The 49ers will need to be big players in free agency if they’re going to elevate their roster to one that resembles a title contender this season. While the moves they make for players at the top of the market will be vital, a few players have come available throughout the offseason that could make valuable additions for San Francisco in their quest for filling out the margins of a championship-caliber roster.
S Glover Quin
Quin didn’t have a particularly productive year for the Lions, who let him go in mid-February. He played 16 games and went without an interception for the first time since 2011. Quin is 33, so he won’t be a foundational piece of the 49ers’ future, but he’s an experienced player who can slide in at either safety position. He’s also been exceptionally durable, playing and starting 144 consecutive games since 2010. If San Francisco wants to add an inexpensive veteran safety, Quin checks a lot of boxes.
LB Brandon Marshall
The Broncos aren’t expected to exercise Marshall’s option after an injury-riddled 2018 campaign where he played only 11 games. Marshall was once a dynamic member of a very good Denver front seven. He’s just 29 so the athleticism that made him effective in coverage and against the run should still be intact enough to provide a bridge for the 49ers at WILL linebacker alongside Fred Warner until they find a long-term replacement.
TE Charles Clay
The 30-year-old Clay’s best years are likely behind him, but the 49ers don’t need a big-time playmaker at tight end with George Kittle on the roster. Clay is an effective blocker who’s athletic enough to make an impact as a pass catcher in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The 49ers could use some tight end depth, and Clay would be an inexpensive No. 2 or 3 tight end who’s proved to be a reliable pass catcher when targeted.
WR Bruce Ellington
Don’t laugh. Ellington, 27, was waived by the 49ers at the end of Shanahan’s first training camp, and his injury history in five seasons doesn’t bode well for the future of his NFL career. However, if San Francisco wants to add a player to compete for a spot on the back end of the depth chart, Ellington is a good athlete who can work in as a returner and play multiple receiver spots. He had a strong final four games with Detroit last season. He earned 30 targets while hauling in 23 receptions for 132 yards. There’s nothing close to a guarantee that he’d make the roster, but a healthy Ellington might be a nice depth player on a team that needs help at receiver.
DL Corey Liuget
Liuget, 28, was once a very good defensive lineman for the Chargers. Injuries cut his 2018 campaign short, and could drop his price in free agency. The 49ers don’t necessarily need a ton of depth along the defensive line, especially if they keep Arik Armstead, but Liuget might be worth a flier to see if he can carve out a roster spot. He’s versatile enough to play on the end in base and inside in sub packages. Like Ellington, Liuget may not even make the team, but the 49ers can afford to take a chance on finding a talented player on the cheaper side of the free agency roster.
