It’s a long way out, but the next NFL free agency period is shaping up to feature a deep pool of players. That’s wonderful news for the San Francisco 49ers, who potentially might own upwards of $110 million in cap space. That in mind, let’s imagine the dream free agency for the team.
This past offseason, the 49ers were the most aggressive team in free agency.
With a new regime in place and an abundance of cap space, it was bound to happen. But even with that approach in free agency, San Francisco sits in good standing with regard to cap space.
Right now the team has $61.2 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Considering they were at the top of league in terms of of players signed, it was a masterful job by the 49ers front office to be able to have that much space after it was all said and done. And it might bode well for them in the future — NFL teams are allowed to carry over cap space.
As Jason Hurley of Niners Nation writes, if San Francisco rolls over its cap space from the 2017 season –which the team is all but guaranteed to do — the number could be in the range of $113.1 million. That would provide extreme flexibility come free agency, with a handful of big names set to hit the market.
So, in this uber-hypothetical free agency, let’s map out a 2018 free agency plan for the 49ers.
The hypothetical will be based on the premise that all free agents will be available, meaning they won’t be tagged (that’s why uber has been emphasized). Market value for contracts will be derived from Spotrac, and the $113 million figure will be the cap space we work under.
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Quarterback Kirk Cousins
Deal: 4 years, $95.1 million — $23.7 million/year
Space left: $89.4 million
After not coming to an agreement on a long-term contract, talk of Kirk Cousins to San Francisco has intensified. The signing would fill biggest need for the team, and it would be the ending to the saga between the Washington Redskins front office and Kirk Cousins.
It’s would also be a reunion between former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and Cousins. Speaking of reunions, which segways us into our next hypothetical signing.
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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.
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Wide receiver Sammy Watkins
Deal: 5 years, $61.4 million — $12.2 million/year
Space left: $66.4 million
Easily the signing that would carry the most risk, and as well as receiving the most criticism. Sammy Watkins has sidelined by injuries throughout his short NFL career, which has hampered his ability to perform his best.
This would be the focal point of any argument made against signing Watkins, but it can also be used in reverse.
The mileage is low, and the ceiling remains high. It’d be a heavy risk-reward for the team, but I ultimately do not believe Watkins will command the figure that Spotrac predicts.
And in a scheme like Shanahan’s, Watkins would certainly excel.
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Defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Deal: 5 years, $60.6 million — $12.1 million/year
Space left: $54.3 million
The final component to a potentially devastating defensive line? Dontari Poe would join the likes of pass rushers DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas and Elvis Dumervil.
The amount of depth on that line would be crazy. And if the young trio of Buckner, Armstead and Thomas develop as hoped, we could be viewing the 49ers defensive line far more positively in 2018 than we do in 2017.
Poe would slide in at defensive tackle in San Francisco’s 4-3 scheme, presumably with Earl Mitchell backing him up as the No. 2. The ability of Poe to plug up the interior rushing lanes would compliment the pass-rushing skills that surround him.
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Linebacker Telvin Smith
Deal: 5 years, $57.7 million — $11.5 million/year
Space left: $42. 8 million
This too would be the final component to a potentially devastating unit — the linebacking corps this time. Telvin Smith would be added to a group that features NaVorro Bowman, Reuben Foster and Malcolm Smith. In the 4-3 scheme Telvin Smith would likely replace Malcolm Smith, forming a starting cast of Bowman, Foster and T. Smith.
Smith would be an immediate asset to the 49ers defense, with his side-to-sideline ability and pass coverage. Not to mention, he has speed as well — Smith clocked 4.52 for the 40-yard dash at his combine workout.
Breaking it all down
Of course, all the dollar amounts are just rough estimations. You also have to factor in signing bonuses as well. But there is still plenty of cap space, $42. 8 million in this hypothetical, to facilitate those moves. Additionally, there is also room to sign mid-tier players. Bottom line: the 49ers are going to have the ability to be aggressive next free agency.
In this dream scenario, this how a potential 49ers lineup could look like in 2018.
Offense (skill positions):
Quarterback – Kirk Cousins
Running back – Le’Veon Bell
Fullback – Kyle Juszczyk
Tight end – George Kittle
Wide receiver – Pierre Garçon
Wide receiver – Sammy Watkins
Defense:
Defensive end – DeForest Buckner
Defensive tackle – Solomon Thomas
Defensive tackle – Dontari Poe
Defensive end – Arik Armstead
Outside linebacker – Reuben Foster
Middle linebacker – NaVorro Bowman
Outside linebacker – Telvin Smith
Cornerback – Rashard Robinson
Cornerback – Ahkello Witherspoon
Free safety – Jimmie Ward
Strong safety – Eric Reid
Next: San Francisco 49ers: 5 moves to fix the offensive line in 2018
It’s uber hypothetical, and most likely remains too perfect of a situation to actually happen. The point is though, it’s possible to make moves like this. With an impressive free agent class incoming, the 49ers have the ability to make some serious runs at some serious players.