San Francisco 49ers Free Agents Heading Into 2019 Offseason
With the Super Bowl over, the NFL offseason has officially begun. The San Francisco 49ers have a large number of players whose contracts have expired. While they have struggled to find a winning formula, the team seemed to band together late in the year. The players they keep and the players they let go can have major repercussions for years to come.
Earl Mitchell: Unrestricted Free Agent
He did not record a sack in 2018 but he did collect 28 tackles. The 49ers have invested a lot in younger talent in this position group over the years. With the rise of DeForest Buckner, they seem ready to move forward with a youth movement. If they decide to do this, expect Mitchell to walk.
Robbie Gould: Unrestricted Free Agent
In his second season with the 49ers, he was once again spectacular. He connected on 33 of 34 field goals. Accurate kickers are hard to find these days. Even with Gould’s advanced age (36), he is still an important part of the 49ers offense. Expect the 49ers to at least give him a one year deal.
Jimmie Ward: Unrestricted Free Agent
He only appeared in nine games last season due to injury. Partly due to his lack of availability he only registered 24 tackles. He has had spotty production since he was drafted in 2014. The 49ers defensive backfield lost several games last year and it is clear they need help. Expect him to walk or the 49ers to offer the veteran minimum.
Kyle Nelson: Unrestricted Free Agent
The long-snapper is currently serving a 10 game suspension for PED use. While the special teams are a solid group, his suspension puts his roster status in question. His roster spot is doubtful as the 49ers have to find a replacement long-snapper for the first half of the 2019 season.
Michael Person: Unrestricted Free Agent
He started all 16 games last year and played well down the stretch. The offensive line gelled well as a unit late in the season but Person seemed to be their weakest member. There were times where he allowed himself to be manhandled by larger defensive linemen. Regardless of this, the 49ers will probably offer him a four-year deal.
Mark Nzeocha: Unrestricted Free Agent
The backup linebacker appeared in every game last year while collecting 22 tackles and one sack. With the departure of Reuben Foster, the 49ers have been thin at linebacker. They may decide to keep Nzeocha for depth.
Alfred Morris: Unrestricted Free Agent
Early in the season, he provided a spark for the offense as he routinely gained 10 or more yards at a time. He eventually got hurt and was rarely seen in the last half of the season. Despite his various ailments, he gained 428 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. The 49ers may keep him for depth but they will probably want to cut his pay.
Raheem Mostert: Unrestricted Free Agent
The running back appeared in nine games while gaining 261 yards and scoring just one touchdown. He showed promise in the Raider game with an electric 51-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, he is coming off a broken arm. If the 49ers decide to go after Le’Veon Bell then Mostert will probably be one of the running backs to go in order to free up cap space.
Antone Exum: Unrestricted Free Agent
The safety had one interception and 40 tackles last season. He played most of the year as a backup while appearing in 15 games and starting in seven. The 49ers may want to keep him for depth as his statistics were very good for a backup.
Jullian Taylor: Unrestricted Free Agent
The rookie defensive tackle record seven tackles in his first season. Due to his low production, it would not cost the 49ers much to let him go. They have invested well at defensive tackle the past few seasons and do not lack much in depth in that position. If he goes to another team then the 49ers will save more than $600,000 in cap space which they can use on top rated talent at either edge rusher or defensive back.
Tyvis Powell: Restricted Free Agent
He only appeared in seven games while starting one in 2018. He recorded just six tackles. Due to his weak statistics, he is one of the most expendable players on the 49ers roster. Expect the 49ers to not give him a qualifying offer.
Bradley Pinion: Unrestricted Free Agent
He averaged 43.5 yards per punt last season. He is a reliable punter and the 49ers will probably keep him unless they find someone with a stronger leg.
Greg Mabin: Exclusive Restricted Free Agent
He did not get any playing time during his first season with the 49ers. The 49ers would not lose much by keeping him as they desperately need help in the secondary.
Elijah Lee: Exclusive Restricted Free Agent
He appeared in all 16 games while starting five. The linebacker recorded 65 tackles and one sack in 2018. The 49ers may keep him for depth.