3 Free Agents the 49ers Should Sign to Complete the Offseason

We didn't think it was possible, but the 2020 San Francisco 49ers look like they can be even better than last year's version of the squad. They turned defensive tackle DeForest Buckner into Javon Kinlaw, while replacing a retiring Joe Staley with Trent Williams. Now, the defending NFC champs have near $11 million in cap space to make some additions this offseason to make them compelling favorites in the conference.

With that in mind, here are three free agents general manager John Lynch must absolutely sign to put a bow on their strong offseason.

3. WR Paul Richardson

Why not add more speed to the 49ers' receiving corps? / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Receivers, recievers, receivers. That was the strongest need for the 49ers this offseason, principally since they lost Emmanuel Sanders to the New Orleans Saints. While the team did add rookie Brandon Aiyuk in the first round of the NFL Draft, San Francisco's receiving corps lacks a veteran presence. Look no further than Paul Richardson. Head coach Kyle Shanahan values speed in his starters on offense, and Richardson brings just that. You line him up on the outside, run him on a vertical route, and watch him burn defensive backs for the score. Deebo Samuel fits better in the slot anyway, freeing up Shanahan to plug in Richardson and Aiyuk as his deep threat weapons. And just like that, the 49ers offense gets scarier.

2. OT Jason Peters

It wouldn't hurt to add some veteran depth at the offensive line. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Bringing in Trent Williams to replace Joe Staley is pure genius from John Lynch. Even so, we can't forget that Williams didn't play in a single game this past season. The risk of injury could be high for the former Washington Redskin, and to have an insurance plan, the 49ers should bring in former Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters. Even at the age of 38, Peters is still one of the better offensive linemen in the entire league, and his price will keep dropping with the passing of time. If the 49ers want to go full galaxy brain on the rest of us, how about start Williams at left tackle and Peters on the right side of the line of scrimmage? You want to win a Super Bowl, right 49ers? Please consider this move.

1. CB Aqib Talib

Adding Aqib Talib could turn the 49ers' weakness into a strength. / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The 49ers didn't use a single draft pick on a cornerback, which is pretty concerning. Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon are the certified starters, but the depth is rather shallow. It wouldn't hurt to make an extra addition on the roster, so how about Aqib Talib? What seems to be forgotten was that San Francisco was close to acquiring Talib back in 2018. They were obviously interested in his services, so it wouldn't be shocking if they were to give him a call with a one-year offer. Just imagine the cornerback duo he'd form with Sherman. They would absolutely annoy opposing wideouts next season. Football is not only a physical game, but a mental one as well, and bringing in Talib could really put the 49ers over the edge next season.