SF 49ers free agency: 5 role players Niners must re-sign in 2021
By Peter Panacy
The SF 49ers have a lot of tough decisions in NFL free agency this offseason, yet re-signing these five role players should be priority.
The 2020 SF 49ers are finding out just how important it is for any team to have depth built into its roster.
Amid a myriad of injuries, numerous backups and role players have been pegged to assume key roles on both sides of the ball. While these players are backups for a reason, one could make the argument the 4-6 Niners would be much worse off if they had players of a lesser caliber filling these voids left by injured players.
A key problem, though, is general manager John Lynch and Co. are facing a tough offseason in which a sizable chunk of their roster is pegged for NFL free agency in 2021. A total of 41 players are set to hit the open market. With an estimated cap space of just over $23 million against a salary cap expected to drop as low as $175 million next season, per Over the Cap, one can see just how difficult it’ll be for Lynch to retain as much talent as possible without jeopardizing the team’s long-term needs.
High-profile free agents garner attention, yes. But San Francisco would be wise to ensure these five role players and reserves are brought back, too.
No. 5: SF 49ers Tight End Ross Dwelley
While a player who has just 10 catches for 144 yards doesn’t seem like a true re-sign candidate, especially considering those are career-high numbers, tight end Ross Dwelley does have a knack for making key plays when they’re needed most.
The bulk of these efforts have come in the wake of injuries to the starter, first-team All-Pro George Kittle, who is likely out the rest of 2020 with a foot injury.
Dwelley admirably filled in for Kittle a year ago, then has done so again this season. While Dwelley is nowhere near as flash or prolific, he’s been a reliable backup over the past two seasons and seems to have a knack for making significant plays at the right moment.
Plus, his reliability as a depth piece guards against future injuries to Kittle, and there’s every reason to believe the 25-year-old former undrafted free agent returns on the cheap, giving San Francisco a modest weapon at a low cost.