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For the first time in seven years, the 49ers used their franchise tag in 2019. They were the first team to use the designation this year, franchise-tagging kicker Robbie Gould, who will make about $5 million this upcoming season.
Five additional teams applied the franchise tag to the following players, all defensive linemen: Kansas City’s Dee Ford, Dallas’ DeMarcus Lawrence, Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle’s Frank Clark, and Atlanta’s Grady Jarrett. The window to franchise-tag players passed at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Four prominent edge rushers headline the list, as expected. But there are still several players at the position that the 49ers could target when contract negotiations are eligible to open March 11 and the new league year starts March 13. The 49ers may also look for help at receiver, inside linebacker, free safety, and potentially cornerback.
S Landon Collins — Collins was expected to be franchise-tagged, but the Giants let a terrific safety walk. Collins, a three-time reigning Pro Bowler, isn’t the prototypical single-high safety the 49ers want anchoring their secondary, but he’s capable of starring in that role. He will be highly coveted around the league.
LB C.J. Mosley — Mosley has been one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers since entering the league in 2014. He has made four second-team All-Pro teams. That Baltimore didn’t use their franchise tag on him was surprising, but perhaps they have plans to retain him with a long-term deal. If the 49ers sign him, Mosley would immediately elevate their defense. The 49ers like Elijah Lee, and they have more pressing needs — and are likely willing to spend more money — at other positions.
LB Anthony Barr — Here’s another perennial Pro Bowler who could immediately fill a need at the SAM linebacker spot. Barr is a terrifying blitzer and sound tackler — two traits the 49ers lacked in 2018. He would help solidify the San Francisco front-seven into one of the NFL’s best run-stopping units.
EDGE Justin Houston — Houston just turned 30, but he still has plenty of sacks left in him. He amassed nine and 9.5 sacks in the past two seasons. He could be the perfect complement to one of the standout EDGE prospects the 49ers seem destined to pick with the No. 2 overall pick.
EDGE Ziggy Ansah — 49ers personnel executive Martin Mayhew drafted Ansah in Detroit, where he became one of the league’s most dangerous edge rushers early in his career. But Ansah is coming off three injury-riddled seasons. He started just two games in 2018.
EDGE Dante Fowler — Fowler never validated his No. 3 overall pick in Jacksonville. After the Rams acquired him via trade about midway through the 2018 season, he looked like a different player. He was consistently disruptive throughout Los Angeles’ playoff run that ended in a Super Bowl loss. Fowler, who was drafted to star in the same 4-3 defense the 49ers deploy, would slot in at the LEO spot.
DE Trey Flowers — Flowers may be the most underrated defensive end in the NFL. While he’s better suited for a 3-4 defense, his versatility translates to any system.
FS Earl Thomas — Thomas was never a reasonable candidate for Seattle’s franchise tag, which was used on Clark. Thomas, 30, hasn’t shown signs of decline. He was one of the NFL’s best safeties before he fractured his leg in Week 4. Thomas wants to play for the Cowboys, but he wants to be paid like a top-tier safety first and foremost. The 49ers have $67.5 million in cap space.
LB K.J. Wright — Wright is another 30-year-old Seahawks staple with experience playing in the 4-3 defense. If the 49ers manufacture a team-friendly deal, he would be a welcome addition to a young linebacking corps.
CB Pierre Desir — Standing at 6-foot-1 with 33-inch arms, Desir fits the 49ers’ cornerback prototype. While he struggled to take off throughout his early NFL years, Desir played the best football of his career, ranking as Pro Football Focus’ No. 18 cornerback, with Indianapolis in 2018. He totaled 79 tackles, one interception, and eight passes defended. Combine his production and measurables, and Desir should be San Francisco’s top free agent target at cornerback.
FS Tyrann Mathieu — Here’s your Earl Thomas consolation. Mathieu hasn’t been talked about much as a potential target, but he’s only 26, the kind of ballhawking presence 49ers need at free safety, and proven to play well in multiple defenses.
WR Tyrell Williams — Of a slim free agent receiver crop, Williams is arguably the 49ers’ best option. He is 6-foot-4, 27 years old, and can make plays downfield. He averaged 813 yards and more than five touchdowns throughout the past three seasons as a secondary option in the Chargers’ offense.
DE Preston Smith — Smith is a steady edge rusher with 24.5 sacks over his four-year career. He has never missed a game.
DE Za’Darius Smith — Smith posted 8.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits in 2018. He’s overshadowed in this free agent class, but he is a better, more tenacious edge rusher than anyone on the current 49ers’ roster.
EDGE Shaq Barrett — Barrett’s lack of production may reflect lack of opportunity more than anything else. Stuck behind Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Shane Ray throughout his four years in Denver, Barrett will get to show what he can do with a greater workload. He could be an inexpensive, low-risk addition.
EDGE Markus Golden — Aside from his 12.5-sack season in 2016, Golden hasn’t done much else — largely due to battling injuries — throughout his four-year career.
EDGE Shane Ray — Golden’s college teammate, Ray is another forgotten EDGE looking for a new home. He’s a speed rusher that has not lived up to his first-round billing.