San Francisco 49ers: What Are The Next Moves?

The San Francisco 49ers made a few moves in free agency but have been quiet since. This is a franchise that doesn’t get too active in their pursuit of free agents. They would rather build through the draft. Their current roster consists primarily of home grown talent. Don’t expect much to change this off season.

The 49ers were able to up grade at the safety position and save money when they signed Antoine Bethea to replace the departed Donte Whitner. Bethea is a better cover safety and will be physical against the run without being penalized. His guaranteed money is also less than Whitner’s deal.

The next step will be to be sure that wide receiver position is targeted area of need in the draft. Brandin Cooks, Robert Herron, Mike Davis, Josh Huff and Bruce Ellington are all options that will help. The 49ers need to get one of those players to stretch the field. They are all capable of doing so and are possible selections with the 3oth pick.

The next step for the 49ers will be to draft a top flight nickel corner. This idea paints a more clear for the 49ers. They have access to some play makers at corner back in the draft. Kyle Fuller or Jason Verrett should be primary targets for them with the 30th selection.

They will also need to look at some help along the offensive line especially at guard. Mike Iupati and Alex Boone are both in line to have deals redone. It is very possible that Iupati is allowed to seek a deal elsewhere. It would be hard to pay him the kind of money that he may demand. This is why Jon Hilapio is a player that the 49ers should look at. He ran well at the combine and showed that he has the strength by benching 225 pounds 32 times.

Another thing the 49ers will need to do is take a strong look at possibly extending Colin Kaepernick. Some have said that he has’t been productive enough to earn the kind annual salary that he is looking to earn. They need to find out if Kapernick is willing to gamble on himself and reject their contract offer.

The next moves for the 49ers should be to get into position to get as many impact players that they can target and to begin to analyze who is deserving of the next contract.