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NFL Free Agency: Predicting Best Moves for the 49ers in 2017

By Logan Stanley

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (58) chases in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (58) chases in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

No.5: Guard Kevin Zeitler

PFF Grade: 87.1 (2nd ranked guard)

Spotrac: 5 years, $58,125,190 million — $11.6 million annually

While not the most snazzy pick, free-agent offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler would provide strength to an offensive line that PFF ranked near the bottom of the NFL (28th overall). It all begins in the trenches for football, and whoever can dictate the line of scrimmage holds a significant advantage over their opponent. Zeitler brings that to the table, grading out as the second-highest guard available in free agency.

That dominance at the line of the scrimmage was the catalyst for those once elite 49er teams from earlier in the decade — players like tackle Joe Staley, guard Alex Boone, tackle Anthony Davis, center Jonathan Goodwin and guard Mike Iupati were the backbone of the offense.

Whoever it is at quarterback for the 49ers come next season, they’re going to need protection. Whether it be in free agency or through the draft, that player is not going to get a chance to succeed with the 28th overall offensive line leading the way. Zeitler immediately grades out as the best 49ers lineman (Staley graded 81.2) and is at a very suitable age — 26 years old, about ready to enter his athletic prime. This signing may not come off as the most tantalizing, but just look at the success teams have when they invest in their line (ahem, Dallas Cowboys).

Cap space left: $70,600,000 million