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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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Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) defends during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) defends during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Safety Eric Berry

PFF Grade: 87.8

Spotrac: 4 years, $36,590,487 million — $9.1 million annually

As mentioned previously, this 49ers roster is littered with holes. As teams sometimes use a BPA (best player available) philosophy to the NFL draft, the 49ers need to operate under a BPA policy for NFL free agency as well. A moniker of top-tier teams is having a defense that can exceptionally hold its own (i.e. 2013 Ravens, 2014 Seahawks, 2015 Patriots, 2016 Broncos). Adding free-agent safety Eric Berry helps bring the 49ers defense to a level needed to be competitive.

By no means is 49ers safety Antoine Bethea a sub-par player, but he’s 32 years old and past his athletic prime. Also, 23-year-old safety Jaquiski Tartt has shown some promise, but he’s not the defender right now that can make a huge impact on the game.

Well, Eric Berry is just that.

Berry is the highest ranked safety available on the market (tied with Johnathan Cyprien), and has been selected to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. Known for his monstrous hits, Berry is a presence in the middle of the field the 49ers have missed dearly since the days of Donte Whitner and DaShon Goldson. A Berry-plus-Eric Reid pairing could help stabilize the 49ers defense.

Cap room left: $50,500,000 million