5 former 49ers free agents who could be brought back in 2023
By Peter Panacy
Former 49ers free-agent No. 1: Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas
Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch weren’t just supportive of the first quarterback they drafted, C.J. Beathard, but they were also exceptionally supportive of their first NFL Draft pick overall, defensive end Solomon Thomas.
Sure, Thomas’ four years with San Francisco were nothing but disappointing. He never came close to turning into the kind of player expected to deliver like most No. 3 overall picks. And while it’s fair to question whether or not the 49ers used him correctly during that span, the overall impact won’t be deceiving.
It wasn’t good.
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After stints with both the Raiders and New York Jets, Thomas has openly stated he’d love to return to the Niners, especially if it meant getting to play with Christian McCaffrey, his fellow Stanford alumnus and close friend.
San Francisco has needs for the interior of its defensive line, too, and Thomas was always much better inside than on the exterior.
Perhaps that reunion winds up taking place when NFL free agency kicks off this March.
Next. 2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch rest of NFC get stronger. dark