Have the 49ers Done Enough in Free Agency?
A home run was sent flying by the 49ers at the start of free agency.
Signing Javon Hargrave, one of the best defensive tackles last season, to a four-year deal is something that isn't customary with them. It has been years since the 49ers really had a highlighting free agent signing like him.
However, after his addition, there hasn't been much action out of the 49ers. Only six other free agents have been signed and they aren't really needle movers to say the least. Not to mention that the 49ers have let quite a few quality players depart such as Jimmie Ward, Azeez Al-Shaair, Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu and Emmanuel Moseley. This free agency period can be viewed as underwhelming by some with the 49ers.
So, have the 49ers done enough in free agency?
Absolutely. Without question. The 49ers did not do too much in free agency, which is always a sign of a team that is in great shape. Anytime a team is adding all of these illustrious free agents, it usually means they are in the dumps. The 49ers are a team who were a healthy starting caliber quarterback away from potentially making it to the Super Bowl. I will admit it has been an underwhelming free agency period, but that is what it is supposed to be for a true Super Bowl contending team.
Free agency is meant to address needs, while the draft is for best player available ideally. Look at who the 49ers signed and re-signed. It all started with their headlining free agent in Hargrave, who arguably might have been the best available player. So not only did they get a monster of a player, but they also got one that drastically improves an area of need at defensive tackle.
After that, they insulated the quarterback position with Sam Darnold as Trey Lance and Brock Purdy continue to work their way back from their injuries. Safety and slot cornerback got addressed with the re-signing of Tashaun Gipson and the addition of Isaiah Oliver. Jake Brendel is back at center, while Jon Feliciano steps into the swing offensive lineman role left by Daniel Brunskill.
All that is left of need for the 49ers to address is right tackle, which didn't have anyone worthy of pursuing after anyways. And it is not like Mike McGlinchey is worth the $50 million guaranteed that the Broncos gave him, so free agency was never an answer at right tackle. The 49ers have played free agency perfectly.
I get the draw and desire for a team to go after more free agents, especially the popular ones, but the 49ers already have their core group of players who are stars. The draft is going to be where they look for future stars to replenish their current ones down the line and potential role players. Free agency gets a passing grade from me with the 49ers.
