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After coming within one score of making another Super Bowl appearance, the San Francisco 49ers are set to begin a new chapter this offseason with Trey Lance as their new man under center. With Lance in place, the 49ers are working to find a Jimmy Garoppolo trade. That is the obvious first order of business to be prioritized in the 2022 NFL offseason for this franchise, and it basically is a foregone conclusion at this point.
In addition to the Garoppolo trade, San Francisco will work to make other changes to the roster in an attempt to help out the young quarterback and return to the Super Bowl. So, here are three other big moves the 49ers must take a look at in the offseason.
49ers moves in 2022 NFL offseason
Jordan Whitehead
Entering free agency after a few productive seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jordan Whitehead would be a perfect addition to San Francisco's hard-nosed defensive unit. During their Super Bowl victory, Whitehead played with a torn labrum in his shoulder and showed how tough he is.
This level of grit and determination would be a welcome addition to the 49ers' brand of smashmouth football. With his championship pedigree and relentlessness on defense, Whitehead would complete San Fran's secondary and give them more youth and athleticism at safety.
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With only a year left on his deal and the New York Giants potentially looking into trading him before his contract expires, this could be San Francisco's opportunity to swoop in and make them an offer they can't refuse. On the 49ers, Saquon Barkley would be the ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense as a dual-threat running back who would form a potent rushing attack with Elijah Mitchell, Deebo Samuel, Kyle Juszczyk and Trey Lance.
With their speed, agility, and versatility, they'd be able to create all kinds of mismatches for opposing defenses. The main issue here is that Shanahan heavily relies on getting the most out of veteran running backs on the cheap, so making a play for an athletic halfback still in his prime like Barkley may be a tough sell for him. Still, it could wind up being an absolute game-changer for the 49ers ahead of next season.
After another productive season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mike Williams is set to be a free agent this year and will definitely have his fair share of suitors during the 2022 NFL free agency frenzy. Adding Williams' elite skill set to a passing attack that already features Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk would give the 49ers yet another dangerous weapon to help out Lance.
This would allow them to match wits with the explosive aerial assaults of the Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs. Even though it seems likely that the Chargers will make a heavy push to re-sign Williams, it wouldn't hurt for the 49ers to pursue him in free agency. Plus, with Jauan Jennings also set to be a free agent, this now leaves a void at the wide receiver spot for the Niners. Given that Williams still has his plenty of football left in him, selling him on the idea of playing for a loaded roster like this could be extremely attractive for him, though stick with Justin Herbert would also be a plus for him.
