Niner Noise
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Refuting complaints about the 49ers’ 2018 NFL free agency class

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/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) /

Claim No. 5: 49ers Should Have Signed Andrew Norwell

Let’s admit, it was slightly tough to see the Jacksonville Jaguars sign All-Pro offensive guard Andrew Norwell away from the Carolina Panthers.

After all, offensive guard is a prime need for the 49ers this offseason.

Norwell was, perhaps, the second biggest name on the open market behind quarterback Kirk Cousins. Whoever got Norwell’s services would immediately see an improvement along the offensive line.

But Norwell didn’t come cheap. His five-year, $66.5 million contract now makes him the highest-paid guard in the league. And his $30 million guaranteed is $7 million more than the No. 2 highest-paid guard on the list, the Browns’ Kevin Zeitler.

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A report from USA Today’s Art Stapleton listed the Niners as Norwell suitors, although John Lynch appeared to refute this later.

Andrew Norwell Priced Himself Out of the 49ers’ Range

Whether or not Norwell was a Niners target is anyone’s guess at this point. But it’s pretty easy to deduce San Francisco wasn’t going to be comfortable paying Norwell the kind of money top-level offensive tackles make right now.

Remember the long game from the previous slides.

The Niners still have a pressing need at guard, especially if 2016 rookie Joshua Garnett isn’t a part of the team’s long-term plans.

There’s hope, though. The 2018 NFL Draft is generally viewed as deep at guard. There should be starting-caliber guards available in Rounds 2 or 3, and San Francisco has three picks during those two rounds.

Sure, not getting a player like Norwell puts more pressure on Lynch to land a good quality guard in the draft. If he and the 49ers do, fans will be looking back thankful the team never had to dish out that kind of money to Norwell in the first place.

Even if the Niners weren’t big players in free agency, it doesn’t mean they gaffed or made mistakes. If anything, it shows the prudent approach the front office has taken over the past year-plus.

Next: Predicting 49ers' 2018 starting lineup post free agency start

And that’s typically how extended championship-caliber teams are built.