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

5 of 6

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 12: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms Pierre Desir #35 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Running Back Le’Veon Bell

Alright. Time for the 49ers to splurge again in NFL free agency.

It’s obvious running back Le’Veon Bell needs a change of scenery from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he won’t be returning from his holdout until Week 7. And it’s also pretty clear Bell would be a massive offensive force wherever he winds up in 2019. Let’s just let those two aspects be given.

Not unlike how fellow runner Todd Gurley fires the Los Angeles Rams’ high-octane offense, Bell could easily be the missing link for Kyle Shanahan. And he’ll be 27 years old next season, meaning there are still a few years’ worth of mileage on his body.

Again, Bell won’t come cheap — possibly in the range of $16 million per season. And it would raise questions about the Niners’ previous contract with Jerick McKinnon — a four-year, $30 million deal.

But McKinnon’s contract is heavily front-loaded. Even if San Francisco elects to keep McKinnon on the roster next year, adding Bell would only serve to make this position group all the more dynamic.

That would help Shanahan’s offense immensely and return the 49ers to the playoff discussion almost instantly.