5 prime targets for 49ers in 2nd wave of NFL free agency

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With the opening wave of 2023 NFL free agency in the books, the 49ers can look at these potential players who slipped through the cracks.

In all likelihood, the San Francisco 49ers are probably done adding any big-name players to their roster via NFL free agency.

General manager John Lynch made one big splash, grabbing former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and the Niners managed to onboard some other starting-caliber players and backups in the likes of cornerback Isaiah Oliver, quarterback Sam Darnold and EDGE Clelin Ferrell. Additionally, starters like safety Tashaun Gipson and center Jake Brendel are hanging around, too.

Granted, San Francisco lost a chunk of its top players, too, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, safety Jimmie Ward and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, among others.

And, with a projected $9.049 million in salary cap space, per Over the Cap, Lynch and Co. may not be able to go out and spend lucratively on other players.

However, with the second wave of NFL free agency about to hit, there are going to be some surprising bargains for still-good players out there.

The 49ers should express some interest in these five free agents.

Note: All player availability and cap info as of Friday, March 17.

49ers free-agent target No. 5: EDGE Frank Clark

Some would question veteran edge rusher Frank Clark’s personality and character off the field, but there’s no doubt that he’d be the type of player a win-now team like the Niners should go after.

Granted, pass-rushers always command top dollar, and the 29-year-old Clark could still be priced out of San Francisco’s comfort range.

That said, there hasn’t been a ton of reported interest in Clark’s services, and he’s only managed 9.5 sacks the last two years combined despite being a Pro Bowler in 2021.

Perhaps those factors drive down his market value.

If Clark’s projected value continues to slip, the 49ers would be upgrading their pass rush in the wake of losing defensive linemen Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam as free agents, finally getting a solid No. 2 option to pair with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.