The 49ers offseason has officially begun.
General Manager John Lynch hoped the 49ers calendar phase wouldn’t start for another two weeks.
However, the team’s focus shifted to next season as they lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
It looks like it will be another busy off-season for the club. With the 49ers, he will have 23 players with unlimited free agency, and a number of big decisions await him as he decides his path forward.
Let’s take a look at the team’s scheduled unrestricted free agency:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo: His season ended on December 4 with a broken leg. After Sunday’s game, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay His Area reported that Garoppolo met owners Dr. John York and Dennis He gave York a hug and told him that “everything will be fine.” Garoppolo looks likely to get a starting opportunity (and an accompanying contract) with another team.
DB Jimmy Ward: He settled into a role as the 49ers’ nickel after losing his starting job this season to veteran free safety Tashawn Gipson. After nine seasons at the club, it may be time for both teams to go in different directions. I’m here.
DE Samson Ebcam: His numbers as a pass rusher have not worked out as well as the team and he hoped. Ebcam has been a starter in his last two seasons, during which he has recorded 9.5 sacks. While the 49ers are looking for some more pass rush juice from players lined up opposite Nick Bosa, they certainly won’t be closing the door on his return.
CB Emmanuel Moseley: As the season began, he seemed destined for a big deal. However, Moseley’s market is a big mystery due to his torn anterior cruciate ligament. There’s a good chance the 49ers will put him back on his one-year certified deal. Deommodore Lenoir stepped in and played very well in the postseason.
RT Mike McGrinchee: There’s always been a strong market for experienced offensive linemen, and McGlinchey is likely to land a sizeable multi-year contract, but not the 49ers. The 49ers have been grooming to take over Colton McKivitz, so it seems like the most logical move for the team.
LB Aziz Al-Shair: The 49ers appeared to indicate their intentions after week 1 when linebacker Dre Greenlaw signed a multi-year extension. The 49ers can’t pay everyone, and Al-Shaair could get an all-down job with another team.
K. Robbie Gould: He remains one of the most consistent kickers in the league. With his three boys living in the Chicago area year-round, does Gould want to stay in Santa Clara or find work closer to home, and the 49ers once again want him to franchise him? use tags?
C Jake Brendel: His first season as an NFL starter went very well. The 49ers should be able to re-sign him for a reasonable fee.
RG Daniel Brunskil: He’s done a little bit of everything for the 49ers’ offensive line. He is a valuable player because of his versatility. A return to the 49ers could happen, as it seems unlikely he’ll get his first job elsewhere.
S. Tashawn Gipson: His signing after Jimmy Ward suffered an injury was a big move for the club in August. He started every game and had five interceptions. He will be 33 when next season starts. If he wants to continue, he should be affordable for the 49ers.
DE Charles Omeniffe: This should be done in the off-season when the legal system runs its course. He was arrested last week on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence. The 49ers deemed the facts they recognized did not justify his dismissal from the team.
DE Jordan Willis: The 49ers acquired him in a midseason trade in 2020, but he’s been a very good role player. If the price is right he should be back.
TE Ross Dwelly: After serving as a primary backup in his first four seasons at the club, Dwery found himself frequently on the inactive list this season. He may need a fresh start elsewhere.
DE Kelly Hider: The veteran hasn’t been the contributor he was in 2020 when he recorded 8.5 sacks. He turned 32 in the offseason and the 49ers should consider upgrading.
DT Hassan Ridgeway: He was a valuable player for the team when Arik Armstead and Javon Kinrow were sidelined due to injury. However, Ridgway suffered his chest injury in Week 13 and went on the season-ending injured list.
DT TY McGill: He did a great job as a D-line rotation player. He has shown enough to return to a one-year contract.
DB Tarvarius Moore: He showed promise in 2019, including an interception at the Super Bowl. However, he never took the next step and an offseason injury ruined one season. Now he should probably look for another opportunity.
TE Tyler Croft: The 49ers signed Croft in the offseason and he ended up being the #2 tight end. He couldn’t hang on to Eagles edge rusher Herson Reddick, who was central to his 49ers loss on Sunday—not in a good way.
QB Josh Johnson: At 36, Johnson’s NFL career is over.
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LS Tabor Pepper: Long Snapper is doing well with punter/holder Mitch Wichnowski and Gould.
CB Jason Berrett: The highly respected veteran has had some terrifying luck throughout his NFL career. At this point, there’s no reason to revert.
DT Maurice Hurst: He suffered season-ending injuries in both seasons with the 49ers. It’s time for him to move on.
TE Jordan Matthews: The move to tight ends never took shape because of injury. The 49ers are great for bringing youngsters growing up.
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