The San Francisco 49ers came to a tough and unlucky end to an otherwise fairytale campaign. They found a way to win the West, becoming one of the last four teams left in the 2022-23 NFL season. The scars from losing the NFC Championship Game are still fresh. But we can start to get ahead of an interesting offseason for the team. Here’s a look at five free agents the 49ers absolutely must re-sign during the 2023 NFL offseason.
The 49ers had an unexpectedly fulfilling season. This was despite the loss of quarterback Trey Lance early on. They turned to veteran backup his Jimmy Garoppolo. Rookie quarterback block his Purdy stepped up and Kyle led the team to success under the guidance of head coach Shanahan. General manager John Lynch also played a key role in assembling a roster with fewer weaknesses. This was reinforced with the mid-season acquisition of running back Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers finally made it to his NFC Championship Game. And with Purdy injured in an ill-fated clash with the Philadelphia Eagles that left backup Josh Johnson unable to continue the team’s success, the Niners should consider this campaign a success.
Moving on, the team’s management needs to focus on getting it running again for the 2023-24 Super Bowl. The number one priority on their priority list is to assess the roster and see how they can improve for next season. Decide whether to keep it.
Now let’s take a look at the five free agents the Niners have to re-sign during the 2023 NFL offseason.
5. LB Aziz Arshaea
San Francisco’s defense is the backbone of the team. As such, we may continue to try to strengthen this side of the football by targeting specific needs. One of his agents for an imminent free the Niners should retain is linebacker Aziz Al his Shire. Remember, he joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in his 2019 and established himself as a starter. He has appeared in 31 games over the past four seasons. Al-Shaair was a productive player for the team, amassing 199 tackles and his 2 sacks. He was also effective in creating turnovers. Throughout his NFL career, Al-Shaair has recorded his two interceptions, two forced his fumbles and three fumbles his recoveries.
4. S. Jimmy Ward
Keep in mind that safe Jimmy Ward will turn 32 next season, which puts Ward’s estimated market value at nearly $8 million a year. The 49ers should consider keeping him in their system if they can sign a short-term deal. In the 2022-23 season, Ward recorded his 3 interceptions, 5 passes defended, and 1 tackle his four losses, plus a total of 50 tackles. Going forward, the wisest course of action in this situation is to keep Ward. This is even if he’s not the “upgrade” some fans want. His work and production are too important to leave him for free.
3. DE Samson Ebcam
Defensive end Samson Ebkam is one of the underrated pass rushers to enter the free agency market. Keep in mind that during his season as a regular in 2022-23, he recorded his five sacks and he had 15 pressures per quarterback. Ebcam is the type of player who could provide that kind of defensive prowess for any of his NFL teams in the future. Remember also that he helped lead the 49ers to a top-ranked defense with his 36 additional tackles this season. Throughout the season, Ebbham has made important plays and bolstered a very good defensive line in the Bay Area.
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2. K. Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould, despite his advanced age, is a player the 49ers should re-sign in a year or two. He has yips, a problem in the NFL, even with the most consistent kickers. Let’s take a look at Brett Maher, who embarrassed him a few weeks ago. So given the lack of reliable kickers in the market, it would be unwise for the 49ers to let go of kickers. Again, despite turning 40, Gould is still considered one of the NFL’s top five kickers. Long term, re-signing him could be a great move. On the flip side, if the 49ers blinked and cut him, it would be a terrible decision.
1. QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Former third stringer Brock Purdy has established himself as the 49ers’ starting quarterback next season. Purdy is set to remain on the roster next year with a budget-friendly base salary of $870,000, which cannot be adjusted for another two years. That said, teams shouldn’t overlook the importance of having a deep quarterback corps . Therefore, re-signing Jimmy Garoppolo should be considered. In reality, the Niners will have to consider all options, including keeping Garoppolo. According to Spotrac, his estimated annual worth is $35 million. At least they can keep Jimmy G and eventually hang him for a compensatory pick, though Lance and Purdy are likely to join his camp training next summer. , Still he would be wise for the 49ers to try to keep Garoppolo.
