49ers: 5 Best Options to Replace Michael Crabtree This Offseason

Michael Crabtree is coming off one his worst seasons as a professional. It couldn't come at a worse time, with Crabtree set to hit free agency this year.

It isn't a coincidence that Crabtree's struggles are directly related to the 8-8 finish by the 49ers" target="_blank">San Francisco 49ers this season. Yes, the tension between Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers front office also played a role, but some of the blame has to be placed on Crabtree and this offense. 

Even with the struggles of last season, it seems the 49ers are still interested in re-signing Crabtree. General manager Trent Baalke and Co. were slated to meet with Crabtree's agent at the NFL combine, according to CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. Of course, the 49ers won't overpay for his services.

Unfortunately that might be the only way Crabtree returns to the Red and Gold. 

If so, the 49ers will need to replace their former first-round selection. Whether Baalke replaces him through the draft or free agency, grabbing an impact receiver should be on the top of his wish list this offseason.

Let's count down the five best options to replace Crabtree! 

5. Randall Cobb—WR

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This isn't a realistic endeavor for general manager Trent Baalke, but Cobb would be a great addition to the 49ers receiver corps. However, there is a chance Cobb gets overlooked in the market due to the somewhat restricting nature of his role. 

Simply put, Cobb is strictly a slot receiver. 

Teams with major cap space like the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns could pursue Cobb in free agency. Outside of the subpar and below-average teams, it's hard to imagine a good team shelling out big bucks for a guy who played most of his snaps in the slot.

Slot receivers are valued less on the open market for whatever reason, and I expect that trend to continue. This could open the door for teams like the 49ers. 

Again, Cobb most likely won't be in a 49ers uniform at the start of next season. If anything, the 49ers will use the draft instead of free agency to replace Crabtree. 

4. Eddie Royal—WR

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Like Cobb, Eddie Royal is strictly a slot receiver. Royal doesn't have the same playmaking capabilities as Cobb, but you're still getting a solid veteran for likely a bargain price. 

Despite his price tag, Royal has always been known as an inconsistent receiver. The San Diego Chargers offense was predicated on spreading the ball around, which limited Royal's opportunities; however, there were plenty of games last season where Royal just disappeared. 

Outside of the Chargers possibly overpaying him, I can't see a significant market developing for Royal. He'll have his suitors, but the 49ers will have a realistic chance of signing him in free agency.

3. Dorial Green-Beckham—WR

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For the most part, I've avoided attaching Dorial Green-Beckham to the 49ers. With some of the off-the-field incidents surrounding the team the past few years, San Francisco is likely only looking for squeaky-clean draft prospects. 

We all know Green-Beckham has character concerns, but his talent on the field is worth the risk. Of course, if the 49ers believe Green-Beckham will be a nuisance at the professional level, they should pass on selecting the former Missouri product. 

If Baalke feels that veterans like Anquan Boldin could help Green-Beckham mature both on and off the field, then the 49ers should pull the trigger. Beckham won't fulfill their need for a deep threat, but his tantalizing height (6'5") and speed (4.49 40-yard dash) combination will make him effective in jump-ball and red-zone situations. 

2. Kevin White—WR

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Amari Cooper has long been considered the top option at receiver in the draft, but fans and pundits seem to have finally hopped on the Kevin White train. His sensational performance at the combine also didn't hurt. 

Don't get me wrong—there's a lot to love about Cooper as a prospect. I just think White has more upside. Between the two, White has the best chance of joining the elite receiver class in the NFL. 

He has all the physical tools to dominate at the next level. From his height (6'3") and speed (4.35 40-yard dash) combination to his large hands (9.25"), White can do it all. 

If you want an NFL comparison, White reminds me of Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys.

Other teams may see this as well, which means Baalke will have to move up in the first round to acquire White. White could end up as a top-five selection in this draft. 

1. Torrey Smith—WR

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Unsurprisingly, Torrey Smith lands atop my Crabtree replacement list. When it comes to value, character and need, Smith brings it all and then some. It also doesn't hurt that Smith is a former Terp. 

Some might think a bidding war will erupt with Smith during free agency, but I have a sneaky feeling teams will shy away from the speedy receiver. Speed is always in demand, but teams have learned from the Mike Wallace saga in Miami. 

If you're going to pay top dollar for a receiver, he has to consistently bring other qualities to the table. Smith has improved tremendously as a route-runner since entering the league, but he is far from a No. 1 receiver. 

The 49ers could use a top-flight receiver; however, this team prioritizes running the football first and foremost. Adding a superstar receiver would be great, but it isn't a necessity in this run-first scheme.

If the 49ers can secure the services of Smith, it would finally give Colin Kaepernick a downfield weapon to work with. Not to mention, Smith would be a perfect complement to both Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson, who serve as possession receivers in this offense. 

Landing Smith would also give Baalke the opportunity to take the best player available in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.