Niner Noise
FanSided

5 lesser-known free agents the 49ers should target in 2018

By Peter Panacy

General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 06: Zach Fulton #73 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during pregame warm ups prior to their NFL game at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 06: Zach Fulton #73 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during pregame warm ups prior to their NFL game at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Offensive Lineman Zach Fulton, Kansas City Chiefs

Remember that part about the 49ers interior offensive line needing help?

Well, one of those positions is center, and Daniel Kilgore is heading towards free agency after a disappointing season in which he’s been a major pass-blocking liability. His 23 total pressures allowed this year are tied for second among all qualifying centers, per Pro Football Focus.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Zach Fulton is currently holding down the team’s center position. But he has the flexibility to bump out to guard if needed — another San Francisco need.

So far through 2017, PFF is giving him a modest 68.4 overall grade but an impressive 87.3 mark in pass protection.

Simply put, he’s not much of a liability against interior pass-rushers. And that’s what the 49ers need to ensure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is protected.