NFL · 2 years ago

San Francisco 49ers Top 5 Free Agents Crucial for Super Bowl Push

Grant White

Host · Writer

Mason Rudolph - Quarterback
Granted, it was only a one-game sample size. But Sam Darnold looked terrible even in that game against the Los Angeles Rams' backups. Kyle Shanahan needs a second-string quarterback who can grasp his complex offense and potentially pick up any Brock Purdy slack. For that, San Francisco must wade into the free-agent waters for next season's backup quarterback.

Finding a starting QB is the top priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers, necessitating a shift from their current roster. Consequently, the Niners should look to Mason Rudolph as their second-string man. Rudolph never got a fair shake in Pittsburgh. Constantly playing in another quarterback's shadow, the organization never saw how bright Rudolph could shine.

In starting three games this season, Rudolph completed 74.3% of his passes for 13.1 yards per completion and three touchdowns to zero interceptions. That's precisely the QB profile that would thrive in Shanahan's offense. More importantly, Rudolph is the ideal candidate to backup Purdy and protect the 49ers' Super Bowl aspirations.
Jordyn Brooks - Linebacker
With Dre Greenlaw expected to miss most, if not all, of next season with an Achilles injury, the San Francisco 49ers will have to get creative in replacing their heartbeat on defense. Those issues are compounded by the pressures of entering 2024 as the Super Bowl favorites (+550) while navigating a challenging cap situation. And that's where Jordyn Brooks and the 49ers could help each other.

Brooks is coming off a down year with the Seattle Seahawks. The Texas Tech alum totaled 111 tackles last season, his lowest total since starting four games in his rookie campaign. The more concerning issue was how frequently he got lost in coverage. While drawing challenging assignments, Brooks's coverage grades took a hit in 2023.

A one-year pact helps both parties. It affords the Niners some cap flexibility with a buy-low candidate while Greenlaw rehabilitates his injury. Moreover, Brooks can reestablish himself as a pre-eminent defensive force, enhancing his value for next year's free agent class.
Kamren Curl - Safety
At 33, Tashaun Gipson is in the autumn of his career, but he may be looking to cash in after an impressive 2023 campaign. Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers aren't the kind of team to sit back and rest on their laurels, though, so we expect them to look elsewhere to replace Gipson this offseason.

Enter Kamren Curl. The free agent spent the past four seasons patrolling the Washington Commanders' secondary, quietly asserting himself as one of the top defenders in the NFL.

The 24-year-old was one of the top performers on a stout Commanders defense last season. Curl accumulated 115 tackles, five pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 1.0 sacks while grading as an elite safety.

Adding Curl insulates the Niners' secondary without overpaying for an aging talent.
Marcus Davenport - Edge
The Niners are no strangers to reclamation projects. Look no further than Chase Young, a player they may have to replace in 2024, as evidence of their success. Although he failed to get recognition in the Comeback Player of the Year futures market, Young revived his career in the latter part of 2023 with the 49ers. In doing so, he may have priced himself out of a return to San Francisco, necessitating a shift on the Niners' part.

Marcus Davenport could be the new Young. The hulking edge rusher appeared in just four games with the Minnesota Vikings last season, playing in just two full contests while dealing with injuries. Worse, Davenport suffered a dreaded high-ankle sprain in Week 6, precipitating season-ending surgery.

Last year was supposed to be Davenport's 'prove me wrong' season. With limited suitors expected to line up for the former 14th-overall selection, San Francisco could get Davenport at a bargain.
Odell Beckham Jr. - Wide Receiver
There aren't many targets up for grabs in the Niners' offense, but thankfully, Odell Beckham Jr. hasn't shown the ability to tolerate a full workload. With Ray-Ray McCloud and Jauan Jennings potentially on the move as free agents, OBJ can continue his championship chase with the 49ers.

We continue to see flashes of brilliance from OBJ. The three-time Pro Bowler looked like his former award-winning self at times in 2023. But at 31 years old and with deteriorating metrics, Beckham Jr. must be insulated by other top performers and avoid tough defensive matchups.

Winning another Super Bowl is a priority for OBJ. At +550, maybe the Niners need him as much as OBJ needs them.
Mason Rudolph - Quarterback
Granted, it was only a one-game sample size. But Sam Darnold looked terrible even in that game against the Los Angeles Rams' backups. Kyle Shanahan needs a second-string quarterback who can grasp his complex offense and potentially pick up any Brock Purdy slack. For that, San Francisco must wade into the free-agent waters for next season's backup quarterback.

Finding a starting QB is the top priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers, necessitating a shift from their current roster. Consequently, the Niners should look to Mason Rudolph as their second-string man. Rudolph never got a fair shake in Pittsburgh. Constantly playing in another quarterback's shadow, the organization never saw how bright Rudolph could shine.

In starting three games this season, Rudolph completed 74.3% of his passes for 13.1 yards per completion and three touchdowns to zero interceptions. That's precisely the QB profile that would thrive in Shanahan's offense. More importantly, Rudolph is the ideal candidate to backup Purdy and protect the 49ers' Super Bowl aspirations.
Jordyn Brooks - Linebacker
With Dre Greenlaw expected to miss most, if not all, of next season with an Achilles injury, the San Francisco 49ers will have to get creative in replacing their heartbeat on defense. Those issues are compounded by the pressures of entering 2024 as the Super Bowl favorites (+550) while navigating a challenging cap situation. And that's where Jordyn Brooks and the 49ers could help each other.

Brooks is coming off a down year with the Seattle Seahawks. The Texas Tech alum totaled 111 tackles last season, his lowest total since starting four games in his rookie campaign. The more concerning issue was how frequently he got lost in coverage. While drawing challenging assignments, Brooks's coverage grades took a hit in 2023.

A one-year pact helps both parties. It affords the Niners some cap flexibility with a buy-low candidate while Greenlaw rehabilitates his injury. Moreover, Brooks can reestablish himself as a pre-eminent defensive force, enhancing his value for next year's free agent class.

San Francisco 49ers Top 5 Free Agents Crucial for Super Bowl Push

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