San Francisco 49ers free agency 2018: Top 5 targets
By Joe Romano
Andrew Norwell, G
Former team: Carolina Panthers
One way to help a quarterback out without spending big on receiving threats is to sure up the guys in front of him. That is where a player like guard Andrew Norwell comes in to play for San Francisco.
The 26 year old former undrafted free agent started the past two seasons and the majority of the 2015 season. This season he played well enough to earn first team All-Pro honors.
With Joe Staley still an elite option at tackle but getting up in years, offensive line is a need for the 49ers. Outside of Staley and possibly right tackle Trent Brown, the interior looks to be the first area to attack this offseason.
Luckily for San Francisco this free agency class is strong along the interior starting with Norwell. Last season’s top free agent at the guard position was Kevin Zeiter. He wound up signing a deal for $12 million per season with the Browns. Norwell could see close to that type of money.
The massive 325-pound guard would also help the 49ers running game. Coming from Carolina, he is clearly adept at running multiple blocking schemes. Regardless of who San Francisco has in the backfield with Carlos Hyde likely leaving in free agency, the backfield would only be stronger because of a player like Norwell.
Carolina will struggle to keep him. They already have big money spent along the offensive line, including fellow guard Trai Turner. This is San Francisco’s shot to get a young, premier interior offensive lineman.