The NFL’s free agent pool got a few intriguing new names Friday after the Titans, Vikings and Lions announced the release of several veterans.
With limited cap space to work with, finding veterans cast aside by their former teams on below-market-value deals will be essential for the 49ers as they try to reconstruct a Super Bowl contender for 2020.
Tennessee released former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker, along with kicker Ryan Succop. Minnesota let go of cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive lineman Linval Joseph, while the Lions released offensive tackle Rick Wagner.
While the 49ers have higher priorities than adding veteran free agents, we went through each of the players made available Friday to judge whether they’re a realistic target for San Francisco:
TE Delanie Walker
A Walker-49ers reunion would be intriguing even though Walker turns 36 in August played only eight games across the last two seasons. A long-term deal probably isn’t feasible, but the do-everything tight end could fit nicely in a reserve role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Walker is capable of lining up all over the field and offers a better pass-catching threat than San Francisco currently has behind George Kittle. Ross Dwelley also takes some of the onus off Walker to be on the field for more than a handful of snaps per game. The 49ers don’t necessarily need a tight end, but Walker on a short deal as another dynamic playmaker could benefit the offense while they find a longer-term option behind Kittle.
PK Ryan Succop
Despite Robbie Gould’s issues early last year, he finished the season strong and is in line to keep his job. Succop missed five of his six attempts last year and played only six games after being a very reliable kicker for the previous 10 seasons. Even if the 49ers were going to part ways with Gould, it’s hard to believe Succop would be their first call given his struggles in 2019.
CB Xavier Rhodes
The 49ers could use some depth help at cornerback with Richard Sherman slated to start on one side, and Emmanuel Moseley battling for the other starting job with Ahkello Witherspoon. Rhodes is the type of veteran corner who could push for a starting gig, but ideally for the 49ers would add more quality depth than they had a year ago. However, Rhodes struggled badly last year, allowing a 131.1 passer rating and five touchdowns on 79 targets according to Pro Football Focus. PFF has also graded Rhodes as below average the last two seasons. There’ll probably be a team willing to sign Rhodes as a stop-gap starter for a year, but he’s not necessarily a fit in San Francisco unless it’s on a very cheap deal.
DL Linval Joseph
Joseph is on the back side of a very good career. He was among the NFL’s most underrated interior defensive lineman between 2015 and 2017. He turns 32 in October and will probably land a contract greater than what the 49ers will be able to afford. If San Francisco loses defensive lineman Arik Armstead, they’ll likely aim to find another player to replace him on the defensive front. Joseph probably isn’t that player though since he’d play a role similar to DJ Jones. Interior line depth is important and the 49ers could use it, but Joseph is overqualified for that role and will likely earn a contract that shows it.
OT Rick Wagner
If San Francisco decides they want a more qualified swing tackle than they have on the roster, Wagner is a logical target. He’s started 85 of 86 games the last six years, and was a very good player until 2019 when he had arguably the worst year of his career. Even if Wagner’s days as a productive 16-game starter are behind him, he’d offer some much-needed experience and depth along the offensive front for the 49ers. Justin Skule did okay as a rookie last year, Daniel Brunskill may find a home on the interior of the line, and Shon Coleman, last year’s projected swing tackle prior to his season-ending injury in the preseason, is a free agent. The 49ers could certainly make a play for Wagner if a market doesn’t develop.
