San Francisco 49ers: Assessing offseason needs ahead of free agency

3 of 4

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

Why it’s a need: Pierre Garcon’s disappointing and brief time as a 49er is over, leaving a hole to be filled at Z receiver as the 49ers look to put more playmakers around Jimmy Garoppolo.

Odds of a free agent signing: The 49ers reportedly met with numerous members of an intriguing receiver class at the NFL Combine, but drafting a young complement to Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin doesn’t preclude them from signing an experienced head.

Tyrell Williams fits the Shanahan system with his size and speed, but his price may well be a little too rich for the 49ers taste. If the Niners do have their eyes on a free agent receiver, veterans such as Golden Tate and Jermaine Kearse are better bets to be top of their list.

Safety

Why it’s a need: The 49ers have had too much turnover at free safety, arguably the most important position in their Cover 3 defense. After Adrian Colbert failed to build on a promising rookie year, his sophomore effort eventually ended by injury, a dependable center fielder is needed to give San Francisco’s corners a valuable safety blanket.

Odds of a free agent signing: Almost certain. This is a stacked safety class of free agents but one man stands alone as the clear favorite to become a 49er. Earl Thomas is the archtype single-high free safety and should be a priority signing for the 49ers, even with his recent injury issues. With reports that he will not give his hometown Dallas Cowboys a discount, the 49ers have the money to make a push for Thomas, who will surely be attracted by the opportunity to play with Sherman again, and the chance to play Seattle twice a year.

However, if they cannot pull off a deal for Thomas, then the 49ers could snatch a player from another division rival in soon-to-be former Los Angeles Ram Lamarcus Joyner. Tyrann Mathieu, Tashaun Gipson and Ha ha Clinton-Dix could also be in play.