TheSan Francisco 49ershad an extremely disappointing season this year, but contrary to the doom and gloom that some fans are spewing; the roster still has talent on it.
With the season from hell finally ending on a rare high note, it’s that time of year when the rest of the NFL world turns its sights onto free agency and the draft.
This means that the team isn’t in a desperate grab for talent in both free agency and the draft. The 49ers can be smart with their money and not have to overpay for any players.
Obviously the 49ers still need help in plenty of areas because of salary cap reasons and departing players, but overall they’re in decent shape.
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The offense has always been seen as the weaker side of the ball, and with a new staff coming in, growing pains are expected. So far it appears that the offense is losing more than they’re gaining, so let’s take a look at what holes the 49ers need to fill up this offseason.
QB:Colin Kaepernickis obviously the starter for the 49ers, but who’s next on the depth chart.Blaine Gabbertwas on the last year of his deal, and will be a free agent. The 49ers can get him back for cheap, but do they really want to keep him? They could also continue the tradition of bringingJosh Johnsoninto camp, but Johnson was aJim Harbaughconnection, so it’s unsure that the new regime feels the same as the old one does about Johnson.
RB:Carlos HydeandKendall Hunterare the set to be the future of the 49ers’ running backs, but it’s unclear if the future is now.Frank Goreis a free agent, but unfortunately for the fans, you can’t pay players in sentimental feelings.The 49ers are willing to bring Gore back, but it would most likely be for a lot less than Gore probably wants or expects.
Niner Noise
WR:Wide receiver is a definite need for the 49ers.Michael Crabtreeis most likely not coming back, andAnquan Boldinis not getting any younger.Steve Johnsonproved in Buffalo that he is more than capable of taking Crabtree’s spot, but after him, there isn’t much depth.Quinton PattonandBruce Ellingtonhave potential, but neither are likely to turn into the game changers that the 49ers are in desperate need of.
TE:To sayVernon Davishad a disappointing year is an understatement. Half the time he was out there it appeared as if he was just jogging through his routes and going through the motions. Davis held out early last year in hopes of getting a new contract. The 49ers didn’t budge, and Davis eventually returned to the team. Davis was a bit banged up throughout the season, but it still appeared the same effort wasn’t there. The 49ers might just part ways with Davis and hand the reigns over toVance McDonaldandDerek Carrier.
OL:The 49ers will most likely loseMike Iupatito free agency this year. That means one ofMarcus Martin,Joe Looney, orBrandon Thomaswill have to step up to fill his spot. The 49ers are in need of depth on the line, especially since they experienced a troubling amount of injuries on it last year. The line struggled throughout the season, but the starting line wasn’t able to play much with each other sinceAnthony Davis,Daniel Kilgore, and Mike Iupati all missed time. If they can stay healthy, the 49ers have good talent on their line. They will just need to fill out the depth behind the starters.
Next: Seahawks Provide 49ers With Valuable Lesson
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