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The San Francisco 49ers have not been in the playoffs since 2013. They went from three straight NFC Championship Games to one of the league's worst in no-time. With general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, the Niners feel confident about the direction they are heading.
Jimmy Garoppolo signed a five-year, $137 million contract with the Niners lat offseason. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a torn ACL. The Niners missed him as they finished 4-12. The saving grace is that they have the second overall pick in the draft with Garoppolo returning.
San Francisco is far from perfect. There is work to be done. With free agency on the horizon, Lynch has to be cooking up ways to improve his team. Free agency is all about being bold.
Here are three ways the Niners can be bold this offseason.
3. Trade the House for Antonio Brown
This is not a free agency move, however, it is still a huge splash in the offseason. Brown and the Steelers have made it clear that they are splitting. If you need more proof, check Brown's social media pages. While you are there, check out his cryptic messages about how he wants to play in San Francisco. And why not? The weather is nice, they have a good, young quarterback, and a coach who likes to throw the ball.
The Niners declined the option on receiver Pierre Garcon, which leaves them weak at the position. Who better to replace Garcon than the best receiver in the game? Brown has all the talent in the world, and an attitude that belongs in California. Brown has made it clear that he want to play in San Francisco. Now the waiting begins. The ball is in your court, Niners.
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2. Do Not Extend Robbie Gould
A kicker is a bold move? Think back to how important kicking is in the NFL. If you need help, ask the Bears or Vikings. When it comes to kicking, Gould has been one of the best. He has made 82 out of 85 field goal attempts over the last three seasons. That is 96.5% percent, and the highest in the league over that span. Last season, he led the NFL in percentage at 97.1 percent while missing just one field goal.
The Niners placed the franchise tag on Gould for this season. He will be set to make $5 million in 2019. He will be in San Francisco for one more year, at least. Both sides have until July 15 to work out a new contract if they wish. In the NFL, kickers are signed after being tagged about half of the time. It is uncertain if the Niners will sign the 37-year-old, but it will be a mistake if they do not.
1. L.O.B. Reunion in San Fran
Who can forget when the Seahawks took down the Niners to advance to the Super Bowl? Cornerback Richard Sherman emphatically stated the defense's nickname in the post-game interview. The Legion of Boom was the league's best defense for half a decade. Now Sherman has jumped ship to the Niners. Could Earl Thomas be next?
Thomas has been linked to the Cowboys since last season. Dallas' interest has gone down since Thomas is not expected to accept a lower offer. San Francisco could use a top-tier safety. Thomas and Sherman have a long, illustrious history. The Niners have a chance to take a flier on one of the league's best safeties, and hope lightning can strike twice.
