The 49ers have a lot of holes to fill after their roster tear-down, and these free agents are still looking for new homes.
The San Francisco 49ers watched nearly silently as the opening wave of free agency tore away a significant chunk of their roster entering 2025.
Additionally, the Niners contributed to it by parting ways with aging, expensive veterans in what's seen as a major cost-saving effort by the front effort to recalibrate after last year's 6-11 finish.
in return, San Francisco has been fairly inactive on the free-agent market, largely signing C-level contributors who'll either beef up the back end of the depth chart and/or upgrade what was an unimpressive special teams crop a season ago.
As a result, the 49ers will turn to April's NFL Draft as a major means to restock the roster with young and cheap talent.
But, the Niners can't rely solely on rookie prospects to plug the gaps.
With one week of free agency in the books, San Francisco can explore these remaining free agents and hope some of them can sign on affordable deals to boost the roster.
5 free agents 49ers can go after in 2nd wave of free agency
No. 1: DE Azeez Ojulari
The 49ers missed out on now-Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa, effectively leaving brother Nick Bosa as the lone established pass-rusher on the roster, particularly in the wake of releasing his linemate from 2024, Leonard Floyd.
The 24-year-old Azeez Ojulari is still on the ascent after four years with the New York Giants, producing six sacks and 10 quarterback hits last season, which would equate to a cheap free-agent addition with plenty of upside.
A better run defender than Floyd, Ojulari wouldn't be counted upon to anchor a pass rush but could at least help solve some of the rotational issues the Niners have created for themselves.
No. 2: DT Calais Campbell
Turning 39 years old at the start of the upcoming season, six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Calais Campbell doesn't exactly fit the bill for getting younger and cheaper.
However, San Francisco's biggest need by far is for the interior of its defensive line. Sure, the upcoming draft is chock full of D-linemen, but sole reliance on rookies to plug this void is a dangerous proposition, meaning a well-respected veteran presence would be smart.
Campbell, who spent last year with the Miami Dolphins and started all 17 games, still managed five sacks and continues to enjoy playing at a high level with minimal injuries.
As far as a stopgap veteran who can mentor younger players, Campbell fits the bill.
No. 3: S Juan Thornhill
The 49ers already met with veteran safety Juan Thornhill, but he's apparently seeking a deal longer than one year.
However, if the market for Thornhill's services is thin, he might be willing to accept a quick stint in the Bay Area that needs to make up for the free-agent loss of Talanoa Hufanga, leaving Malik Mustapha and the embattled Ji'Ayir Brown as the only logical options left.
Thornhill, who spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, notched eight interceptions his previous four years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
No. 4: C David Andrews
The Niners also painted themselves in a corner with head coach Kyle Shanahan's preference for veteran centers instead of youthful promising up-and-comers, meaning incumbent Jake Brendel is likely the starter for 2025 unless another veteran is brought aboard.
While former New England Patriots center David Andrews isn't exactly a major upgrade, the 32 year old still played at a high level prior to his injury-plagued 2024 campaign and wouldn't exactly break the bank if he was to join San Francisco.
In doing so, Shanahan would maintain his veteran tendencies here while landing an upgrade over Brendel on the cheap.
No. 5: DT Jerry Tillery
Campbell might not be the only option for the 49ers to reinforce the interior of their defensive line.
Defensive tackle Jerry Tillery went bust for the Los Angeles Chargers after being drafted in Round 1 back in 2019, but he at least boasts a familiarity with the 4-3 base defense from his days working with then-defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, now on the Niners staff.
Never quite the pass-rushing standout, Tillery nevertheless improved his run-defense abilities over the years, which would check off a major box for San Francisco.
Better yet, the 28 year old would merely be seen as a competitive piece for incoming rookies to overtake on the depth chart.
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