Niner Noise
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49ers question time: 6 topics for the Niner Noise writers

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Question 1: Now that Jimmy Garoppolo has signed on, what’s the next step for the 49ers?

Writer note: This question was asked before the re-signing of center Daniel Kilgore.

Peter Panacy:

"The next step is starting to eliminate the number of needs the team has, and that starts with free agency. San Francisco still has plenty of cap space following the Jimmy Garoppolo deal, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see cornerback, interior offensive line and some skill positions targeted. That’ll lessen pressure on general manager John Lynch to hit home runs in the NFL Draft and will add some pro-ready talent right away."

Aaron Tan:

"Just build a better team in general. We got the QB position locked down so that’s finally out of the way. We just need to build a better team. Prioritize building around offensive line to protect Jimmy, a true No. 1 receiver so Kyle Shanahan can get his own Julio Jones, and corners to sure up the secondary."

Joseph Naki:

"Addressing the OL in FA."

Ikaika Valeria:

"Free agency without a doubt. Top players to watch are LeVeon Bell,  DeMarcus Lawrence, Allen Robinson and Malcolm Butler. I’d say they’re Tier 1 free-agent prospects that go with our needs."

Chris Wilson:

"Now that the 49ers have locked up Jimmy Garoppolo to a long-term deal, they need to add pieces to the offense to allow their new franchise quarterback to continue to be successful. Either through the draft, free agency or both, the Niners should add talent to the interior offensive line, and at running back, wide receiver and tight end."

Florito Maniego:

"After securing the quarterback position, the next step for the 49ers is to add the right pieces around Jimmy Garoppolo. Improving the interior offensive line is the team’s highest priority in order to protect the franchise QB. The team can either sign the likes of Andrew Norwell or Justin Pugh in free agency or draft a player like Quenton Nelson in April. San Francisco should also look to upgrade the running back position if Carlos Hyde does not get re-signed and possibly add a better perimeter wideout. On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers also need to look at their options at cornerback and EDGE, as well as add more depth to the linebacker corps."

Analysis:

Unsurprisingly, the consensus is to use the sizable financial advantage the 49ers have over the other teams to be aggressive in free agency. The only difference of opinion is exactly where the 49ers should look at first and foremost.