49ers’ 4 biggest remaining needs after moves in NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers made only a few notable moves in NFL free agency in 2022, leaving these four remaining needs atop the wish list heading deep into the offseason.
The San Francisco 49ers weren’t overly aggressive in NFL free agency in 2022, at least not the start of it, landing only one high-profile player in cornerback Charvarius Ward.
However, that move by general manager John Lynch solved arguably the biggest position need this offseason, addressing a weakness that was obvious over the latter weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs.
With Ward now taking over the CB1 role for the Niners, Lynch and Co. nevertheless need to turn their attention to the rest of the roster.
Sure, some of the other moves helped upgrade special teams, which was probably the second-biggest need outside of bulking up the cornerback room. But with some modest salary-cap constraints and the willingness not to overbid on expensive talent, San Francisco still needs to look for help in the second and third waves of free agency.
Or, just as possibly, the 2022 NFL Draft.
Regardless of how it’s done, the 49ers still need to stockpile talent for these four positional needs.
49ers position need No. 4: Wide receiver
The Niners certainly have their top two wide receivers set for the upcoming season, All-Pro Deebo Samuel and No. 2 man, Brandon Aiyuk. And there’s a good chance third-year pro Jauan Jennings solidifies a role for himself following a loud 24-catch, 282-yard, five-touchdown campaign during the regular season.
Yet San Francisco was awfully quiet in the free-agent market for wide receivers, only adding return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud but also losing fellow wideout Trent Sherfield to the Miami Dolphins.
McCloud has speed, yes, and it’s possible head coach Kyle Shanahan is envisioning using him as a deep threat to take advantage of quarterback Trey Lance‘s strong arm.
Still, the depth behind Samuel, Aiyuk, Jennings and potentially McCloud is awfully thin with few bona fide options, meaning the 49ers will have to both address the depth chart and guard against potential injury attrition.