Low-risk free agents 49ers can still target before NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers are likely done with their splash signings in NFL free agency, but these low-risk players can be potential add-ons prior to the 2023 draft.
The San Francisco 49ers’ No. 1 move in free agency this offseason was grabbing former Philadephia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who’ll help reinforce general manager John Lynch’s modus operandi of being strong in the trenches.
The Niners also onboarded some ancillary players without as big name recognition as Hargrave, and names like cornerback Isaiah Oliver and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano could play significant roles this season.
According to Over the Cap, San Francisco has just a shade over $3 million in cap space just weeks before the 2023 NFL Draft. And while it’ll take approximately $6 million to sign the 49ers’ rookie draft class, only the top 51 contracts will count this time of year.
So, there’s a little wiggle room for general manager John Lynch.
There are some big-name free agents who are still available, and it’s possible the Niners go after them if those players’ respective markets cool off and cheapen.
However, if San Francisco wants to save money and stockpile the depth chart on the cheap just ahead of the NFL Draft, these low-risk players are still available.
49ers low-risk NFL free agency target No. 1: OG Rodger Saffold
It’s weird to think a player who made back-to-back Pro Bowls the last two years remains unsigned, but that’s the case for offensive guard Rodger Saffold, who’s coming off a one-year tenure with the Buffalo Bills after having served three with the Tennessee Titans.
Saffold turns 35 years old this offseason, which is probably the main deterrent. However, he did spend considerable time under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, who runs a similar offense as that of the 49ers.
The Niners added Feliciano but lost fellow lineman Daniel Brunskill. While it appears the guard spots are set for San Francisco with Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford, taking a flier on Saffold to push either player for a starting job wouldn’t be a bad idea.