Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 5 biggest offseason targets in 2019

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 14: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a defensive stand in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on December 14, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 17-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 14: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a defensive stand in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on December 14, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 17-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Rodger Saffold #76 of the Los Angeles Rams wears an LAFD hat in honor of the Los Angeles Fire Department battling the Woolsey fire before playing in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Rodger Saffold #76 of the Los Angeles Rams wears an LAFD hat in honor of the Los Angeles Fire Department battling the Woolsey fire before playing in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

. Offensive Guard. Rams. Rodger Saffold. 5. player. 51

The first player on our list of top offseason needs isn’t exactly a sexy pickup. But it addresses a need and sure makes for a good fit too.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Veteran Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Rodger Saffold isn’t necessarily going to be a long-term fix. He’ll turn 31 years old by the time the 2019 season rolls around. Yet this actually plays somewhat into the 49ers’ favor.

The Rams don’t have too many weaknesses on either side of the ball. But players like Saffold comprise one of the older offensive lines in the NFL right now, and a hunch says L.A. will make some strides this offseason trying to get this unit both younger and cheaper.

Coming off a five-year, $31.7 million contract, it just doesn’t seem likely the Rams will want to re-sign or extend him at a hefty price.

The Niners, however, can afford it and look to make an upgrade over either guard Mike Person or Laken Tomlinson. Plus, Person is signed only through 2018 too.

Pro Football Focus is currently giving the veteran, Saffold, a 70.7 overall grade on the year, which is certainly respectable. And he should be a seamless fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone blocking scheme, which is nearly identical to the one operated in L.A. by its head coach, Sean McVay, who is a disciple of Shanahan.

The 49ers put a lot of effort into upgrading their O-line last offseason. A player like Saffold, even if only on the short term, helps put on the finishing touch.