San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dream targets in 2021 NFL free agency
By Xavier Dixon
The San Francisco 49ers are hoping for a return to form and these five dream targets in 2021 NFL free agency would undeniably aid the cause.
The San Francisco 49ers recently got back $11 million in cap space from players not hitting their incentives in 2020. But the 49ers will still have a major overhaul ahead with the salary cap in 2021 NFL free agency with the limited space if they want to make any moves.
For instance, they could bring back Trent Williams and likely use all of the caps space they do have. Even if the 49ers re-sign Williams, though, they would have to make some cuts and restructure a few contracts to make it work.
Nevertheless, let’s say we’re just dreaming and the 49ers have the potential to sign the big names on the market that they would like in free agency. These would be five dream targets for San Francisco in the 2021 offseason.
San Francisco 49ers dream free agency target No. 5: Joe Thuney, LG
Spending his early career with the Patriots, Joe Thuney has proven he’s a versatile offensive lineman since his college career at NC State. He played center for the Wolfpack but also spent time at both tackle spots and ultimately ended his time in Raleigh at left guard. But suffice it to say that he’s capable and comfortable being moved along the trenches.
Thuney was eventually selected by New England in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He started his three seasons at left guard for the Patriots, becoming the first player in NFL history to make a Super Bowl start in each of his first three years. He then moved to right tackle in the opener of his fourth campaign due to injury before eventually settling into his role as the right guard.
Coming off of his Second-Team All-Pro nod in the 2019 season, Thuney was retained via the franchise tag by the Patriots. He continued to show his versatility as he saw time at center and both guard spots in the 2020 season.
In terms of dream free agency targets, the 49ers should have Thuney right at the top. Pairing him with Trent Williams would help the offense become a much better pass-blocking unit, something San Francisco needs to see up front.