San Francisco 49ers: 15 best free-agent acquisitions of all time
By Peter Panacy
Greatest free agent acquistions in San Francisco 49ers history: 4. Tim McDonald
49ers Tenure: 1993 – 1999
There are those who may argue Jeff Garcia should be higher on this list, particularly if safety Tim McDonald is ranked above the quarterback.
Yet there are a few things separating McDonald from Garcia, including the fact the latter also managed three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in a 49ers uniform, which were also impressive when added to the other three he had with the then-Phoenix Cardinals, previously.
McDonald was a high-profile addition in 1993 — the first year of modern NFL free agency as we know it. Unlike Garcia, McDonald stretched out his tenure with San Francisco over seven seasons, locking down the strong safety spot.
He recorded four interceptions twice in a season (1995 and 1998) during his time with the Niners. In one of those years, he also managed two interceptions for touchdowns, which led the league.
Perhaps even more impressive was the fact he missed just one game during his seven-year 49ers career. McDonald was an essential piece to the 49ers’ victory in Super Bowl XXIX over the then-San Diego Chargers.