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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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Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by diving Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter (51) in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by diving Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter (51) in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Linebacker Kevin Minter

Ever since the retirement of linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers have been desperately searching for LB NaVorro Bowman’s partner in crime.

Establishing a Need

The 49ers will most likely start Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong as their middle linebackers. San Francisco definitely will spend huge money in the free-agent market for this position.

The Niners could definitely use some depth, as both starting LBs from last year ended up on injured reserve. Linebackers Michael Wilhoite, Nick Bellore and Gerald Hodges are all set to be free agents this season.

They will definitely need to dig through the bargain bin to find someone that can serve in that backup role and play heavily on special teams.

Why Kevin Minter?

Our very own Eric Gamboa considered LB Reuben Foster with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. There are other intriguing free-agent options, such as LB Zach Brown or LB Dont’a Hightower.

But both are expected to receive large contracts, which could be in the neighborhood of $10 million, according to Spotrac.

The 49ers will need to build their inside linebacker depth, and LB Kevin Minter could be a huge addition.

Minter played 1,003 snaps this past season, second most on the Arizona Cardinals defense. He recorded 82 tackles and career-high 3.5 sacks this past season.

At only 26, he would be a fantastic addition to a 49ers defense that needs healthy playmakers. It would also hurt the Cardinals, a divisional opponent.

On the open market, Minter will probably command around $4 million to $5 million per year. Comparing numbers on OverTheCap.com, I think Minter’s comparable would be LB Wesley Woodyard in 2015, and he makes around $4 million this year.

Minter could be a big piece to a 49ers defense that desperately needs healthy players.