49ers' Last-Minute Guide to 2023 NFL Free Agency
The San Francisco 49ers made another trip to the NFC title game this past season—their third appearance in four years—but they fell short after losing rookie quarterback Brock Purdy to an elbow injury.
Purdy underwent elbow surgery on Friday, and ideally, he'll be healthy enough to compete with 2021 third-overall pick Trey Lance in training camp. Lance is coming off of a season-ending ankle injury, so there is some uncertainty at quarterback in San Francisco.
While the 49ers must wait to see who's healthy and who emerges as their starting QB, there's plenty of work to be done in the meantime. Free agency kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and teams can begin contacting and negotiating with players at noon ET on Monday.
Here, you'll find a look at the 49ers' biggest needs, most notable free agents, potential targets and cap situation.
Overview
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Projected Cap Space: $7.8 million
The 49ers are projected to have just under $8 million in cap space when free agency begins. While that's not a ton of financial capital, San Francisco is better off than a lot of other franchises.
The NFC West-rival Los Angeles Rams, for example, are projected to be $14.5 million over the cap. That cap situation could lead Los Angeles to move a marquee player like cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
"I know they've had some interest in Jalen Ramsey. We'll see if he ends up getting traded." NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network (h/t Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire).
San Francisco isn't in as dire of a situation, and general manager John Lynch should be able to create adequate cap room with extensions and contract restructures. The 49ers shouldn't be forced to trade or cut a key contributor.
Creating cap space could become a priority, as San Francisco will likely want to retain or replace impending free agents on the open market. Without first- or second-round selections in April's draft, the 49ers' chances of landing an immediate rookie starter aren't high.
Notable Free Agents
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DE Samson Ebukam
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
S Tashaun Gipson
K Robbie Gould
OT Mike McGlinchey
CB Emmanuel Moseley
DE Charles Omenihu
S Jimmie Ward
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo might be the most notable of San Francisco's impending free agents. However, it's highly unlikely that the 49ers bring him back for 2023. While he would serve as a sensible insurance policy during the recoveries of Lance and Purdy, coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't see Garoppolo returning.
"I don't see any scenario of that," Shanahan said, per Nick Shook of NFL.com.
An attempt at keeping right tackle Mike McGlinchey seems much more realistic, though it would be financially tough for San Francisco. McGlinchey has a projected market value of $14.8 million annually.
If the 49ers can create adequate cap space, San Francisco's longtime starting tackle could be back, but fans shouldn't count on it.
There's a good chance, however, that safety Tashaun Gipson will return:
It would make sense for the 49ers to retain kicker Robbie Gould—who made 84.4 percent of his field goals and 98 percent of his point-after tries in 2022—cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety/nickelback Jimmie Ward at the right price.
Rotational pass-rusher Charles Omenihu (4.5 sacks) was valuable in 2022. However, with 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson on the roster, he may be viewed as expendable.
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Quarterback
San Francisco is one of the most complete teams in the NFL, so their list of free-agent needs will hinge on who the franchise can and cannot retain—if McGlinchey departs, for example, the O-line becomes a priority.
As things stand going into free agency, quarterback is a need. With Garoppolo out, it would behoove the 49ers to add a veteran as insurance behind Lance and Purdy. Don't expect San Francisco to take too big of a swing at the position—like entering the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes—though. Ideally, said veteran will be relegated to third string when and if Lance and Purdy are healthy.
Quarterbacks with some starting experience, like Mike White of the New York Jets or the Rams' Baker Mayfield, would be logical here.
Cornerback
As good as San Francisco's defense was in 2022—and it was good, ranking first in both points and yards allowed—there was some inconsistency in the secondary. San Francisco ranked a modest 20th in passing yards allowed and a good-not-great 11th in yards per attempt allowed (5.9).
Cornerback depth is always welcomed by a playoff contender, and the 49ers should scour the position in free agency.
A top-of-the-market corner like James Bradberry probably isn't realistic. He has a projected market price of $15.1 million annually. However, a second-tier corner like Rock Ya-Sin or Anthony Averett of the Las Vegas Raiders would make sense. San Francisco might also take a look at Patrick Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, who is still quite capable at 32 years old.
Safety
With both Gipson and Ward headed to free agency, the 49ers may have to replace one of them. Adding insurance for the 32-year-old Gipson would also be sensible.
Unfortunately, San Francisco probably isn't getting away with a bargain signing at the position. The free-agent player pool is deep at safety, with players like Jessie Bates III, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jordan Poyer and Vonn Bell headlining the list. However, they're going to be costly.
San Francisco's best chance of getting a bargain probably dissipated when the Jets traded to acquire Chuck Clark from the Baltimore Ravens.
If the 49ers find the money to splurge at a position, safety would be a logical one.
*Cap and market information via Spotrac.
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