49ers' Team Needs to Fill in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The San Francisco 49ers can afford to be patient in NFL free agency.

The 49ers bring back a majority of their core for the 2024 season and they own 11 picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

Kyle Shanahan and his staff can take their time vetting which players fit best in free agency because they will not be chasing the top names at every position.

San Francisco needs to fill depth at a handful of positions and it must do so by remaining in decent shape on the salary cap.

The 49ers do not have much salary cap space at the moment and that could limit them to signing players to one-year deals, or cheaper multi-year contracts.

Defensive Line

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers and Chase Young #92 of the San Francisco 49ers react during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Chase Young and Javon Kinlaw are among a group of five defensive line free agents from the 49ers roster.

The 49ers still have Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave at the top of the depth chart, but they need to add more depth around them.

Young will likely try to go after a big deal in free agency, which would keep the 49ers out of the running for the former Washington Commanders edge-rusher.

Kinlaw's 25-tackle, 3.5-sack season may propel him into a decent-sized free-agent deal as well.

Ideally, the 49ers would bring in a few veteran defensive linemen in the mold of Brandon Graham or Calais Campbell on team-friendly deals to bolster the depth.

Backup Quarterback

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Sam Darnold #14 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the NFC Divisional Playoffs against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The 49ers need to decide if Sam Darnold will stay for a second season.

Darnold provided some good veteran experience to the 49ers quarterback room in 2023 to help Brock Purdy with his development.

The 49ers could sign the California native to another one-year deal to ensure some stability in the quarterback room.

That would be the ideal move, but if Darnold leaves in free agency, the 49ers must find a veteran who can continue helping with Purdy's development. Jacoby Brissett and Jameis Winston would fit that mold of player.

Darnold's time as an NFL starter is done, so in theory it should be easier for the 49ers to convince to stay at home and remain as the No. 2 signal-caller.

Backup Tight End

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

The 49ers could use some extra production from the tight end position behind George Kittle.

Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner, both of whom were known for their blocking more than pass-catching, are set to become free agents.

The 49ers could use this as an opportunity to bring in a better pass-catching backup tight end who can also block when called upon.

They could look to someone like Austin Hooper or Mike Gesicki. Both players had below average seasons in 2023 and could be signed on cheap deals that help the 49ers avoid any salary cap hits.

The 49ers also need to find a No. 3 wide receiver if Jauan Jennings departs in free agency, but it may be easier to land that replacement in the draft.