2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target

The San Francisco 49ers will enter the offseason with stability––something this organization has lacked over the years, after a magical 2012 season that left them two special team blunders away from a Super Bowl berth.

That is an accomplishment for the many disgruntled Niner fans who are still seething from the aftermath of the NFC Conference Championship. 

However, life moves on and so will the 49ers. This should be an offseason where Trent Baalke is active in free agency, though history has shown otherwise. The 49ers will learn from the mistakes of their NFC counterparts, in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and divisional rival, St. Louis Rams. 

The time to be active is now. The 49ers can go in several directions in free agency. 

They can address their lack of depth at wide receiver or fortify the interior of their offensive line. A quarterback change could even be in the works, though that seems unlikely especially after the recent comments made by head coach, Jim Harbaugh. 

Nevertheless, the 49ers have plenty of cap space and several minors holes to fill in their attempt to bring another championship to the bay area. While the draft has been the main focus for Trent Baalke, it is time for him to shift some focus onto free agency. 

With that, here are five free agents that the 49ers should target in the upcoming offseason. 

Brandon Lloyd (WR)

I was one of the biggest advocates for Brandon Lloyd when the Denver Broncos decided to trade the veteran. Despite his slight frame, Lloyd has all the qualities Jim Harbaugh looks for in his players. 

He has the downfield speed that would fit nicely alongside both Crabtree and Morgan. Lloyd has great hands––something fans tend to overlook and would be a reliable target for Alex Smith. 

In addition, Lloyd has the ability to extend plays. His ability to create separation consistently is exactly what the 49ers lack with their current crop of receivers. 

His stint with the St. Louis Rams should have opened some eyes. Lloyd simply produced, whether it was with Sam Bradford or any other lifeless Rams signal caller. 

Lloyd would also come at a cheaper price than the other more celebrated free agent receivers. 

Ben Grubbs (OG)

The Baltimore Ravens may lose one of their better offensive lineman if they cannot come to an agreement with free agent running back, Ray Rice. 

The Ravens could use all the help they could get up front, but they may have more pressing matters to deal with. 

The 49ers have long needed an upgrade within the interior of their offensive line. Drafting Mike Iupati took care of the left side for the years to come but the right side still needs some work. Anthony Davis should continue to progress but both Adam Snyder and Chilo "just awful" Rachal are not the answers at right guard. 

Grubbs is still young (27) and has that mauler instinct the 49ers demand from their front lineman. Inserting Grubbs at right guard would help fortify a young but promising offensive line for the years to come. 

Cortland Finnegan (DB)

A move like this could likely signal the loss of Carlos Rogers. I say the 49ers can pay both players and still have enough room to address other needs. 

Finnegan is not a premier cornerback in the likes of Darrelle Revis, but he has a reputation of being an excellent man-to-man corner. He is physical at the line and that sometimes can border on the insane (watch "altercation" with Andre Johnson). 

He is a Jim Harbaugh type of player and should excel in Vic Fangio's scheme. Paying both Finnegan and Rogers top dollar may seem like a stretch, but it will pay off at the end when the 49ers face the more explosive pass offenses. 

Marques Colston (WR)

Colston would be an intriguing option. Some fans may see Dwayne Bowe or Desean Jackson as better fits, but I think Colston is overlooked as a top receiver. 

His production this past season was usually overshadowed by Jimmy Graham or the plethora of receivers the Saints push out on any given week. Colston was the best of the bunch, but he received little pub for his play. 

The 49ers should understand that Colston will likely come at a cheaper price than the other free agent receivers. He is a phenomenal route runner with great hands and size to be the No. 1 receiver the 49ers so desperately crave. 

At 28, Colston still has four to five years of elite production, giving the 49ers a long term solution at receiver. Colston isn't flashy but that's how Jim Harbaugh loves his players. 

I'm sure the 49ers can come to an agreement with either Colston or his teammate, who happens to be next on this list...

Carl Nicks (OG)

Of all the free agents I listed, Carl Nicks towers above them all (both literally and figuratively). 

Carl Nicks and teammate Jahri Evans formed the best guard tandem in football last season. Nicks is one half of the immovable duo and his play last year merited a huge raise.

New Orleans has already handsomely paid Evans and Nicks will likely look for a contract around that ball park. The Saints may have to pass on Nicks if they decide to resign both Drew Brees and Marques Colston––and the many other free agents they possess. 

Carl Nicks would instantly form another great duo with Mike Iupati if the veteran decided to sign with the 49ers. What a nasty duo the 49ers would possess at guard with Iupati and Nicks––in addition to the play of Anthony Davis at right tackle. 

This move would upgrade the 49ers inconsistent pass protection and the already strong power running game. A move of this magnitude would become an instant winner for the 49ers.