5 bargain free-agent targets 49ers can go after this offseason

The 49ers aren't going to have a ton of salary cap space in 2025, but they can at least hit the NFL free agency market with a smart shopper's mindset.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to have to be mindful with their spending in 2025.

Chief among the Niners' priorities during the offseason will be negotiating a new contract with quarterback Brock Purdy, one that'll likely make him one of the NFL's highest-paid players (if not the highest).

That'll cut into the surplus of cash San Francisco has generated up through 2024, making it significantly more difficult to spend big on high-ticket free agents. And it might force the 49ers into making some tough roster decisions, too, potentially engineering some cap-saving cuts that could include defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and/or wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Yet the Niners' demise this season mandates general manager John Lynch take some sort of offseason action. And, with Over the Cap projecting San Francisco to have just north of $48 million in space in 2025, it's not as if Lynch has to stand idly by.

Maybe there's room for an expensive player or two. But, more likely, inexpensive bargains will be the primary focus.

Here are five to watch this offseason.

No. 5: Tight end Austin Hooper

Veteran tight end Austin Hooper has been on head coach Kyle Shanahan's watch list ever since the two were together with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2016. Heck, the 49ers were reportedly interested in Hooper since then, too, making the thought of finally landing him in 2025 a possibility.

Far removed from his Pro Bowl-caliber efforts in Atlanta earlier in his career, the 30-year-old Hooper would nevertheless be a cheap add, perhaps in the realm of a one-year deal worth $4 million.

After all, Shanahan has long sought a quality backup to All-Pro tight end George Kittle, and finding a veteran who is at least familiar with the head coach's system has merit, too.

No. 4: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson

The Niners were included in trade rumors surrounding then-Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson just prior to the NFL deadline but ultimately missed out when the 5-foot-11 pass catcher ended up being dealt to the Baltimore Ravens instead.

Johnson, 28 years old, should still be a relatively affordable free-agent pickup, likely commanding no more than $6 million per year, on average. While his numbers going forward will probably never replicate what he enjoyed during his Pittsburgh Steelers days, San Francisco could at least benefit from having a savvy and versatile weapon out wide.

Especially considering Samuel's uncertain future and the possibility fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk doesn't return at 100 percent next year after suffering a torn ACL and MCL earlier this season.

No. 3: Linebacker Jamien Sherwood

Similar as the situation with Aiyuk, the 49ers can't be wholly convinced linebacker Dre Greenlaw will be at top strength after tearing his Achilles in the Super Bowl last February, and Greenlaw is ticketed for free agency in 2025 anyway.

Behind All-Pro Fred Warner, the Niners haven't exactly boasted the best linebacker depth, unless one is eagerly hopeful for second-year pro Dee Winters making a substantial leap to become Greenlaw's heir apparent.

He might have to get paid starter's money, but New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood could at least be an affordable option if Greenlaw ultimately departs and Winters remains a backup.

Stemming from former Jets head coach Robert Saleh's system, Sherwood would be a scheme fit if he could be had for less than $8 million per year.

No. 2: Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. went from being one of the league's best up-and-coming players to a mere afterthought in 2024, mainly due to landing on injured reserve that held his year's efforts to just four games. Plus, with the regime change in Southern California, it's hard to gauge whether or not Samuel fits into the Bolts' long-term plans anyway.

Samuel, who might bet on himself at 25 years old on a one-year "prove it" kind of deal, would have familiarity with San Francisco's assistant head coach, Brandon Staley (assuming he stays in franchise), and the 49ers are likely going to need another cornerback anyway with the probable free-agent departure of Charvarius Ward this offseason.

Having Samuel as a nickel option to pair with corners Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green wouldn't be the worst idea in 2025.

No. 1: Center Josh Myers

When it comes to paying offensive linemen, tackles get the payday. Interior linemen, especially centers, typically don't.

Yet the Niners need a clear-cut upgrade over their incumbent, Jake Brendel, who has turned into a liability over the latter half of 2024 and has been largely responsible for inside rushing efforts stalling out near the line of scrimmage.

Shanahan prefers veteran centers anyway (see previous choices like Weston Richburg and Alex Mack), and getting someone from a similar offensive system would be even better.

Enter Green Bay Packers fourth-year pro Josh Myers.

Myers, who is fully immersed in head coach Matt LaFleur's offense, would be a seamless add and upgrade to Shanahan's O-line, strengthening a unit that has been on a steady decline over the previous two years.