Niner Noise
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5 Blue-Chip Players the 49ers Should Target in NFL Free Agency

By Akash Anavarathan

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco (42) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco (42) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Fullback Patrick DiMarco

Since former head coach Chip Kelly took over the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, the fullback position was eradicated from their offense. With Kyle Shanahan now calling the plays, a fullback would be an essential addition to their offense.

Establishing the Need

Shanahan’s offenses utilize all of the weapons and playmakers that are at his disposal. These past two years with the Atlanta Falcons utilized their fullback in a variety of passing situations.

Having a fullback is like a Swiss Army knife, as offensive coordinators can line them up in different spots along the line of scrimmage. Fullbacks can be in the backfield, blocking for a running back, or split out and be a safety blanket for quarterbacks.

The last fullback that the 49ers had was Bruce Miller, who is no longer with the team due to his off-the-field issues.

Why Patrick DiMarco?

Patrick DiMarco, who will turn 28 years old before the season, is coming off of his best season in the NFL.

Under Shanahan’s offense the past two years, DiMarco saw his best two year stretch. He caught 20 passes for 162 yards with three touchdowns.

With the connection the Shanahan, the 49ers should be able to pull him away from the Falcons at a reasonable price.

According to Spotrac, DiMarco’s last contract was for two years at $1.5 million. I think he’ll be a little more expensive this time around, probably in the $2 million range, which would make him one of the highest paid fullbacks.

It’s a no-brainer, the 49ers get a solid fullback, with experience in Shanahan’s offense at a discounted price.