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5 Free Agents the 49ers Would Regret Signing in 2017

By Logan Stanley

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: T Andrew Whitworth

The highest graded free agent (91.3) available per PFF, tackle Andrew Whitworth is seemingly a no-brainer for the 49ers this free agency. Why wouldn’t a team want a player who clearly performed exceedingly well last season? Age.

Whitworth is 35-years-old –turning 36 in December– and factoring in the rebuild aspect, the timeline and age are not a good fit.

Youth is what the 49ers should be seeking as that’s what helps build continuity. Whitworth has only a few years left in the tank most likely (only 34 offensive lineman have played past 37-years-old since the NFL merger in 1966, per Pro Football Reference) meaning he’d be retired in a few years, and that would disrupt chemistry-building on the offensive line.

And, based off Whitworth’s previous contract ($9 million annually), that kind of money doesn’t represent value for someone who’s set to turn 36 next season.