Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers free agency: Top 5 targets for 2018

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Trumaine Johnson #22 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to tackle Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Trumaine Johnson #22 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to tackle Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/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: Offensive Guard Andrew Norwell

Carolina Panthers offensive guard Andrew Norwell is set to cash in after an All-Pro campaign in 2017.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are unlikely to place the franchise tag on Norwell, who finished as Pro Football Focus‘ third best guard last season.

Per Spotrac.com’s market-value tool, Norwell is worth an annual average salary of $11.7 million this upcoming season. That’s a lot of cash for an interior blocker. But it’s important to remember San Francisco can afford it at this point. The 49ers have the money to sign one, perhaps two big-name free agents this offseason without creating much issue.

So, is it a fit?

According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, it is:

"If he reaches the market, Norwell is likely to become the richest guard in the league. The All-Pro is a solid player and probably better than Kevin Zeitler, who landed a lucrative deal from the Browns last offseason. The Niners should have tons of money to spend and would surely love to add additional protection for Jimmy Garoppolo."

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Often overlooked is the scheme fit. Former Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula ran one of the most complex, zone-heavy schemes in the NFL the last few seasons, and Norwell was a seamless fit.

Shula’s scheme isn’t unlike what Kyle Shanahan operates, although Shanahan’s tends to focus more on outside runs.

Still, Norwell would be a wise target for San Francisco’s efforts this offseason.

Next: Latest news, rumors & reports for 49ers free agency

NFL free agency officially kicks off on Mar. 14, with teams entering the legal “tampering period” on Mar. 12. Expect plenty of rumors to heat up by then.