5 free agents the 49ers absolutely must avoid at all costs

No. 1 free agent 49ers must avoid: DT Jerry Tillery

It’s weird to think that the 49ers’ No. 1 need this offseason will be addressing the positional group they’ve invested the most in under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan: the defensive line.

Perhaps that’s arguable, but considering the question marks that exist behind All-Pro EDGE Nick Bosa, it makes sense. Bosa didn’t get much help in the pass-rush department last year, as no defender had more than five sacks, and the interior is an issue with both defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw dealing with injuries for the majority of 2022.

So, simply stated, don’t be shocked if the Niners look to onboard a defensive lineman or two.

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Defensive tackle Jerry Tillery might have been an intriguing option, having come from the Los Angeles Chargers, who ran a similar defense to that of San Francisco. Having flamed out there after being selected in Round 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft, Tillery’s brief campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders was merely average, at best.

Beyond that, Armstead is going to be earning up to $24 million this season after a huge spike in his contract, and Tillery will likely be looking to cash in on his first NFL free agency period.

The 49ers need to search for cheaper options with potentially more upside, which isn’t easy but a smarter play than landing Tillery.