San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Roster Needs Heading into 2017 Offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Quarterback
Of course, the 49ers need to address the single most important position in sports — quarterback.
It doesn’t seem likely starting QB Colin Kaepernick returns in 2017. He’ll either opt out or be cut, saving considerable cap space for the Niners this offseason. And there is zero chance backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert returns to the red and gold in the upcoming season either.
Cross off roster QBs Thad Lewis and Christian Ponder, and the 49ers truly have a clean slate here.
Unfortunately, the free-agent market on signal-callers is pretty thin. And it’s not likely the top free agent here, Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, makes it to the market.
So that probably leaves the draft.
Free-Agent Targets
- Kirk Cousins
- EJ Manuel
- Matt Schaub
- Brian Hoyer
- Josh Johnson
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NFL Draft Targets
- Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
- Deshaun Watson, Clemson
- DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
- Brad Kaaya, Miami
- Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech
- Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
A new coaching cast and general manager will dictate a lot about the direction the Niners will go. Still, these needs can’t be overlooked.