With the 2022 season officially over for the San Francisco 49ers it is now time to look forward to 2023 and to predict how the roster may get constructed.
Obviously the main focus for many is at quarterback. Depending on the severity of the Brock Purdy elbow injury, Trey Lance is the obvious move for Kyle Shanahan to make. Still there is a high likelihood that Jimmy Garoppolo gets re-signed as well. Other options are Tom Brady who has made it clear he is done with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still the likelihood of that happening is closer to zero. Aaron Rodgers has also been brought up still it is doubtful that the Green Bay Packers will even consider trading with a NFC team.
Now that the quarterback position has been addressed, here is a look at the unrestricted free agents of the 49ers for 2023:
- Jimmie Ward, Safety
- Samson Ebukam Defensive End
- Emmanuel Moseley, Cornerback
- Mike McGlinchey, Right Tackle
- Azeez Al-Shaair, Linebacker
- Robbie Gould, Kicker
- Daniel Brunskill, Offensive Tackle
- Hassan Ridgeway, Defensive Tackle
- Kerry Hyder, Defensive End
- Tyler Kroft, Tight End
- Maurice Hurst, Defensive Tackle
- Tashaun Gipson, Safety
- Josh Johnson, Quarterback
- Jordan Willis, Defensive End
- Taybor Pepper, Longsnapper
- Ross Dwelley, Tight End
- Jake Brendel, Center
- Jason Verrett, Cornerback
- Tarvarius Moore, Safety
- Charles Omenihu, Defensive End
Restricted free agents include:
- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Linebacker
- Kevin Givens, Defensive Tackle
- Colton McKivitz, Offensive Tackle
- Jauan Jennings, Wide Receiver
Ward while getting interviewed did indicate he wants to come back yet the realization for him is that he likely costs too much, so he is unlikely to get re-signed. Ebukam will likely cost too much to re-sign. With the way Omenihu played this season he was on that route too, yet a misdemeanor arrest for a reported domestic violence charge might have cost him that opportunity and he most likely stays with the 49ers.
For general manager John Lynch, Moseley is a must re-sign. Al-Shaair also needs to stay as well. Gipson who was signed late, had one of his best seasons in the NFL with five interceptions and he certainly will likely get a pay raise after making $1.12 million in 2022. The question is show much more will he get paid?
On special teams, Pepper likely gets re-signed and this is the year that Lynch lets Gould look elsewhere to kick.
Offensively Jennings is the only player worth keeping. He has made a name for himself coming up with big third down plays. The 49ers have exclusive rights to him as well, meaning that he will certainly get brought back.
So for 2023, the 49ers will have kept Moseley, Al-Shaair, Gipson, Omenihu, Jennings, and Pepper.
Now the question becomes who will San Francisco go after in free agency? One of the most important aspects for Lynch is to bring in depth for the defensive line and at defensive end.
Larry Ogujobi, Arden Key, Morgan Fox, and Zach Allen are intriguing options at defensive end. At defensive tackle, Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Hankins, Christian Covington, and Sheldon Rankins are key names to keep an eye on. To replace Al-Shaair and Flannigan-Fowles, the draft is the best option here.
Offensively, there is no replacement for McGlinchey at right tackle. Lynch can address this need either via a trade or in the draft. Depth signings at offensive tackle include: Brandon Parker, Chuma Edoga, Storm Norton, and Ethan Greenidge.
At tight end, Donald Parham and Maxx Williams. The 49ers are set at guard, running back, and at wide receiver.