Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Running Back Raheem Mostert and Safety Antone Exum

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Special teams ended up being a pretty good story for San Francisco over the course of 2017. Football Outsiders ranked the Niners unit 11th overall last season. At one point, Pro Football Focus actually had 49ers special teams tops in the NFL.

A big reason was backup running back Raheem Mostert, who saw 204 snaps on special teams before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 11.

The Niners’ special teams efforts slipped a bit thereafter, and one can look at Mostert’s absence as a possible reason why. Sure, he’s not much of an offensive contributor. But special teams are vital, and Mostert offers value there.

Defensive back Antone Exum, however, saw action in just two games last season, recording two tackles and recording a 43.4 overall grade at safety, per PFF.

The Niners have question marks at safety this offseason, although it’s more likely they look to the NFL Draft to find a promising defensive back to fill out depth needs. Considering the lack of reliance on Exum, it’s not likely he returns.

Prediction: Antone Exum isn’t re-signed, and the 49ers bring back Raheem Mostert on a two-year deal.