5 under-the-radar free agents 49ers can add on the cheap

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The 49ers aren’t likely to grab any more big names in NFL free agency, but these less-discussed free agents could turn into quality additions.

In all likelihood, the San Francisco 49ers are probably done with any splash signing in NFL free agency.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was the biggest “get” for general manager John Lynch and Co., while others like cornerback Isaiah Oliver will help shore up other spots of need.

With the opening wave of free agency in the rearview mirror, the Niners still have some notable needs but retain a roster that is very much in contention for a Super Bowl.

All that’ll be needed are the tweaks and alterations that contending teams should make between the start of the league’s new year and the annual NFL Draft, which will kick off in late April.

Those roster moves aren’t likely to move the proverbial needle too much, at least in terms of how potent San Francisco looks.

That said, the 49ers can still add these under-the-radar free agents at a low-cost value in order to make those improvements happen.

49ers cheap free-agent target No. 5: Safety Landon Collins

There would have been a time not long ago when veteran safety Landon Collins could be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

Unfortunately for him, injuries and other setbacks have largely relegated the three-time Pro Bowler to relatively forgotten status, and his one-year reunion with the New York Giants in 2022 resulted in only six games played.

That said, Collins is still just 29 years old, and a fresh start somewhere else might be beneficial for him.

The Niners already have two safeties in Tashaun Gipson and Talanoa Hufanga, but adding Collins on a one-year “prove it” deal would not only spark the competition but also provide some veteran leadership to a relatively young San Francisco secondary.

Plus, three-safety sets aren’t exactly a bad thing, and the 49ers watched Tarvarius Moore depart in free agency anyway.