San Francisco 49ers free agency 2017: Top 5 targets
By James Dudko
The five best targets for the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 NFL Free Agency, including a pair of veteran quarterbacks.
San Francisco 49ers rookie head coach Kyle Shanahan would likely give his kingdom for a competent quarterback to lead his team in 2017. The Niners are entering the league year without a pro passer under contract, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner:
"With Kaepernick set to opt out, the Niners no longer have a single quarterback under contract for 2017. When free agency begins on March 9, Kaepernick will join Blaine Gabbert, Thad Lewis and Christian Ponder as 2016 Niners quarterbacks on the market."
Given the suspect nature of this year’s draft crop at the position, Shanahan will likely have to test the veteran market. Fortunately, he should find one or two decent quarterbacks in 2017 NFL Free Agency.
Better still, the former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator can also acquire some intriguing weapons for his new quarterback. Find out which players the 49ers should target in this year’s market:
5. Matt Schaub
Where Shanahan the younger goes, Matt Schaub usually follows. The latter became a Pro Bowler on Shanahan’s watch while leading a dynamic offense for the Houston Texans.
Last season, Schaub found himself working with Shanahan again, this time as the backup to Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Schaub’s deep knowledge of the Shanahan offense would make him the ideal backup to help stabilize a position currently built on quicksand in San Francisco.
Schaub wouldn’t start in the Bay Area, but the 35-year-old would be an invaluable resource for the man who does.