Bargain Free-Agents 49ers Must Target
The San Francisco 49ers will take a small step toward their goal of winning a Super Bowl when they kick off the preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday.
It isn't likely that we'll see many starters. The Niners are an experienced team who mostly know what they have at key positions. It will, however, show us a little about the team's depth and where it might be worth adding to the roster.
The preseason offers a great opportunity for younger players to show they can handle a bigger role. But it also leaves for the scenario where they prove that roster additions are necessary.
There isn't much left out on the free agent market at this point, but there are a few intriguing talents who could help the Niners. Here's a look at three possibilities that should be considered as we head toward the first preseason game.
WR Michael Thomas
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If the rumors are to be believed then the 49ers could have a wide receiver problem coming their way. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media has reported that the team is listening to offers for Brandon Aiyuk and have allowed him to negotiate a contract extension with potential trade partners.
If Aiyuk is on his way out then it makes a group that has shaky depth even more of a question mark. Getting a player like Amari Cooper, who is rumored to be part of a potential return from the Browns, would help a lot.
It would still make sense for the Niners to add a receiver from the free agent pool. Michael Thomas is the most talented one left, even if he comes with some questions of his own.
The biggest question is health. The former All-Pro wideout hasn't been able to stay healthy since 2019. However, the 10 games he played in 2023 were his highest since then.
Thomas didn't look like the same guy that was once the most productive receiver in the league, but he was still serviceable. If Thomas is willing to play on a cheap one-year deal then it would be worth it to give him a chance to restore his reputation and chase a ring.
OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai
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The 49ers might have a depth issue at wide receiver if the Brandon Aiyuk situation ends with him leaving. They already have a depth issue along the offensive line. Drafting Dominick Puni is going to help. The rookie is competing for a starting job, but he could fit in nicely as an interior utility player.
Still, it would be nice to have someone who could play either guard or tackle in a pinch.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai could fit that bill. The 31-year-old started his career as a tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles, but eventually made the switch to guard with the Detroit Lions. He's made 48 starts between the two teams over the last seven seasons.
Playing in Kyle Shanahan's offensive line-friendly scheme would help hide some of Vaitai's deficiencies in pass blocking. The 6'6", 322-pound blocker already has the run blocking chops to execute in that phase of the game.
LB Kwon Alexander
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There aren't many holes on the 49ers defense, but linebacker is a temporary need that could use a short-term fix. Dre Greenlaw is still on the physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from the torn Achilles that he suffered in the Super Bowl.
The Niners are still alright at linebacker with De'Vondre Campbell set to run alongside Fred Warner. However, they could use a third linebacker for when they are in their base or as insurance for an injury to the first two.
Kwon Alexander makes a lot of sense. He was with the team in 2019 and part of the 2020 season and played well enough in 10 games with the Steelers last season to deserve another shot at playing.
Alexander was effective in coverage giving up a 76.3 passer rating when targeted. He just turned 30 a few days ago so he should have at least one more good season in him. If he doesn't, the Niners can at least know they did something to ensure there's a smooth transition to a healthy Greenlaw.
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