Top 5 pending free agents the 49ers should go after in 2024
As the 49ers' 2023 preseason is already underway, that means the free agency frenzy is about to wrap up. However, it is never too soon to look ahead at next year's coveted talent that may be available to sign.
By Scott Conrad
The 49ers should look at these five pending free agents for 2024.
49ers free-agent target No. 1: CB Stephon Gilmore
In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers boasted one of the league's toughest, stingiest and best overall defenses. As seen with strong defenses, this was huge in part because San Francisco won the turnover battle.
To keep that up by funneling talent via NFL free agency, the Niners can look at one player who can help in that regard. Our first recommendation is Stephon Gilmore. despite the cornerback turning 34 next year. He brings (championship) experience, more than 25 interceptions, and over 125 pass deflections.
Gilmore was selected 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and for good reason. In the Bay Area, he would serve as additional veteran leadership and fill the void for a year or two before the 49ers can draft a future star at corner.
San Francisco has a history of signing players with established resumes in the secondary on their way to a Super Bowl run. The 49ers did so with Tim McDonald (1993), Deion Sanders (1994) and Richard Sherman (2018), just to name a few.
49ers free-agent target No. 2: DE Trey Flowers
Another potential free agent in 2024 would be defensive end Trey Flowers, who also possesses championship experience in addition to a decade of experience.
In his last six full seasons, Flowers has produced over 30 sacks, more than 260 tackles and forced 10 fumbles in his career. Another veteran presence could provide lucrative to fill the void of any departures after the 2023 season.
49ers free-agent target Nos. 3 and 4: OL David Edwards, OL Lucas Patrick
Focusing on the 49ers' offensive line, these next two free agents should help protect the quarterback and create holes for an impressive run game.
First, David Edwards could come to San Francisco and be a standout at guard. He is in his mid-20s and has playoff experience.
The second would be Lucas Patrick. The Duke University product has taken snaps at both guard and center before being hurt in 2022.
These signings would aide in the 49ers' efforts to prevent sacks and move the chains for seasons to come.
49ers free-agent target No. 5: QB Ryan Tannehill.
The NFL has long been a quarterback-centric league. Our fifth and final free agent is plausible if the Niners experience struggles and woes under center. As of today, San Francisco has Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. If those three do not yield success on the field, though, a new play caller could be coming to Levi's Stadium.
Though Kirk Cousins looks like a blockbuster signing to make, we offer up another quarterback's name: Ryan Tannehill.
Read more: Ranking 49ers' 15 best free-agent acquisitions of all time
Even if he is entering the final stages of his playing career, the Niners are built to win on both sides of the offense: passing and rushing. Tannehill simply would just need to prevent mistakes and perform as an effective game manager who has the experience necessary to succeed in the postseason.
In 143 games started, he has a 64.3-percent completion rate, over 210 touchdowns and 33,000 yards thrown. He also owns a share of the record for most consecutive completions (25).
He could be an affordable one or two-year stopgap if the 49ers choose to do so. Regardless, this team is built to win now and next year.
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