Niner Noise
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10 Players the 49ers Should Watch for 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Patriots defeated the 49ers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Patriots defeated the 49ers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Offensive Tackle Nate Solder

2017 Team: New England Patriots

Remember everything said about the 49ers needing to replace left tackle Joe Staley at some point down the line?

Well, that might wind up happening in 2018. And what better way than to target New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder.

Solder will be 29 years old when free agency kicks off a year from now, 30 to start the 2018 regular season. That’s not ideal for a long-term replacement — assuming the Patriots even let him walk. But he’s about the best two- or three-year stopgap option while the 49ers land, and develop, a blindside tackle for the next decade.

And, assuming the Niners are back onto a winning trajectory, having a player like Solder anchor the line would be a boon for both pass protection and run blocking.

Not surprisingly, Solder is good at both. Exceptionally good.