nine seasons, Alexander never recorded a season sack total higher than 2.5.

The rebuilding 49ers need consistent performance from free-agent acquisitions. For this reason, the 49ers need to look elsewhere for pass-rushers.

A much better option would be Arizona Cardinals OLB, Chandler Jones. Jones’ sack totals of 46 in five years, averages to a 9.2 sacks-per-season average.

Jones would be a much better option than Alexander.