San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dream targets in 2018 NFL free agency
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Even with Pierre Garcon under contract through 2021, the 49ers still need a true No. 1 receiver. As great as their current top target can be at times, there’s no denying that an upgrade is needed atop the receiver depth chart if Jimmy Garoppolo is going to succeed.
Look no further than Alshon Jeffery, who is the top pass-catching talent slated to be a free agent in 2018. While it’s unlikely in the real world that the Philadelphia Eagles let him walk, he’s completely available in this fantasy land.
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Although Jeffery has been a bit inconsistent throughout his six-year NFL career, he’s still an elite talent when at his best. As we’ve seen this season, he’s more than capable of lighting it up, especially with an excellent quarterback throwing him the football. Considering Garoppolo’s huge potential, I’d say he’d be in good hands with the 49ers.
More than likely, the Eagles will find a way to retain Jeffery this offseason. In this scenario, I believe he’d be a tremendous fit for the 49ers as a true No. 1 receiver. It’ll move Garcon into a No. 2 role, which may actually be a better fit for his talents. That then allows Marquis Goodwin to thrive in a speed-demon role, instead of being expected to bear a significant chunk of the production burden.
San Francisco needs to have its eyes open for a legitimate playmaker at wide receiver in 2018. It’s all about surrounding Garoppolo with as many quality pieces as possible. Signing Jeffery would be a huge step in that direction.