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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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 20: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates his second quarter touchdown against the against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 20, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 20: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates his second quarter touchdown against the against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 20, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Question 4. If you could sign only one big name free agent, who would it be?

Peter Panacy:

"I’m moderately aboard the hype train surrounding cornerback Malcolm Butler. So is wide receiver Pierre Garcon, apparently. But free-agent corners signed to massive deals don’t always work out. Just ask the Oakland Raiders about Sean Smith or, if you want to go back further, the 49ers about Nate Clements. Ouch! If I had to grab one player in free agency, and only one, I’d take Carolina Panthers offensive guard Andrew Norwell. He’s a fit, scheme-wise, and would immediately upgrade the first level of protection for Garoppolo."

Aaron Tan:

"Allen Robinson. He is a true No. 1 receiver. Love his ability to create separation, get jump balls, and overall be a dominating presence that the defense has no choice but to focus on. The 49ers have issues in the red zone because of their lack of a big receiver, and Robinson would immediately fix those problems."

Joseph Naki:

"Andrew Norwell, Justin Pugh and Nate Solder would all have targets on their backs. Specifically Norwell, the kid is young and a dang beast!"

Ikaika Valeria:

"Allen Robinson. Drafting a receiving is too risky (i.e. A.J. Jenkins). Obviously, the biggest FA crush is Le’Veon Bell, but he’s not going to hit the market."

Chris Wilson:

"Easy: NaVorro Bowman. Bowman showed that even after sustaining multiple serious injuries, he’s still a borderline top-10 linebacker — Pro Football Focus ranked him 11th among all linebackers in 2017. The 49ers need to invest in NFL-caliber linebackers to play alongside Reuben Foster, who experienced his own issues with consistently staying on the field in his rookie season. Brock Coyle is a special teams player at best, and Eli Harold’s play has deteriorated each year since his rookie season. Last offseason, the 49ers invested heavily in Malcolm Smith, but the linebacker is now coming back from injury and hasn’t played well since 2013. Since the 49ers are already paying for Bowman — they’re taking nearly a $5 million cap hit for him next season — why not pay him to play for the Niners, instead of against the team in 2018?"

Florito Maniego:

"One big name free agent I would love to have with the 49ers is running back Le’Veon Bell. While he is likely to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, imagine Bell and Garoppolo together in the same backfield. Bell would take so much pressure off of Garoppolo and would be a tremendous asset to the team overall."

Analysis:

Andrew Norwell and Allen Robinson both tie with two selections apiece. Robinson probably won’t be available, as he is expected to be franchise tagged, however Norwell is not expected to be tagged although it remains a possibility.

Bowman is an interesting hypothetical given the Foster situation, while Le’Veon Bell is my top ranked free agent to help Garoppolo.