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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 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Quarterback Brian Hoyer

The 49ers will head into the offseason with only one quarterback on the roster: Colin Kaepernick.

As I had stated in an earlier article on NinerNoise, I think that Kaepernick should part ways with the 49ers.

Establishing a Need

The need here is pretty simple for the 49ers. They only have one quarterback on the roster, who will most likely opt out, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortenson.

Our very own Peter Panacy wrote earlier that the expectation is that QB Kirk Cousins will not land with the 49ers. Reports from ESPN’s Ed Werder also indicated that the New England Patriots will not trade QB Jimmy Garappolo:

This means that the 49ers will most likely need to draft a rookie quarterback and sign a veteran “bridge” quarterback who can start immediately. Here’s where free-agent QB Brian Hoyer comes into the picture.

More from SF 49ers Free Agency

Why Brian Hoyer?

When looking for veteran “bridge” quarterbacks, it’s ideal if he has prior experience with the current offensive coordinator or head coach. Hoyer started 13 games for the Cleveland Browns when Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator there.

During those 13 games, he was able to lead the Browns to a 7-6 record, throw for 3,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Arguably, he has improved in the years since, throwing fewer interceptions and at a higher completion rate.

By no means is he the quarterback of the future and hopefully will get beaten out by the rookie quarterback. But Hoyer will be a great addition at a cheap price for a team that could use veteran quarterback help.

According to Spotrac, his contract with the Chicago Bears was one year at $2 million, and I see the 49ers signing him for something very similar.

Next: Top 5 Defensive Players in 49ers History

The 49ers currently have $79 million in cap space and should spend their money on these blue-chip free agents who will consistently contribute on Sundays.