The 49ers’ roster is still in a relatively hefty rebuild despite talks of them being a dark horse playoff team a season ago. Their lack of depth showed throughout the season as starters underperformed or got hurt, and their backups didn’t provide much relief. Another free agency period and draft class could dramatically alter what the 49ers look like on the field next season.
Here are some contributors from 2018 who could lose their role, or see it reduced, in favor of a newly-acquired veteran or rookie:
LB Malcolm Smith
Injuries and age caught up to Smith last season in what was an underwhelming campaign. He played 12 games after missing all of the 2017 season, and it appears his days as a viable NFL starter are behind him. Perhaps a fully healthy version of Smith can still contribute. The 49ers may wait to part ways with Smith until next offseason when they have a club option on his contract. If he is on the roster, expect Smith’s role to be filled by either a mid-round draft pick or free agent.
DE Cassius Marsh
Marsh had his most productive year as a pro last season with 5.5 sacks in 16 games. Unfortunately for Marsh, his ability to get consistent pressure isn’t there and kept him from putting up bigger numbers rushing from the outside. He’s a fine depth piece and special teams contributor, but San Francisco will make finding new starting edge rushers their top priority.
FS Adrian Colbert
Colbert began the year as the 49ers’ starting free safety. Injuries limited him to only seven games in 2018, and his performance in those seven games was underwhelming. The former seventh-round pick came out on fire with a very strong end to the 2017 season as a rookie. He was unable to back it up in Year 2 though, and now the 49ers could be hunting for his replacement. If San Francisco signs a starting free safety or drafts one early, Colbert will likely take on a much smaller role in the 49ers’ defense.
SS Jaquiski Tartt
This situation isn’t dissimilar to Colbert’s. Tartt has the advantage of versatility though, and might be better as a free safety than he is as a strong safety. Perhaps his biggest issue for now is health. He’s played just 18 games the last two years. The 49ers know they have to have their starters on the field to be competitive, and if they try replacing Tartt at strong safety, he may not even have a spot to lose to injury.
CB Ahekllo Witherspoon
A knee injury in Week 15 was an unfortunate end to a season that was wrapping up strong for Witherspoon. Last year the second-year corner underwhelmed to start the season, but played better down the stretch. His starting job across from Richard Sherman is far from locked up though. It’s hard to envision the 49ers investing significant money at corner in free agency, but an early draft pick at the position would certainly compete for the starting role right away.
WR Marquise Goodwin
It’s hard to “replace” the unique speed Goodwin has, but his place in the offense could dwindle with Dante Pettis and an early second-round draft pick in the mix on the outside. There will be snaps for Goodwin as long as he’s on the field. His speed can change games. However, a possession receiver in the mold of Pierre Garçon would add a much-needed go-to pass catcher for Jimmy Garoppolo. He relied on Goodwin heavily at the end of 2017, but it’s hard to envision Goodwin matching his target rate and production with the insertion of a rookie receiver alongside Pettis.
