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NFL free agency: Top 5 players the 49ers should target in 2019

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 08: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, 2013 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 19-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 08: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, 2013 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 19-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Outside Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after a 16-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Outside Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after a 16-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers’ 2018 efforts have revealed the team needs to spend some considerable money on the free-agent market. Here are five players who should be targets in NFL free agency this upcoming offseason.

2018 is no longer about the playoffs for the San Francisco 49ers.

After a 1-4 start and a glaring reveal the Niners vastly lack talent and depth on both sides of the ball, the focus for head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch now shifts to addressing much-needed improvements in 2019.

On one hand, the 49ers are in good position to make some serious upgrades. A benefit from being a bad team lacking talent is, generally, a sizable chunk of available salary cap space. Niner Noise already broke down San Francisco’s cap-space and NFL free agency situation this upcoming offseason.

Here’s the financial kicker:

"Currently, according to Spotrac, San Francisco ranks third in total cap space available this season, boasting $32,651,036 in surplus. … Off an assumed $187 million salary cap next year, Spotrac projects the 49ers having $59,394,799 in cap space not including the unused portion from this year. When combined, the amount of money adds up to a whopping $91.39 million."

Yes, over $90 million in projected cap space. That’s a lot.

One could make the argument the Niners had this last year too, not doing much outside of signing running back Jerick McKinnon and inking quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s then-record-setting contract. Cornerback Richard Sherman too.

But a swarm of injuries early in 2019, paired with the general underachievement that has led to an abysmal start this season, should prompt Lynch to act aggressively on the open market once again.

That means identifying needs, possible fits and potential targets.

So let’s dive into that, looking at five players the 49ers should target in NFL free agency if they become available in 2019.