The San Francisco 49ers officially touched down in Melbourne ahead of next Thursday’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The team still has some question marks entering the matchup, though.
The defense is dealing with various injury issues, and the offensive line is still unsettled at left guard, so San Francisco does not have everything as neatly laced up as they’d like.
While the Niners are unlikely to tap into the free agent market to shore up these holes, the following three free agents should have their passports ready, just in case the phone rings.
Jeff Okudah
While Deommodore Lenoir and Upton Stout are both obvious starters for the Niners, the third cornerback spot is a little tougher to predict. Renardo Green wasn’t out there for the team’s last practice in the States, Jack Jones has dealt with injury issues, Nate Hobbs is on IR, and the team let go of Darrell Luter Jr., who was promptly scooped up by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Niners could sign Jeff Okudah as an insurance option. He hasn’t played much over the last few seasons, but he has two career interceptions and played under DeMeco Ryans in 2024 with the Houston Texans.
Leonard Floyd
Nick Bosa is coming off an injury-shortened campaign in which he played in just three games. Keion White is recovering from a gunshot wound he suffered in February. Romello Height is a rookie and is dealing with his own share of bumps and bruises. Sam Okuayinonu isn’t even making the trip to Australia. Any one of these reasons would be enough to warrant the 49ers signing another edge rusher, and Leonard Floyd eagerly awaits a new home.
He played for San Francisco in 2024 and has been with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris at multiple stops. It would honestly be a shock if he’s not with the Niners at some point this year, and it already appears they have a need for him in Week 1.
Laken Tomlinson
The left guard battle is probably going to be won by rookie Carver Willis, but with Aaron Donald coming out of retirement and potentially playing in Week 1, the Niners would be smart to bring in a veteran presence to help him out.
Laken Tomlinson played with the Niners for several years and is coming off an injury. Still, he would be a perfect veteran option at left guard.
Though the Niners are likely to elevate players from their practice squad, they can't overlook the effectiveness of relying on free agency to solve their problems. Given that Kyle Shanahan tends to prefer experienced veterans over unproven youngsters, the three aforementioned role players could do wonders in helping the team overcome their current flurry of injuries.
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