Niner Noise
FanSided

3 cap casualties the 49ers should try signing in 2020

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers gets tackled by Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers gets tackled by Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Tight End Delanie Walker

When talking about traditional buy-low cap casualties, players like former 49ers and Tennesee Titans tight end Delanie Walker are textbook examples. At age 35, Walker has injury concerns coming off a broken ankle, but a history of success and an ability to impact the roster without having undue pressure.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers, through their supposed pursuit of Austin Hooper (h/t NBC Sports), have made it clear they want to bolster their tight end ranks behind arguably the most valuable non-quarterback in the league, George Kittle.

The recent news of the Giants signing former Niners tight end Levine Toilolo leaves only two actual options at the position for the Niners: Kittle and Ross Dwelley. While Dwelley has shown himself to be an excellent backup, head coach Kyle Shanahan prides his offense on flexibility, something Walker can contribute.

Back when Walker was a 49er, he was the backup tight end to Vernon Davis, but also an “H-back.” This player is like a fullback/tight end hybrid, much akin to the Niners’ usage of Kyle Juszczyk currently. More opportunities to use a player like that is an indisputable plus.

There are injury concerns with Walker. His broken ankle made him out of action for most of the season last year, but that’s the risk that comes with buy-low players. A potential benefit should Walker turn out healthy is a talented weapon for the Niners who isn’t just a receiver, rather a player who can truly make an impact.

Next. 2020 NFL Draft: 3 defensive players 49ers target with second Round 1 pick. dark

I’ve been saying this ever since the offseason started, but teams like the 49ers have to learn how to take risks in the market. As a contender, the risk-reward calculus changes significantly. Any one of these players has risks, but they all have the capacity to change the season and give the 49ers an extra bump.