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NFL free agency: 5 players the 49ers should target in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell #68 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell #68 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Offensive Guard Andrew Norwell, Carolina Panthers

It’s safe to say the biggest area the 49ers need to improve this offseason is the offensive line, especially along the interior.

Left guard Laken Tomlinson has been the biggest liability within this particular group, and right guard Brandon Fusco is also a pending free agent. And while the NFL Draft could provide some serious options, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see San Francisco tab free agency as an option.

Carolina Panthers left guard Andrew Norwell is an enticing option here. The Panthers extended right guard Trai Turner already this year, which could make it more difficult to extend Norwell beyond this season. True, Carolina isn’t hurting for cap space and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the franchise tag slapped on him.

Still, Norwell — a four-year pro — has been one of the more solid producers at this position, according to Pro Football Focus. He owns an 84.4 overall grade on the year, and his season grades in the NFL have never dipped below 82.8.

Sure, the Niners could be counting on a healthy return of second-year guard Joshua Garnett (injured reserve, knee) next season. But we don’t know how the 49ers’ coaching staff views him quite yet. And if Fusco walks, well, this becomes an even more pressing problem.

Norwell operates in a complex blocking scheme under Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula. Transitioning to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone blocking system shouldn’t be much of an adjustment.