The San Francisco 49ers came on strong at the end of the 2021 season, finishing the regular season by winning four out of their last five games and earning a Wild Card spot. They then went on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in the postseason before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, blowing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
That turnaround wasn’t too out of the blue for the 49ers, who were hit hard by injuries in 2020. Just the season before that, they were representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, so this is a roster with plenty of talent when healthy.
San Francisco is expecting another deep run during the 2022 season, but to ensure that happens, they will need to plug some holes on the roster. The team isn’t flush with cap space, so John Lynch will have to get creative when bringing in players.
Here are three players that Lynch should target this offseason in free agency.
3. Tyrod Taylor
It seems like a foregone conclusion that the 49ers are going to be moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo as their starting quarterback. They traded up to the No. 3 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Trey Lance out of North Dakota State and he is expected to take over as the starter this season.
While the team is committed to Lance, it would still be smart to bring in a veteran backup as insurance. Lance had some injuries pop up during his rookie season, so having a capable replacement just in case is imperative.
One player that the 49ers should look into acquiring is Tyrod Taylor. He could slide seamlessly into the starting role as his skill set fits the style of offense that the 49ers run. They wouldn’t have to change many of their schemes as Taylor can execute the running plays the team implants for Lance as well given his own level of athleticism and rushing ability.
That kind of continuity is key so that the offense can keep a rhythm even if the starter is sidelined.
2. Brian Allen
The 49ers could be in the market for some help on the interior of their offensive line this offseason. Laken Tomlinson is a free agent and there are rumors that center Alex Mack could retire this offseason.
Both would be tough losses to overcome as they are both above average at their position. There is a chance that Tomlinson comes back, but if Mack retires, there isn’t anyone to step into that spot. One option could be Brian Allen.
Allen would be a great fit for the offensive scheme that Kyle Shanahan runs as it is similar to the one that the Los Angeles Rams, his possibly former team, ran. He would help bolster the 49ers’ offensive line given his comfortability in the scheme and signing him away from the Rams would weaken theirs.
That would be two wins for a 49ers team looking to chase down the Rams this season in the standings.
Arguably the weakest spot on the 49ers roster this season was their secondary, specifically at cornerback. The 49ers were below average when it came to coverage grade, finishing 23rd in the NFL.
With K’Waun Williams, Jason Verrett and Josh Norman all free agents, the team could use some depth at cornerback. Safety Jaquiski Tartt is also a free agent this year.
It will not be easy given their salary cap situation, but the 49ers should do everything in their power to land Stephon Gilmore. He would solve a lot of their issues in the backend of their defense as he can fit into virtually any scheme.
The price will not be cheap, but if the 49ers can land Gilmore, it would go a long way in overcoming their biggest weakness. Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. ran wild in the secondary of the NFC Championship Game and adding a player of Gilmore’s caliber would keep that from occurring so often.
