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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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Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs for a touchdown behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs for a touchdown behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

Left Wide Receiver: Pierre Garcon

Right Wide Receiver: Marquise Goodwin

Slot: Jeremy Kerley

Out with the old, in with the new. That’s the mantra for general manager John Lynch and the 49ers wide receivers.

Torrey Smith was let go. It doesn’t look like San Francisco has any interest in bringing back Quinton Patton. And depth guys like DeAndre Smelter, Aaron Burbridge, Bruce Ellington and Co. will have to compete like crazy to beat out free-agent additions Marquise Goodwin, Aldrick Robinson and Pierre Garcon.

Garcon immediately becomes San Francisco’s No. 1 wide receiver. At 30 years old, he probably won’t have the same level of production that netted him 1,346 receiving yards under then-offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan back in 2013.

But considering what the Niners had last year, Garcon is a major upgrade.

San Francisco also inked Jeremy Kerley to an extension, and it’s good to see him back in the slot.

Related Story: 49ers Re-Sign Jeremy Kerley to a Three-Year Deal

It’s a tossup on the other outside spot, but a guess has Shanahan putting the speedy Goodwin into this role.

Robinson is likely a depth option, although his familiarity with Shanahan’s scheme should help any other receivers the Niners bring in this offseason and next.