16 former 49ers who remain without a team in NFL free agency

Former 49ers who are free agents: WR Trent Taylor

Trent Taylor was once supposed to be the 49ers' version of Wes Welker. Unfortunately, injuries and lackluster performance prevented that from happening.

He had some respectable years as a receiver and punt returner with the Niners, but recently he has been relegated to punt duties without much opportunities to catch the ball.

The 49ers do need a punt returner after Ray-Ray McCloud departed in free agency, but there are better options out there than Taylor.

Former 49ers who are free agents: WR Richie James

Yet another wide receiver who returned kicks for the 49ers, Richie James just won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs over San Francisco. He had a few respectable seasons with the Niners and was the kick returner for the previous 49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl matchup.

James did not do a ton as a receiver with the Chiefs, but in 2022 he had over 500 receiving yards and four touchdowns with the New YOrk Giants. That proves he can still be a solid receiver option.

It is not impossible that the Niners would bring him back. They need a kick returner and he could do that while also serving as a fourth or fifth wide receiver.

The next free agent also won a Super Rowl ring with the Chiefs last season.