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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 2017 Starting Lineup after First Wave of NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould (5) kicks an extra point out of the hold of Brad Wing (9) during game 16 of the NFL International Series against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Statdium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould (5) kicks an extra point out of the hold of Brad Wing (9) during game 16 of the NFL International Series against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Statdium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

Kicker: Robbie Gould

Punter: Bradley Pinion

Long-Snapper: Kyle Nelson

Punt Returner: Jeremy Kerley

Kick Returner: Marquise Goodwin

It’s a little sad to see the 49ers let veteran kicker Phil Dawson walk via free agency. Dawson was one of the more reliable offensive weapons the Niners have had over the last two seasons.

Former New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould replaces him and brings a career-85.9 field-goal percentage to Santa Clara.

Punter Bradley Pinion isn’t going anywhere and neither is long-snapper Kyle Nelson.

In the return game, we’re likely to see wide receiver Jeremy Kerley continuing to handle punt-return duties, while free-agent pickup Marquise Goodwin takes care of kickoffs.

Goodwin averaged 21.9 yards per return on 16 attempts with the Buffalo Bills back in 2013.