Veteran Free-agent Contracts 49ers Must Consider Before Training Camp
The San Francisco 49ers may have to explore the free-agent market at two positions before training camp begins.
The 49ers are short at linebacker as Dre Greenlaw works back from the Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl.
Greenlaw should play at some point of the 2024 season, but it would be unrealistic to count on him to be available in Week 1.
The 49ers could add one more veteran linebacker to the roster to ensure there is not much of a production drop off in the middle of defense.
Kyle Shanahan and his staff could also explore the offensive line market in case there are concerns at right tackle. That may not be an issue once training camp begins, but the 49ers have to make sure they have zero weaknesses on the roster as they continue to pursue the Super Bowl title that has eluded them under Shanahan.
Kwon Alexander
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San Francisco could turn to a familiar face to bolster its linebacker depth.
Kwon Alexander, who played for the 49ers in 2019 and 2020, could be a good stopgap at the position while Dre Greenlaw works back to 100 percent.
The 49ers already have Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell in place in the middle of their defense, but they are lacking depth behind them.
The last thing the 49ers want to do is rush Greenlaw back, especially when the team's primary goal is to win the Super Bowl and not peak in September.
Alexander's familiarity with how things are run in San Francisco could help with any transition in training camp and that could accelerate the process to be ready for Week 1.
Shaq Leonard
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The same thoughts about signing Alexander apply to a potential one-year deal for Shaq Leonard.
Leonard is far from the player who made 163 tackles in his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, but he could be a decent veteran presence to have around.
The 49ers could sign Leonard to a one-year deal to be a spot starter in September and then to provide depth behind Warner, Greenlaw and Campbell for the rest of the 2024 campaign.
Of course, Leonard's drop off and lack of an impact with a contender last season in Philadelphia should concern the 49ers.
However, he would be a low-risk, high-reward type of a signing that does not require a ton of investment.
In the worst-case scenario, Leonard does not work out and the 49ers cut him when they feel Greenlaw is at 100 percent.
Donovan Smith
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The 49ers could explore the veteran offensive line market if they are not happy with Colton McKivitz's progression at right tackle.
McKivitz might be the only offensive starter whose job is on the line entering training camp, and that might even be a stretch if the 49ers believe he will improve more.
Donovan Smith could be added as an insurance policy for McKivitz. He played nine games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith's experience on title-winning teams in Kansas City and Tampa Bay could make him a better fit than other free agents left on the market.
He knows what the expectations of a Super Bowl contender are like and he could provide stability on the offensive line opposite Trent Williams if the 49ers believe an upgrade has to be made.
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