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Fresh off their second NFC Championship appearance in three years and hoping to make some roster altering moves this summer, the San Francisco 49ers are set to have a busy offseason. After a devastating loss to their long-time NFC West nemesis, the 49ers are looking ahead to next season with their sights set on an NFL championship in 2023.
Between the subpar quarterback play and a series of defensive miscues late in the game, the 49ers lost their edge and fell to the Los Angeles Rams in a devastating fashion. Nonetheless, in this post, we'll be taking a look at three early free agent targets for San Francisco heading into the 2022 NFL offseason.
49ers 2022 NFL Offseason Free Agents
Stephon Gilmore
After getting traded to the Carolina Panthers due to a long-standing contract dispute with the New England Patriots, Gilmore will now be testing out free agency in 2022. With the 49ers sorely lacking an elite presence at the cornerback spot, Gilmore would fit right into DeMeco Ryans' defensive schemes and vastly improve their secondary.
With his stellar ball skills, ability to excel in man coverage, and lethal combination of size and speed, Gilmore would perfectly complement the 49ers' defense and become the number one cornerback they've been sorely lacking for the past few years. Plus adding the likes of Gilmore to a rotation featuring Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, Jimmie Ward, and Jaquiski Tartt would give the 49ers a deep and dynamic secondary that would be able to lockdown the league's best receiving corps on a weekly basis.
J.C. Jackson
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Pulling off this transaction may prove to be more of a long shot for the 49ers, but if they are able to add Jackson to their top-notch defensive unit, then it would be an absolute game-changer for the Red and Gold. Jackson would dominate in the Bay Area and be able to thrive while playing with a star-studded defense.
His receiver-like ball skills and highly efficient play in both man and zone coverages have made Jackson a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in the NFL. On the 49ers, he'd be bringing a level of tenacity and aggression that would mesh very well with San Francisco's brand of smash mouth football. If the 49ers acquire Jackson, then they would boast the most complete defense in the league.
Dalton Schultz
Coming off a productive year with the Dallas Cowboys, Schultz has made a name for himself as quality tight end in the NFL. Heading into 2022 NFL free agency, Schultz will definitely have his fair share of suitors and would undoubtedly be a welcome addition for the 49ers. Schultz would be essential to their success on offense and provide George Kittle with some relief at the position and a worthwhile back-up.
With deep threats like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings in the fold, Schultz's game would be the perfect compliment to these versatile speedsters. As an elite run and pass blocker with the ability to dominate in short and intermediate routes, Schultz would do very well playing for Kyle Shanahan and provide him with another weapon to work with in the play-action passing game.
Kittle's multi-faceted style of play allows him to excel on slants and deep routes and the 49ers will definitely be able utilize his skills more effectively with Trey Lance set to be their new starting quarterback in 2022. This in turn will give them a reliable second-string tight end in Schultz who can help them make short gains and keep the chains moving while allowing them to add more variety to their offensive game plan. If the 49ers are hoping to make strides and improve their aerial assault, then this is a move that will open things up for them on offense.
