49ers: Imagining an uber hypothetical 2018 free agency

San Francisco 49ers: Imagining an uber hypothetical 2018 free agency

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 20: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball past the defense of Jamie Collins #51 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 20: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball past the defense of Jamie Collins #51 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Running back Le’Veon Bell

Deal: 5 years, $53.1 million — $10.6 million/year

Space left: $78.6 million

Could we see a reunion of former Michigan State teammates in San Francisco? Both are playing under the franchise tag this season, and both reportedly rejected contract proposals from their respective teams. And Carlos Hyde, 49ers presumed starting running back for 2017, is in the last year of his contract.

It’s certainly a reach, and it’d definitely be a coup for general manager John Lynch. But it’s not entirely out of the realm of questioning. The team will have cap space upon cap space, and Shanahan’s system has proven to be fruitful for running backs.

And if Cousins does indeed decide to come, the 49ers will become a much more attractive destination. Admittedly, it will be difficult to pry away Bell from the potent offensive situation in Pittsburgh.

Running back Le’Veon Bell