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NFL Free Agency: Laying out a plan for the 49ers

By Logan Stanley

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/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. 1: Guard Andrew Norwell

PFF Grade: 88.7

Spotrac: 6 years, $54.3 million — $9 million annually

Cap space left: $43.2 million

Among the San Francisco offensive line, there are two exceptional players — tackles Joe Staley and Trent Brown — and one question mark — guard Joshua Garnett.

These three are all but sure bets to start in 2018. Outside of those three, it is up for grabs. The guard position and center will have to be addressed. And there is a blue-chip name set to hit the market.

Guard Andrew Norwell was just voted NFL first-team All-Pro, which comes after a stellar season from Norwell.

These following clips illustrate what the 49ers would be getting with signing the 26-year-old.

Look at how Norwell (No. 68) just bulldozes his opponent with complete ease.

Leonard Williams is 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 298 pounds. And Norwell moved him like nothing.

The power with Norwell is undeniable, and it would be a massive boost to the whole line. If the Carolina Panthers decide to not sign him to a long-term contract, Norwell needs to be San Francisco’s top priority.

  • Players I also like: Joe Berger, Minnesota Vikings; Justin Pugh, New York Giants.

Next: Important dates on the 49ers’ 2018 offseason calendar

Even with all these transactions, the 49ers still escape with $43.2 million in cap space. No matter which route the team opts for free agency, the resources will be there to facilitate any desired move.