49ers' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency
The San Francisco 49ers fell short once again against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. While last month's overtime loss was disappointing, it shows that San Francisco is still a perennial contender under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The 49ers' 2023 run also further suggests that Brock Purdy is the quarterback of the future—and unlike last offseason, Purdy isn't recovering from a significant injury.
The coaching staff is set, the core is strong, and there shouldn't be much standing between San Francisco and another deep playoff run in 2024. However, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch do have work to do this offseason.
That work will officially begin at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday when free agency officially opens. Here, you'll find a last-minute look at the 49ers' biggest needs, most notable free agents, potential targets and cap situation.
Overview
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Projected Cap Space: -$3.4 Million
The 49ers aren't facing an ideal cap situation, especially when compared to some NFC West rivals. The Seattle Seahawks, for example, as now projected to be $44.2 million under the cap—though it took Seattle releasing players like Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs to get there.
The good news for San Francisco is that there are a couple of enticing paths to creating more cap room. Restructuring contracts is always an option, and the 49ers could potentially create significant space by extending wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to carry a $14.1 million cap hit on the fifth-year option. An extension with back-loaded money could lower Aiyuk's cap number substantially.
Trading Aiyuk is another option, though that appears to be pretty far down the list of desirable ones.
"I would expect them to get to work on a new deal for him, probably after free agency," NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network (h/t OurSF49ers.)
The big question is whether a new deal can get done early enough to have an impact on free agency. As things stand, the 49ers aren't poised to be major players in the early waves of the open market.
Notable Free Agents
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QB Sam Darnold
G Jon Feliciano
DE Clelin Ferrell
S Tashaun Gipson
WR Jauan Jennings
DL Javon Kinlaw
WR Ray-Ray McCloud
DE Chase Young
While the 49ers won't carry a lot of cap flexibility into free agency, they don't have a lot of glaring needs either. They have a Super Bowl-caliber roster with few key contributors heading to market.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who might have been Super Bowl MVP had the 49ers won it, is an important piece of the offense but is only a restricted free agent. Safety Tashaun Gipson is a proven veteran leader but will also turn 34 in August.
Keeping defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who has shown a lot of growth over the past two seasons, would be advisable if possible. So would keeping backup quarterback Sam Darnold, if only for insurance purposes.
San Francisco's most difficult decision might involve pass-rusher Chase Young. The 49ers dealt a 2024 third-round pick to acquire Young from the Washington Commanders at last year's trade deadline, but he largely disappointed in San Francisco.
Yet, Young did finally flash in the Super Bowl, and the 49ers have "at least some interest" in retaining him, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Of course, edge-rushers never come cheaply in free agency, and Young will be an intriguing target for other teams after sack artists Josh Allen and Brian Burns both received the franchise tag.
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Guard
The 49ers should be interested in reloading the right side of their offensive line, where Colton McKivitz and Spencer Burford largely underwhelmed in 2023.
At guard, the 49ers may have to target potential budget options, though, as this year's free-agent class is expected to command lucrative contracts. Los Angeles Rams guard Kevin Dotson, for example, just inked a three-year, $48 million extension.
Laken Tomlinson, who was recently cut by the New York Jets, could be just such an option for San Francisco. He's familiar with Shanahan's offense—his lone Pro Bowl came with the 49ers—and while he's not an elite starter, he's durable.
Top guards like Robert Hunt and Kevin Zeitler might be out of San Francisco's price range.
Defensive Lineman
The 49ers could use an upgrade at right tackle, but with McKivitz receiving a one-year extension on Friday, that probably won't happen in free agency.
On the other side of the ball, San Francisco could use help on the line. Kinlaw is set to be a free agent, and the 49ers struggled to consistently defend the run. The defense ranked 14th in yards per carry allowed and allowed more than 100 rushing yards in each postseason contest.
Fortunately, the free-agent class features several quality down linemen, including Christian Wilkins, Grovert Stewart, Shelby Harris and D.J. Reader.
Cornerback
San Francisco's secondary wasn't a total liability this past season, but the 49ers do need cornerback depth. They couldn't hold Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, and they struggled against quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins and Lamar Jackson during the regular season.
The 49ers tried to address the situation in-season and were "checking in on" both Patrick Surtain II and Jaylon Johnson ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Even with L'Jarius Sneed and Johnson getting the franchise tag—Johnson quickly inked a long-term contract with the Chicago Bears—there are some solid corners set to be available. The list includes proven starters like Kendall Fuller, Stephon Gilmore and Kenny Moore II.
The question is whether the 49ers can afford to add one.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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