Free agency is almost upon the NFL, and the rumor mill has begun to buzz as teams begin tagging, trading and releasing players to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. The San Francisco 49ers are no exception to this rule.
It’s that time of year again people, the time for rumor, hinting, innuendo and dreams.
Some of you want an article full of facts, thoughtful analysis and grounded in reality.
You will not find that here.
The San Francisco 49ers have the fifth most cap space in the NFC (narrowly trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), a culture that supposedly has players calling their agents to play for them and the largest amount of expectation since the Jim Harbaugh era.
So, as you can expect, rumors have popped up all over, and you’ll find them here.
The 49ers are being very aggressive at cornerback
This one is not a surprise, given the need to find someone to pair with impressive rookie Ahkello Witherspoon, and so far it seems the 49ers have done their homework with no less than three cornerback free agents who eventually went elsewhere.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee tweeted early on in the free agency process about the 49ers early with cornerback David Amerson:
#49ers among teams interested in cornerback David Amerson. ... https://t.co/Q2MLVxBHYL
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 12, 2018
The 49ers also apparently asked questions about new Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters, but decided not to give the Kansas City Chiefs an offer.
Finally Vontae Davis, brother of former 49er Vernon Davis, was linked to the 49ers as well and even met with them before signing with the Buffalo Bills.
Finally, just as a reminder, don’t forget the 49ers players who made overtures to New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler who. along with the Rams’ Trumaine Johnson, is probably the best corner in the free-agent market.
Carlos Hyde, an unlikely reunion?
The first free agent the 49ers sign could be one of their own. Well, first except for Jimmy Garoppolo. Oh, and Daniel Kilgore. Come to think of it, Brock Coyle could sign soon… well, you get the picture. The Niners have been busy extending players lately, and running back Carlos Hyde could still be one of them.
San Francisco 49ers
Will Hyde remain with the 49ers? Certainly there is at least an interest between Hyde and the 49ers, as they will meet once more with his agent before the talented running back meets with other teams.
Hyde did struggle at times in the new system of head coach Kyle Shanahan, but the possibility remains that, with another year in the system, he can pick it up as long as the price is right, as Hyde did catch a fair amount of passes.
Before Shanahan implemented his offense, Hyde had 50 catches for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns (over 34 games).
In the new offense — 59 catches for 350 yards. It should be noted only 10 of these catches came with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, however in Hyde’s defense he only had five games to try to develop chemistry with him.
For the right price, Hyde could still be with the 49ers.
Franchise tag and the 49ers
This would seem a bit of a tenuous link to the 49ers, but general manager John Lynch did say that the team would be “aggressively prudent,” saying:
"What does that mean? It means that we’re going to be aggressive and look at everyone. But it also means that just because we have all this money, we’re not saying that we have to go spend it. You want to (spend) wisely on players who fit into how we’re setting this thing up."
So it is only fitting to look at some of the bigger names here.
Would you like Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson on the Niners? How about Detroit Lion EDGE Ezekiel Ansah? Miami Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry? Dallas Cowboys standout DeMarcus Lawrence?
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Sorry everyone, but they’re either all tagged or have the franchise tag hanging over them.
It’s a source of frustration for many fan of a team looking to bring in a big name free agent, but it is to be expected. Of course the 49ers could trade for Jarvis Landry, who is on the trade block, but it’s hard to see them being a suitor for someone who is primarily a slot receiver when they have the promising Trent Taylor there.
Conclusion (for now)
That’s all for now, it’s very early in the process of course and, no doubt, more rumors will pop up soon.
The only useful thing we can glean from the Niners so far is their interest in the cornerback pool. Some is bound to be a heavy target, but who? Will a big player or an unexpected one be rumored to sign? Will Carlos Hyde spurn free agency and sign an extension?
Next: 2018 NFL free agency: Making the case why 49ers should sign cornerback Kyle Fuller
It’s going to be exciting to find out.