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Re-sign or let walk: Making the call on 49ers’ free agents in 2018

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Restricted and Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

Teams have a bit more control over restricted free agents and exclusive-rights free agents. Without getting overly complicated, restricted free agents can negotiate with other teams in a process involving matching offers and often NFL Draft compensation if that player signs elsewhere.

It’s why signing RFA players off other teams’ squads is so rare.

ERFA players can only negotiate with their original team, although teams aren’t bound to re-sign players if they don’t want to.

You can read more on the differences in free agents here.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Cornerback Prince Charles Iworah, ERFA

Trent Baalke’s last draft pick ever, cornerback Prince Charles Iworah, appeared in just one game his rookie season a year ago and landed on the team’s injured reserve list after being waived/injured.

Iworah has tremendous speed, and the ERFA arrangement would make him an easy re-sign possibility for 2018. The Niners likely follow this route to add another camp body and, possibly, see if the added year does anything to boost his development.

Prediction: Re-signed

Tight End Cole Hikutini, ERFA

The 49ers promoted undrafted rookie Cole Hikutini from the practice squad to take the vacated spot on the roster left by linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

Hikutini needs a lot of work blocking, which is probably the reason he didn’t make the original 53-man roster at the start of the year. But as a pass catcher, Hikutini offers some unique traits and abilities. He’s an easy re-sign candidate.

Prediction: Re-signed

Linebacker Mark Nzeocha, RFA

The Niners signed third-year pro linebacker Mark Nzeocha off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad to take the place of defensive tackle Tank Carradine on Sept. 25. The move essentially added a little depth at the depleted inside linebacker spot, also giving San Francisco some special teams bulk.

Nzeocha was inactive for the first two games with the 49ers, appearing for the first time in Week 6. He’s possibly No. 53 on the 53-man roster right now, and it doesn’t seem likely the Niners bring him back in 2018.

Prediction: Let walk

Running Back Raheem Mostert, RFA

A solid preseaon ensured running back Raheem Mostert made San Francisco’s 53-man roster. Scantly used on offense through six weeks, Mostert has proven himself to be a solid special teams contributor, as noted by Pro Football Focus.

If this wasn’t the case, Mostert likely walks after 2017. But with the 49ers’ special teams unit performing well this season, he’s a sure re-sign candidate.

Prediction: Re-signed