NFL free agency: 5 under-the-radar signings 49ers could make in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers gets sacked by Sheldon Richardson #91, Frank Clark #55 and Branden Jackson #67 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL football game at Levis Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 31: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers watches on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

NFL free agency is close to officially beginning, and the San Francisco 49ers are being linked to a few big names in the wake of their impressive finish to the season and sizable cap space. Here we look at some names for the red and gold.

It’s safe to say that this is one of the most exciting periods for the San Francisco 49ers in many years.

After years of infighting, failed draft picks, incompetent leadership off the field and incompetent play on it, there is now a level of optimism for all 49ers fans who now eagerly await to see which players will come over to the Bay Area to play for the team.

Of course even with the money the 49ers have to spend (slightly south of $70,000,000 at $68,989,382 according to Over The Cap), they can’t sign every single big-name player fans and analysts link to the team.

So here are some under-the-radar options to consider in NFL free agency, players who fill a need and (mostly) won’t break the bank while providing (hopefully) some competent play for the 49ers.