With the 2017 NFL free agency period set to begin, the 49ers take the first steps in the long process that is rebuilding. Let’s take a look at 5 five free agents San Francisco would regret signing in 2017.
Championships are built in the offseason; the foundation is laid out in the spring and executed in the fall and the winter. Free agency is apart of that building, and it’s the teams that are meticulous in their construction of their roster that separate themselves as the elite of the NFL.
Signing the right players can send teams off into stardom –just like the early 2000s New England Patriots. The opposite can send teams stumbling on their faces (i.e. the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles “Dream Team”) and faulty financial decisions can haunt teams for years as unfavorable contracts eat away at cap space and take up roster spots that could be used more efficiently.
In years’ past, the 49ers have been undoubtedly timid in free agency. With a new regime in place and a bounty of money to spend, that timidness is going to subside. Which makes it that more important that San Francisco is wary of who they sign as some serious money can be thrown around at free agents.
Using market value and contract data from Spotrac and free agency grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF), let’s preview 5 free agents the 49ers should steer clear of.