San Francisco 49ers Expected to Target Lawrence Tynes
By Josh Hill
The San Francisco 49ers were an all-around solid team in 2012, after all they did come within yards of winning the Super Bowl. But if there was one aspect of their game that was universally blasted it was at kicker and the 49ers are aiming to change that by signing a veteran kicker with playoff experience in free agency. According to CSNBayArea.com, the Niners are expected to make a run at ex-Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes once free agency officially opens on Tuesday.
"The 49ers are believed to be interested in free-agent kicker Lawrence Tynes, who is not expected to return to the New York Giants. Tynes has a history of kicking in inclement conditions. He has also experienced success at Candlestick Park, including a 31-yard field goal in overtime to send the Giants to the Super Bowl a year ago."
It’s not a guarantee that Tynes will be heading to San Francisco, but in terms of kicking jobs in the NFL, it doesn’t get more cushy than kicking for the offensively dominant 49ers. However, if the Niners can’t land Tynes, they may look Phil Dawson’s way as Niners special teams coach Brad Seely worked with Dawson while the two were with the Browns.
Other contingency plans for the 49ers include ex-Texans kicker Shayne Graham, ex-Lions Kicker Jason Hanson and young gun Steven Hauschka who kicked for the Seahawks last season.
Either way, the 49ers cut ties with David Akers and are ready to shore up one of the only weaknesses the team has. No matter who ends up getting the job, the pressure to succeed is apparent but it won’t be hard to out-do the last guy who had the job.