2015 San Francisco 49ers Free Agency: An Early Guide to the Market
The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't going to make a flurry of big splashes in free agency to start their 2015 offseason campaign.
While their 2014 efforts resulted in a 8-8 finish—followed by the dismissal of head coach Jim Harbaugh—the 49ers are fortunate enough to have a workable load of talent on their roster that can assemble something that resembles a competitive team in the upcoming season.
There are, without question, some pressing needs. While deep, San Francisco's receiving corps lacked any breakaway speed, thus negating any ability to take the top off opposing defenses.
Injuries and attrition also tested various groups on both sides of the ball. The 49ers offensive line lacked continuity, the secondary wore thin, and the linebacker corps was forced to accept an elongated portion of the season without perennial Pro Bowlers NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.
Still, the defense was able to retain a high level of efficiency for most of 2014. This wasn't the case on offense, which prompts questions as to how San Francisco can increase the potency on that side of the ball.
Depth and role players also require additional looks.
The 49ers have a current team salary of $132,061,504, which puts them $3,422,279 under the adjusted $135,483,783 salary cap.
There is the notion that San Francisco parts ways with older, more-expensive commodities this offseason. Tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Ahmad Brooks have already been discussed as cap-casualty possibilities. Defensive end Ray McDonald was also released following his alleged involvement of a sexual assault case.
"#49ers save $10,918,514 if they part with Ahmad Brooks, Ray McDonald and Vernon Davis in the new league year before June 1.
— Dylan DeSimone (@DeSimone_80) December 17, 2014"
Creating additional room under the cap will ultimately dictate how aggressive the 49ers will be on the market. It is also feasible that San Francisco will look for additions via the draft, yet adding proven NFL talent is never a bad thing.
Which free agents would fit into the 49ers' 2015 plans? Let's break this down with special attention given to the need, the fit and, most importantly, the price tag.
Positions Left as Is
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Linebacker
There isn't any need to supplement the linebacker position in 2015 (barring anything wild, of course). This unit was tested to the max in 2014. Linebackers NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis all missed extended periods of time.
The emergence of rookies Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch negate any pressing need to reinforce this unit.
It's feasible that the 49ers move veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks during the offseason—a transaction that could save the team $6 million in base salary next year.
Backup linebacker Michael Wilhoite is an exclusive-rights free agent. Re-signing him would make sense given his importance filling in for Bowman in 2014.
Dan Skuta is an unrestricted free agent, but worthy as a special teams contributor. He has value at depth, but it's possible that San Francisco elects to move a player like Borland into his role with the healthy returns of Bowman and Willis.
Should the 49ers stick to a 3-4 defense in 2015, their linebacker unit would probably look like this:
- Aaron Lynch, LOLB
- Patrick Willis, MLB
- NaVorro Bowman, MLB
- Aldon Smith, ROLB
Backups might include Borland, Corey Lemonier, Wilhoite and Nick Moody.
Safety
The safety position will consist of a starting cast that includes Antoine Bethea and Eric Reid.
This tandem quietly emerged as one of the better groups in the NFL in 2014, and there is little reason to suggest changes moving forward.
Backup safety Craig Dahl is the only notable free agent from this cast. His 2014 contract counted for $1,933,334 against the cap, so it is plausible that the 49ers elect to promote from within and save that money for elsewhere.
L.J. McCray is a possible candidate to take over Dahl's role.
Fullback
Fullback Bruce Miller is signed through 2017. Trey Millard—who spent his first pro season on the physically unable-to-play list—is signed through the same period. Millard will be competing for a roster spot in 2015.
Quarterback
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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick will assuredly be the starting quarterback for the 49ers in 2015 despite his struggles this season.
The thought here is that San Francisco will entertain the idea of inserting Kaepernick back into a position and scheme that ultimately benefits his skill set.
But prompting some competition with a veteran of sorts might also assist the 49ers' signal-caller in his seemingly stalled development. True, San Francisco might elect to draft a quarterback in case the franchise decides to part ways with Kaepernick at some point down the road.
Drafting a project quarterback is something the 49ers will probably do in the 2015 NFL draft.
Yet some veteran poise wouldn't hurt much either.
No. 2 quarterback Blaine Gabbert won't return in 2015, which frees up just over $2 million in salary. But Josh Johnson could be retained around the same price of his base-$730,000 deal.
Josh Johnson
At 28 years old, Johnson has the benefit of practicing within the 49ers' system. It will change, of course, with the departure of Jim Harbaugh. But Johnson's skill set parallels that of Kaepernick. Whatever scheme the 49ers employ in 2015, Johnson would be about as good a clone of Kaepernick and at the right price.
Shaun Hill
It's possible that the 49ers entertain a reunion with 34-year-old veteran Shaun Hill. The former-49ers QB from 2007 through 2009 is about as solid a backup one would need in the NFL.
Hill started eight games for the St. Louis Rams in 2014, so there is some familiarity with the NFC West. During that span, he posted a 83.9 quarterback rating, completing 145 passes for 1,657 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions.
The veteran made $1.75 million in 2014, so at least he wouldn't be making as much as the 49ers' No. 2 guy, Gabbert, did last season.
Special Teams
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Special teamers Kassim Osgood and Raymond Ventrone are two notable free agents that could depart the 49ers this offseason.
While offering little on offense or defense, both veterans have made their cases as respectable contributors on San Francisco's special teams unit, yet both have been released and re-signed over the course of 2014.
Both saw their seasons come to an early end as injuries placed each on injured reserve.
Osgood could return, but the 34-year-old might prompt the 49ers to get younger within this unit.
Return duties are another consideration. This role was primarily held by rookie wideout Bruce Ellington. Backups Perrish Cox and Carlos Hyde also filled in this role.
San Francisco will likely elect to keep its return duties in house. Ellington could use another year to develop these skills. But the 49ers could still look to add a piece or two on the rest of the unit.
Raymond Ventrone
Ventrone counted for $335,294 against the cap in 2014. Re-signing him could be a smart move given that the salary constraints would not affect what San Francisco tries to do next season.
The eight-year veteran has logged a total of 55 tackles and would be a low-cost option to bulk up this unit.
Cedric Peerman
Running back Cedric Peerman counted for just over $1 million against the Cincinnati Bengals' cap in 2014. The 28-year-old special teams ace logged 14 tackles in 16 games for the Bengals this season.
According to TeamRankings.com, Peerman slotted in as the No. 6 special teams player this season. His salary would likely be a step up from that of Ventrone and perhaps Osgood, but his contributions would be of worthy assistance.
Plus, he gives the 49ers some flexibility in the backfield. Considering some of the attrition suffered by San Francisco at this position, it wouldn't hurt to have another player of his caliber back there.
Johnson Bademosi
Defensive back Johnson Bademosi is another potential option that could fill multiple roles with the 49ers. A restricted-free agent, the 49ers would have to see how the Cleveland Browns approach his contract this offseason.
Bademosi made $570,834 in 2014.
TeamRankings.com placed the 24-year-old special teamer tied for No. 19 on their list of notable contributors in this area.
He'd be another low-risk option who could help out with a depleted secondary if necessary.
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Defensive Line
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San Francisco's defensive line went from a preeminent strength to an area of glaring need in 2014.
Defensive end Ray McDonald was released following his alleged involvement in a sexual assault case toward the end of the season. Veteran Justin Smith has also been rumored as potentially retiring after this season per Alex Flanagan of NFL Network.
"I'm hearing this will be 49ers DT Justin Smith's last game. Retirement looming after 14 yrs. in the NFL
— Alex Flanagan (@Alex_Flanagan) December 28, 2014"
San Francisco is set at nose tackle. Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams and Quinton Dial will compete for the starting job here. It is also feasible for one of the three to move to the outside if needed.
The 49ers also have a likable inside option with second-year pro Tank Carradine. Carradine flashed signs of brilliance at the end of the season despite scantly gracing the field previously.
The D-line is another position in which the 49ers will probably look to supplement via the draft. But it wouldn't be surprising to see San Francisco sign a low-cost, high-reward option if one was available. Perhaps they elect to splurge in this area if the need is that great.
Here are a few plausible options:
Jason Pierre-Paul
This one won't come cheap. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is the highest-ranked free-agent defensive end, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.
The five-year veteran proved that a lackluster season in 2013 was just a brief lapse. Pierre-Paul notched 12.5 sacks in 2014 after posting just two a year ago. At 25 years old, Pierre-Paul still has a lot to offer for any team willing to take a flier.
That flier will take into account his $4.611 cap hit in 2014. The solid numbers from his contract year suggest that he'll get a nice raise—something the 49ers likely won't be able to afford.
But if San Francisco places a major emphasis on reinforcing its D-line, Pierre-Paul would be one of the better options on the market.
Adrian Clayborn
If the 49ers feel they can resurrect the career of a former first-round bust—similar to Dorsey—a cheaper free-agent option might include Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn.
Clayborn has flashed moments of promise over his four-year career. He had 7.5 sacks his rookie season in 2011 and backed that up with 5.5 in 2013. Unfortunately, Clayborn comes with plenty of risk as injuries derailed his 2012 and 2014 seasons.
Tampa Bay is enjoying promising play out of D-lineman Jacquies Smith per Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, which means the Bucs will likely part ways with Clayborn.
"Jacquies Smith continues to impress with his speed off the left edge for the Bucs. Not good news for potential 2015 FA Adrian Clayborn
— Ira Kaufman (@IKaufmanTBO) December 7, 2014"
Clayborn made $1.494 million in base salary this season. Injuries will probably drop that price tag into an area in which the 49ers would be comfortable.
This wouldn't be a long-term solution, but at least it would plug the gap for 2015.
Jerry Hughes
If the 49ers were looking at someone who could fill a defensive end void for multiple seasons, Buffalo Bills D-lineman Jerry Hughes might be the best option in terms of total cost and productivity.
The No. 31 overall pick from the 2010 draft has amassed 24.5 sacks over his five-year career. He also posted 36 tackles in his contract season.
Hughes figures to get a decent raise, and there is little reason to suspect the Bills want to part ways with him.
The 26-year-old standout made just under $4 million in 2014, so signing him would likely mean a bidding war between the 49ers and other potential landing spots. But a high price tag would make sense given how much Smith meant to this defense.
A player like Hughes would help alleviate such production if Smith calls it a career.
Running Back
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Week 17 could be the last time 49ers fans see running back Frank Gore in San Francisco.
The 31-year-old had one of his best games against the Arizona Cardinals to close out the 2014 season and figures to continue his storied career into next season.
"Frank Gore: "I want to be back here." http://t.co/HojW1Olxt9 pic.twitter.com/yQpvsttmxR
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 29, 2014"
Sentiments lead us to believe that Gore should return to the 49ers in 2015. It wouldn't be that bad of an idea either.
The 49ers currently have two running backs on their active roster for next season—Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter. At some point, San Francisco will have to consider turning the page in favor of Hyde, who figures to be the heir apparent to Gore.
But will this happen during the offseason?
Frank Gore
In many ways, this is the one free-agent signing that makes the most sense. Gore is still contributing at a high level despite his age. The 31-year-old veteran surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the eighth time in his career.
It would be hard to justify parting ways with the franchise's all-time leading rusher.
"The 49ers need to re-sign that youngster Frank Gore. Running like he's 21 years old in the second half of the final game.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 29, 2014"
But the business of football may determine otherwise. Gore counted for nearly $6.5 million against the cap in 2014. Re-signing him will likely have to involve a team-friendly deal that puts the veteran in direct competition with Hyde for the No. 1 job.
Still, it would be hard to envision Gore wearing anything but a red and gold uniform in 2015.
Jacquizz Rodgers
Signing Atlanta Falcons runner Jacquizz Rodgers is another move that could make sense given the incumbent group of backs signed through next season.
Let's speculate for a moment that Gore does not return, which makes Hyde and Hunter the Nos. 1 and 2 backs slated for 2015.
Rodgers is the type of back that could change things up for San Francisco's ground game. At 5'7" and 190 pounds, Rodgers has the ability to get to the outside and use his elusiveness to avoid tackles in space.
Granted, Rodgers would be little more than a No. 3 option, but he offers a different skill set that would force defenses to adjust.
He made $1.479 million in 2014.
Tight End
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Tight end Vernon Davis had one of the worst seasons of his nine-year career in 2014, but the 30-year-old veteran is still under contract for 2015.
It's plausible that Davis is a cap casualty if the 49ers feel his production does not warrant the $7.108 million he's scheduled to make next year.
But the problem is that the free-agent market at tight end is relatively thin for what San Francisco would like to do. The franchise could part ways with Davis and hope that second-year pro Vance McDonald steps into that No. 1 role with some effectiveness.
Yet McDonald has emerged as little more than a decent blocking option.
San Francisco will have to ultimately decide what it wants to do about Davis. Should the 49ers part ways, a number of options could include the following:
Julius Thomas
Boy, wouldn't this be nice.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas has emerged as one of the best receiving options at the position behind only Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. His $645,000 base salary in 2014 made him a steal, and it all but guaranteed Thomas will receive a significant raise in 2015.
Chris Wesseling of NFL.com speculates that Thomas won't hit the open market given his importance to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
But Thomas is a bona fide red-zone threat—something the 49ers desperately need. It's doubtful that they'd spend the money to acquire his talents even if he was available.
Owen Daniels
A cheaper—and older—option would be Baltimore Ravens tight end Owen Daniels. The 32-year-old veteran watched his production fall off a bit after his first year in Baltimore, but he still posted 527 receiving yards on 48 receptions.
Out of his 33-career touchdowns, 28 have come within the red zone.
Daniels made just $1 million in 2014 and would be an inexpensive option should the 49ers decide Davis is not the answer. While Daniels wouldn't be a long-term solution, he would at least take some of the pressure of the franchise to make a splash at this position until 2016 at the earliest.
Offensive Line
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Offensive guard Mike Iupati figures to be the lone O-lineman to depart the starting rotation of the 49ers in 2015.
Iupati could wind up being the highest-paid player at his position per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.
On one hand, the 49ers might look to restructure their O-line with players under contract next season.
Tackles Anthony Davis and Joe Staley will hold the starting outside positions. Alex Boone will be the starter at right guard. This leaves center and left guard up for competition.
Center Daniel Kilgore did a solid job until he was lost for the season in Week 7. Behind him, San Francisco has Marcus Martin, who had his up-and-down moments. But the rookie will look to improve in his second pro season.
Then there is guard Brandon Thomas. Thomas missed his rookie season with a collegiate injury, which allowed the talented O-lineman to slide in the 2014 draft.
All three figure to compete for two starting positions.
But San Francisco might elect to go with some veteran presence along the line. It would help with competition and, at least, provide some added reinforcements should this unit suffer the same attrition it endured this season.
Paul Fanaika
A Bay Area native, offensive guard Paul Fanaika could be a nice option to bolster the left side of the line. Having played with both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, the 28-year-old veteran would benefit the 49ers with plenty of NFC West experience.
A seventh-round draft pick in 2009, Fanaika has worked his way up to a starter role and started a total of 30 games for Arizona over the last two seasons.
He also made $780,000 in 2014, so a contract here would not bite the 49ers in a significant way even though Fanaika had a positive upside this season.
Clint Boling
Fanaika might be nice for a cheap, competitive option, but Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling would be a stronger playmaking option.
Signing Boling would be a smart move for the 49ers if they wanted to add some veteran prowess along the O-line at a reduced cost. Boling made $1.551 million in 2014 and should get a decent raise after his 16 starts in 2014.
Boling moves well in space, and he is equipped to handle both run- and pass-blocking duties to great effectiveness.
Ian Wharton of Bleacher Report lists Boling as one of the best free agents on the market at this position.
"Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling “@NextCoachJ: @NFLFilmStudy Who are best FA OG's in this class? Preferably in 20's”
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) December 24, 2014"
His other mention, Orlando Franklin, is next on this list.
Orlando Franklin
The Denver Broncos guard is another player worth tracking heading into free agency.
Franklin made just under $1.4 million in 2014 and should receive a nice increase next season. Still, his contract will likely be far less than Iupati's pending deal.
The former second-round pick of the 2011 draft is another player that moves well in space. Unlike Iupati, whose strength is primarily in the run block, Franklin is perfectly capable in pass protection. This is an aspect the 49ers would love to have next season.
Yet Franklin is one of those players who figures to receive plenty of attention during the free-agent period. This serves to drive his price tag up even higher.
Cornerback
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San Francisco endured a number of setbacks at its cornerback position. Critical defensive backs like Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward missed substantial portions of the season. Others, like Chris Cook and Perrish Cox, also suffered from a variety of injuries.
At the end of the year, the 49ers were forced to rely upon stop-gap options such as Leon McFadden and Marcus Cromartie.
A cornerback will likely be a hot target for San Francisco in the 2015 NFL draft. There is also the hope that the 49ers continue their development of 2014 draftees like Ward, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser.
Still, the 49ers are faced with some tough choices at this position. Veteran corners Cox and Chris Culliver are free agents this season. It's a position that could be just as thin as it was this year.
Perrish Cox
Cox enjoyed the best pro season of his five-year career. Previously a bubble-watch player, the 27-year-old defensive back posted a career-high five interceptions and 18 passes defended. His 49 tackles was second only to his rookie campaign in 2010.
He has expressed a desire to return per 49ers.com. His 2014 contract was $695,000, which leads to speculation that the team could work a friendly deal much like the 49ers did with Brock prior to this season.
"CB @pcox16 described the #49ers as a "home away from home," expressed desire to re-sign. http://t.co/Ak9PhxpJhW pic.twitter.com/SlAuxAC09Y
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 6, 2014"
Cox also doubles as a special teams contributor, which gives him a bit more flexibility in San Francisco's plans. He would be a cheap, in-house option that is already familiar with the defense.
Chris Culliver
Culliver is another veteran who could be departing after 2014. The fourth-year pro posted four interceptions and 15 passes defended over 14 games this season. But the former third-round draft pick will likely cost more money out of San Francisco's pocket book if the team elects to re-sign him.
The defensive back made $1.581 million this year and could expect a slight raise given his role as one of the 49ers' top-two corners.
Yet Culliver has had some problems in coverage and a thought could be him eventually switching to safety at some point in his career.
"If #49ers' Chris Culliver was giving Arizona receivers any more cushion today, they'd be napping.
— Phil Barber (@Skinny_Post) December 28, 2014"
Still, Culliver would be a much more affordable option than some of the other high-end defensive backs on the market. It's doubtful the 49ers will elect to spend top dollar on some of the high-profile corners available on the market.
Kareem Jackson
OK, so if the 49ers do elect to spend some money to upgrade this position, they could do worse than land Houston Texans corner Kareem Jackson.
Jackson made $4.335 million in 2014 and figures to get a hefty pay raise after a season in which the 26-year-old defensive back posted 48 tackles, nine passes defended and three interceptions.
He wants to return to Houston next year per P.D. Starf of Scout.com, which means the 49ers would likely get into a bidding war if they wanted to pry him away.
""Hopefully, I am wearing the #Texans colors next year….” Kareem Jackson on his pending free agency year. http://t.co/iXgW6Cky6q #NFL
— PDS (@PatDStat) December 29, 2014"
Still, it's hard to fathom San Francisco dealing out top-corner money given that the organization has a recent history of avoiding high-priced free-agent cornerbacks.
Wide Receiver
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The 49ers need speed on offense. Cast members like wideouts Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree do not provide this. Fellow receiver Stevie Johnson might, but his 2014 campaign was hindered by a midseason injury.
Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are free agents, and it is hard to envision a scenario in which the 49ers retain their services next year. Plus there is a necessity to have a player who can stretch the field and take the top off opposing defenses.
The 2015 NFL draft will likely be a source in which the 49ers try to address this situation, but a few free-agent targets could also fill the void at this critical playmaking position.
Cecil Shorts
Top free-agent wideouts like Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Randall Cobb are all expected to receive new contracts from their respective teams, per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, so don't expect the 49ers to get into any sort of bidding war for these top-tier players.
Instead, San Francisco might be targeting less-expensive players whose careers have been hindered by vastly underperforming offenses.
Here is where a four-year veteran like Cecil Shorts makes sense.
Shorts has spent his entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. There hasn't been a reliable quarterback to throw him the ball in Jacksonville, which explains why the former fourth-round pick 2,343 receiving yards over his career.
He does have some injury problems and isn't exactly the best red-zone threat, but his speed makes Shorts an enticing option at a bargain price.
Shorts made $1.541 million in 2014, so he could be a player the 49ers target in free agency if they feel the draft won't supplement their needs at this position.
Kenny Britt
Even more plausible of an option would be the signing of St. Louis Rams wideout Kenny Britt. Like Shorts, Britt hasn't enjoyed the consistency of playing with one quarterback during his tenure with the Rams and, previously, the Tennessee Titans.
As a result, his stat lines are not over the top. But he did post an impressive 15.6 yards per reception in 2014.
Britt could come cheap given that his numbers don't reflect a bona fide playmaker. He made $1 million in base salary this season and does offer an upside when evaluating his speed.
The 49ers aren't likely going to make many big-name free-agent signings during the offseason. Cap issues will prevent the team from jumping into a bidding war with other teams with money to spend.
This context could remove some of the potential targets mentioned on this list. Instead, San Francisco will probably elect to make a few smart decisions regarding role players and depth choices to bolster a roster that still has a large amount of talent.
While the draft will be an area in which the 49ers look to supplement their needs, general manager Trent Baalke and the front office would be wise to evaluate their pending needs and determine specifically who can best fill the voids.
Many of the previously mentioned targets will help. There are others as well.
The onus is now on the 49ers to act within their parameters.
There are plenty of notable free agents that could be included on this list. Feel as if I missed a few? Chime in on the comments section and spark the discussion!
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Spotrac.com.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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