Niner Noise
FanSided

3 former players 49ers might target in NFL free agency

By Safa Shooshtry

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Delanie Walker #46 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Delanie Walker #46 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Tight End Delanie Walker

Tight end Delanie Walker was released by the Tennesse Titans last week. After seven seasons and three Pro Bowl selections, he finds himself a free agent.

Walker was the 49ers’ sixth-round selection (175th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a “Swiss Army knife” for the team, playing all over the field. He lined up at tight end, fullback and even returned kickoffs.

But the 49ers decided Vernon Davis was their guy at tight end and allowed Walker to walk (no pun intended) in 2013. He then signed with the Titans.

He would go on to break out with the Titans and established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. In three consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2017, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

In the last two seasons, though, Walker only appeared in eight games combined, due to injury. Then the Titans decided to move on from him.

Now there is no doubt in anyone’s mind George Kittle is San Francisco’s TE No.1 by a landslide. However, that second tight end spot hasn’t been firmly established by any of the other tight ends on the roster as of yet.

Walker would make sense on a veteran’s minimum deal for one year. Not only is he a great pass catcher and run blocker, but he brings veteran leadership that would be great for the team. If he can stay healthy, he would provide a great compliment to Kittle and help the 49ers on another run at the Super Bowl.