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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 5: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after scoring a first half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 5: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after scoring a first half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams

Neither current 49ers wide receivers Pierre Garçon nor Marquise Goodwin are true No. 1 options on a depth chart. Solid No. 2s, yes, but not a top-tier option.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan will need one of those sooner than later, and what a steal it would be to land current Los Angeles Rams wideout Sammy Watkins in free agency.

Despite the Rams’ prolific offense, Watkins has only managed 528 yards on 31 receptions. He’s taken the “second fiddle” role to No. 1 wideout Robert Woods and has also lost catches to Rams slot receiver Cooper Kupp.

Simply put, Watkins doesn’t seem to be a long-term fit in L.A. But San Francisco?

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ESPN’s Field Yates (h/t David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone) actually suggests this to be a perfect match, writing:

"San Francisco is flush with cap space and plenty of cash to approach free agency as it sees fit. With Jimmy Garoppolo likely set in stone as the long-term starter at quarterback, addressing weapons around him is a must. Watkins, still 24 years old, would give the Niners their best talent at wide receiver and should pair nicely with veteran Pierre Garçon. Watkins’ price tag will likely be steep."

Pricey, yes. But the addition would suddenly turn San Francisco’s receiving corps into a legitimate weapon. The combination of Watkins, Garçon, Goodwin and slot wideout Trent Taylor could be pretty intimidating.

Next: Making the call on 49ers' 2018 free agents

It would cost the 49ers a lot. Yet going this route in free agency wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.