San Francisco 49ers: Grades for free agency signings in 2021

The San Francisco 49ers ‘revenge tour’ failed in the 2020 season but they’ve used the 2021 NFL free agency first wave to try and ready themselves for another run.

The San Francisco 49ers got off to a pretty good start in 2021 NFL free agency. With nearly 30 people to re-sign, the 49ers knew they couldn’t retain everyone. However, they clearly had their priorities in trying to get Kyle Shanahan’s team back in the mix to compete at the top of the NFC.

Meanwhile, suspenseful Deshaun Watson trade rumors could heat up at any moment and transcend the team to Super Bowl favorites. But as Watson remains in Houston (and embroiled in off-field controversy), we need to look at the moves the 49ers have made to this point.

From retaining their own key pending free agents to signing players from elsewhere, we’re grading every signing the San Francisco 49ers have made throughout the first wave.

San Francisco 49ers free agency grades from 2021 first wave

Trent Williams, LT (6 years, $138 million) – Grade: A-

After missing the 2019 season, Trent Williams returned to the field after a trade to the Niners and earned the right to become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history in 2021. Finishing the 2020 season as the highest-graded tackle according to PFF (subscription required) directly attributed to the major payday.

Spending a 2020 fifth-round pick and a third-round selection in 2021 in the NFL Draft turned into a vital left tackle for San Francisco. But Wiliams turns 33 years old in July and his backloaded contract locks him up until at least 2024, which could backfire if his play doesn’t stay up to par.

Kyle Juszczyk, B (5 years, $27 million) – Grade: B-

Kyle Juszczyk is essential to the 49ers’ heavy 21-personnel approach on offense.  His elite blocking ability gives the Niners an extra lineman, in a sense. Retaining “Juice” is more key to the run game than anything.

But for his pay, Juszczyk has to be on the field more. He has never played more than 63 percent of the offensive snaps and this is after getting the biggest contract for a fullback in NFL history. Kyle Shanahan has to use Jusczyk more in the passing game.

Trent Sherfield, WR (1 year, $920,000) – Grade: C-

Trent Sherfield was mainly a special teamer for the Arizona Cardinals with occasional offensive reps. The former undrafted receiver saw most of his offensive snaps his rookie year and had a few quality catches. With Kendrick Bourne leaving, Sherfield could fight for reps at receiver but will likely find his spark on special teams.

Emmanuel Moseley, CB (2 years, $10 million) – Grade: B-

Emmanuel Moseley has come along well in the last two seasons. San Francisco plans on Moseley taking the next step judging by the money they’re spending to retain him. He struggled against DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams and DK Metcalf but was in tight coverage against them.

Mosley has progressed each year with the Niners and still has room to improve. If Mosley can limit the penalties and create more turnovers he can become one of the top corners of the NFC West.

Jason Verrett, CB (1 year, $5.5 million) – Grade: B+

Jason Verrett proved to be the best cornerback on the 49er roster last season. Only giving up one receiving touchdown all year while being the most targeted defender on the team showed that. Verrett collecting a one-year contract is a clear “prove it” deal that could benefit him and the Niners as he’s never played a full NFL season.

The NFL Comeback Player of the Year snub was confident declining a multi-year deal in order to show he can play at a high level and hopefully cash in on one final big contract in his career.

Alex Mack, C (3 years, $15 million) – Grade: B-

The offensive line had many struggles last year and adding Alex Mack at center can assist with that. To be a great center, you have to be able to direct the other players on the offensive line and be able to recognize with the defense is doing.

Mack is familiar with Shanahan’s offense and should be his biggest asset in joining the Niners. But he is turning 36 in the fall, so the Niners should look to develop a center in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Samson Ebukam, EDGE (2 years, $12 million) – Grade: B+

San Francisco’s pass rush was pretty mild last season because they lacked an edge rusher with speed. I’d previously floated the idea of bringing back Kerry Hyder Jr. but even he got most of his sacks from good coverage in the secondary and hustle. Samson Ebukam is the opposite of Hyder and will look to use his speed in different ways.

The 49ers getting 18 fewer sacks in 2020 than the previous year reflected the major issue with the pass rush. Adding Ebukam will allow Arik Armstead to move inside to defensive tackle. Armstead will be more comfortable rushing the passer from the 3-technique.

D.J. Jones, DT (1 year, $3.5 million) – Grade: B-

The 49ers lucked up as the defensive tackle market is heavily based on getting sacks. Most teams will only pay a defensive tackle well if he can rush the passer. D.J. Jones has shown that he can affect the opposing offense from different spots on the 49ers defense.

Jones battled obstacles in recent seasons, being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury in 2019 and missing two games in 2020 from being placed on the COVID list and another ankle injury. If Armstead moves to the interior then Jones will likely have to compete with Javon Kinlaw for a starting spot.