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San Francisco 49ers free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By James Dudko

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) waits in the tunnel before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) waits in the tunnel before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Nick Perry

The 49ers are one of the most cap-rich teams in the NFL headed into free agency. They boast an estimated $92,503,731 worth of space, according to Spotrac.com.

It means the Niners have the money to fix a dire pass rush by going after Nick Perry. The former first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers finally came good in 2016, logging 11 sacks.

Perry showed game-wrecking potential in multiple spots along Green Bay’s multiple-front defense. However, he’s usually at his disruptive best on the edge, exactly where the 49ers need most help defensively.

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Eli Harold and Aaron Lynch combined for just 4.5 sacks, while veteran Ahmad Brooks chipped in with six last season, per Pro-Football-Reference. Brooks still has some tread left on his tyres, but the 32-year-old needs a bookend capable of generating more heat in 2017.

Perry fits the bill as an edge-rusher equally comfortable lining up with his hand down or rushing from a standing position. This ex-USC standout is a perfect fit for the 49ers’ hybrid 3-4.

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