Niner Noise takes a look at the pending NFL free agents for the San Francisco 49ers in 2018 and determines whether or not each should be re-signed this offseason.
2018 NFL free agency is a long ways away, but that doesn’t mean the San Francisco 49ers can avoid exploring whether or not some of their own pending free agents are deserving of contract extensions.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, appearing on KNBR 680’s Murph and Mac Show, the Niners have already engaged in contract-extension talks with some of their pending free agents.
A good number of these players are holdovers from the previous regime under former general manager Trent Baalke. And while current GM John Lynch has had no issues parting ways with returning players since taking over earlier this year, it might be beneficial to ensure some continuity with guys hitting the open market.
In this slideshow, we’ll take a look at each of these pending free agents and decide whether or not it’s in the 49ers’ best interests to either extend or re-sign them for 2018.
A lot could change between now and free agency, of course. Players could be traded, cut or whatever. But based off what we know now, let’s see how accurate we can get.
Starting off with the restricted and exclusive-right free agents.
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
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
EDGE Aaron Lynch
The 49ers are in an interesting position with edge rusher Aaron Lynch. Problems with injuries and his weight haven’t helped Lynch’s case for a long-term deal. And despite the raw talent he offers, the Niners didn’t feature him as the defense’s primary pass-rusher.
Through six weeks, Lynch ranks last among all San Francisco edge defenders with 110 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
It’s likely, with the recent news fellow EDGE Arik Armstead has a broken hand, Lynch sees a pretty hefty bump in playing time for the foreseeable future.
This will be a prove-it phase for Lynch, although the early indication probably indicates the front office doesn’t feel he’s a part of the team’s long-term plans.
Prediction: Let walk
Cornerback Dontae Johnson
San Francisco’s cornerback situation is a mess right now, and it’s pretty clear general manager John Lynch has to spend a lot of effort revamping this group in 2018.
Veteran corner Dontae Johnson has been a part of the problem.
Pro Football Focus currently ranks Johnson 91st out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks this season. And while he might be a bit more consistent when compared to the No. 1 cornerback on the roster, Rashard Robinson, Johnson’s efforts haven’t exactly warranted a new deal in San Francisco.
In an ideal world, the Niners push rookie cornerback, and third-round draft pick, Ahkello Witherspoon into a role opposite Robinson.
Even the most marginal of gains here makes Johnson expendable.
Prediction: Let walk
Cornerback Asa Jackson
Cornerback Asa Jackson had a strong preseason, eventually landing on San Francisco’s 53-man roster after the team parted ways with fellow cornerback Keith Reaser.
Jackson managed four games with the Niners, primarily on special teams, before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts.
This subsequently landed him on injured reserve:
#49ers announce the signing of CB Leon Hall. Asa Jackson goes on injured reserve.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 10, 2017
He could return no earlier than Dec. 10 against the Houston Texans, but we’ll have to wait and see how the Niners secondary is by that point.
As far as long-term prospects go, it’s hard to see Jackson as anything but a depth option and occasional special teams contributor. A guess would have San Francisco wanting to use that roster spot on a player it could develop a bit more.
Prediction: Let walk
Defensive Tackle Chris Jones
Veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones was one of the standouts from 49ers offseason activities, according to Eric Branch of SFGate.com.
The problem was, though, San Francisco’s defensive line ended up being pretty deep, especially after the NFL Draft additions of Solomon Thomas and D.J. Jones. Tack on a free-agent signing of nose tackle Earl Mitchell, and it’s not hard to see why Chris Jones ended up landing on injured reserve this season.
Depth along the D-line this upcoming offseason is going to be interesting to watch. In addition to D.J. Jones, Chris Jones has veteran defensive tackle Xavier Cooper to compete with.
Cooper has been solid enough, putting more pressure on San Francisco’s brass to make a tough decision.
And with fellow D-lineman Ronald Blair waiting in the folds, Jones’ prospects for a new deal don’t look good.
Prediction: Let walk
Tight End Logan Paulsen
Editor’s Update: The 49ers have released tight end Logan Paulsen, according to a report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
The #49ers placed defensive lineman Arik Armstead (broken hand) on the Injured Reserve List and released tight end Logan Paulsen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2017
Head coach Kyle Shanahan brought in free-agent tight end Logan Paulsen because he knew Shanahan’s offense from their days with the Washington Redskins.
But Paulsen has been almost a non-factor for San Francisco’s offense through six weeks.
To date, the 30-year-old veteran has been on the field for a mere 41 total snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and hasn’t factored into the passing offense, being targeted just once on a pass he dropped.
Granted, Paulsen isn’t known for being a receiving threat. But the lack of field time is an indication Shanahan is a bit more comfortable leaning on his more serviceable weapons to block.
Paulsen doesn’t look to be back in 2018.
Prediction: Let walk
Running Back Carlos Hyde
Veteran running back Carlos Hyde sure is a unique topic when discussing extensions. On one hand, it’s easy to see why the Niners would let him walk this offseason, especially after drafting former Utah tailback Joe Williams and seeing the maturation of rookie free agent Matt Breida.
That makes Hyde expendable, right?
Well, not so fast. Even though the stats haven’t exactly piled up for Hyde — not his fault, if he’s only averaging a little over 14 carries per game — the 27 year old is in the middle of his prime and has stayed relatively injury free this season.
Of course, if the 49ers were willing to let linebacker NaVorro Bowman walk, that meant Hyde was next. Again, not exactly.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, during the aforementioned appearance on KNBR 680, the Niners were engaging in long-term contract talks with Hyde.
So there you go, Hyde probably stays.
Prediction: Re-signed
Offensive Guard Brandon Fusco
San Francisco’s interior offensive line play has been pretty bad this season, and the Niners have been forced to make some serious stopgap moves to address injuries and underperformance.
Right guard Brandon Fusco isn’t exactly the answer, but he hasn’t been the team’s worst problem along the line either. According to Pro Football Focus, Fusco has allowed 16 quarterback pressures — sixth most in the NFL — but also has a respectable 76.7 run-blocking grade.
Fellow guard Laken Tomlinson has struggled since joining the Niners earlier this offseason, and backup lineman Zane Beadles isn’t the answer.
Pair these issues with second-year guard Joshua Garnett’s season-ending knee injury and long-term concerns, and Fusco’s situation doesn’t look all that bad.
A guess would have the Niners bringing him back as a possible starting candidate or reserve option if needed.
Prediction: Re-signed
Linebacker Brock Coyle
One would assume the 49ers would rather have former Niners linebacker NaVorro Bowman starting over Brock Coyle. But Bowman is gone now, and Coyle has seen quite a number of first-team snaps over the last two weeks.
Cut out for this, Coyle is not. In fairness, though, Coyle’s job wasn’t to be a starting linebacker when he was signed last offseason.
Coyle is a special teams ace and reserve option at best. Like the moves made by Kyle Shanahan for his offense, Coyle comes from the Seattle Seahawks’ style of defense — a tailor-made fit for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Keeping some continuity on special teams is important, although that would be the only reason Coyle is retained for 2018.
Prediction: Re-signed
Center Daniel Kilgore
Veteran center Daniel Kilgore managed to beat out 2016 Pro Bowler Jeremy Zuttah for starting duties this year, eventually resulting in Zuttah’s release.
OK, fine, but Kilgore’s 2017 campaign hasn’t been pretty.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kilgore is ranked No. 33 out of 36 qualifying centers after six weeks — a pretty bad accolade, considering he was one of the better achievers along San Francisco’s offensive line in 2016.
Centers are of extreme importance for head coach Kyle Shanahan, as one could see with the Atlanta Falcons’ Alex Mack when Shanahan was offensive coordinator there.
The Niners might not have the luxury of finding a player like Mack this offseason. But based off Kilgore’s lowly contributions this season, it’s likely an upgrade is pending.
Prediction: Let walk
Offensive Tackle Garry Gilliam
The 26-year-old veteran, Garry Gilliam, has seen just three total snaps this season, so it’s hard to make what the offensive tackle’s future holds beyond 2017.
Well, not exactly impossible.
Gilliam was overworked in training camp and the preseason by average-level pass-rushers, which has been an issue for him since his days with the Seahawks. The Niners brought him aboard because he has good speed — a staple of Kyle Shanahan’s zone-style blocking scheme — which Gilliam’s primary competition, Trent Brown, did not.
But Gilliam couldn’t beat out Brown, and it’s a good thing he didn’t. Brown has been solid. As a swing tackle, though, Gilliam has some merit. Yet how important it is to keep Gilliam around in this role beyond this season isn’t clear.
It’s likely the Niners move on.
Prediction: Let walk
Defensive Tackle Tank Carradine
If we were having this conversation a year ago, we’d likely go down the road stating defensive tackle Tank Carradine was a bust and never lived up to the hype he generated as an elite 4-3 pass-rusher at Florida State.
Carradine was enjoying the best year of his pro career before landing on injured reserve with an ankle sprain in Week 3 this season. It was a tough loss for San Francisco, although it opened up the door for the rookie first-round draft pick, Solomon Thomas, to see an increased role.
This could make Carradine expendable this offseason, although it might be wise to keep the 28 year old around for depth purposes.
And if the attrition San Francisco’s defensive line has already suffered this season is any indication, depth is a much-needed thing.
Based off his new-found fit in Robert Saleh’s defense, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners retain the former second-round pick into next season.
Prediction: Re-signed
Safety Eric Reid
Like Tank Carradine, safety Eric Reid suffered a critical injury in the midst of what was likely going to be his best pro year.
Reid went down with a knee injury in Week 3 against the Seahawks after already displaying a natural fit at strong safety, primarily operating within the box in Robert Saleh’s Cover 3 scheme. As a result, Reid wasn’t able to return to action until Week 6, but that opened up the door for third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt to see an increase in playing time.
Tartt has thrived this season. And considering he’s the cheaper of the two options next year, it’s easy to see why the 49ers might be inclined to go younger here.
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Just check out the Pro Football Focus comparisons:
- Jaquiski Tartt — 88.7 overall
- Eric Reid — 70.2 overall
Letting Reid walk in free agency seems likely, although it does open up some problems. Reid is one of the few veteran leaders on the team and one of only a handful of remainders from San Francisco’s last playoff-push era.
That has value, even if the numbers don’t necessarily reflect it.
Still, the Niners haven’t held back from moving on from players holding over from the last few seasons, and Reid is looking more like an excess commodity than a must-have re-signee.
Next: 5 free agents the 49ers should target in 2018
Prediction: Let walk