The Complete List of Needs for the 49ers as They Enter Free Agency
Teams officially can begin negotiating with players on March 11. In no particular order, here is the complete list of the 49ers' needs heading into free agency.
1. Defensive end
Chase Young, Randy Gregory and Clelin Ferrell all are free agents and none are good enough to start and play all three downs for the 49ers. The 49ers need a three-down starter to complement Nick Bosa and make the Wide 9 front work.
2. Defensive tackle
Javon Kinlaw is a free agent and Arik Armstead has missed 13 games the past two seasons. The 49ers need a backup defensive tackle who's good enough to start while Armstead is out.
3. Linebacker
The 49ers never adequately replaced Azeez Al-Shaair last year when he signed with the Titans, and now they also have to replace Dre Greenlaw who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl. Fortunately for the 49ers, last year they drafted two linebackers -- Dee Winters and Jalen Graham. They may need to sign another one just to be safe.
4. Cornerback
Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are terrific starters, but the 49ers don't have a No. 3 cornerback -- they have Ambry Thomas, and they benched him multiple times last season. They need an upgrade over him, because he's a liability.
5. Offensive tackle
Colton McKivitz was solid as a stop-gap starter last season, but he still gave up 13 sacks and the 49ers still had most of their success on the ground while running left, not right. The 49ers need a good right tackle, someone better than Mike McGlinchey when he was young.
6. Guard
The 49ers benched Spencer Burford midseason, and his replacement, Jon Feliciano, is a free agent. The 49ers need to re-sign Feliciano or someone else to compete with Burford.
7. Tight end
The 49ers have needed a backup for George Kittle for years -- that's why they drafted Cam Latu in Round 3 last year. Unfortunately for the 49ers, he's terrible and may not make the team next season. The search for a backup tight end continues.
8. Wide receiver
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are both under contract, but Jauan Jennings is a restricted free agent and the 49ers have practically no one after him. The 49ers need depth at this position.
9. Quarterback
Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen are both free agents. The 49ers could re-sign one, but probably won't re-sign both, which means they could be in the market for someone new.
10. Kicker
The 49ers drafted Jake Moody in Round 3 last season, but he crumbled in the postseason and missed one kick in each playoff game. The 49ers need a kicker who's reliable.
11. Kick returner
In the Super Bowl, Ray Ray McCloud tried to scoop and run with a loose ball instead of simply falling on it, and the Chiefs recovered deep in 49ers territory. Now he's a free agent, and the 49ers must replace him.
