Previewing 49ers’ difficult decisions on unrestricted free agents originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
While the early negotiating period for NFL free agents kicks off on Monday, the 49ers have been able to hold talks with their own players whose contracts are set to expire.
Veteran guard Jon Feliciano is the 49ers’ only offensive starter who is scheduled for free agency, and general manager John Lynch last week made it clear he wishes to re-sign him.
“Turned out he was a really good scheme fit,” Lynch said of Feliciano at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “But what we knew every day is, this guy is a glue guy. This is a guy who brings groups together, brings people together. Tough, crusty O-lineman.”
The 49ers will look to fill out their roster with the re-signings of some of their own free agents while also looking outside the building for players who can step into roles.
Players are allowed to enter into negotiations with other teams beginning Monday morning. The free-agent signing period officially opens Wednesday, March 13, at 1 p.m.
Here is a complete rundown of the 49ers’ scheduled unrestricted free agents on offense (ranked from top to bottom in playing time or depth chart):
G Jon Feliciano
Feliciano got his first opportunity to start as a fill-in for injured Aaron Banks at left guard in the middle of the season. Then, Feliciano moved into the lineup at right guard in place of struggling Spencer Burford. Feliciano’s pectoral injury in the second half of Super Bowl LVIII was a big moment. Burford busted an assignment on a third-down play in overtime that left Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones unblocked.
He said he turned down other free-agent opportunities a year ago in order to chase a Super Bowl ring with the 49ers. Even if Feliciano re-signs, the team still will be expected to look at adding a starting-caliber offensive lineman in the draft.
In his fourth NFL season, Woerner saw an increase in playing time on offense while…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/previewing-49ers-difficult-decisions-unrestricted-182546245.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-03-06 18:25:46
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