San Francisco 49ers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the National Football League Game between the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins on December 16, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Rich Gabrielson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. OLB Anthony Barr (Minnesota Vikings)

Last April, Niners GM John Lynch used a third-round pick on BYU linebacker Fred Warner. It proved to be a strong move as the young defender started all 16 games and easily led the team with 123 tackles. Warner also totaled one forced fumble and one fumble recovery and also saw action on special teams. He also finished second on the team with six passes defensed. His play was promising and the 22-year-old performer made it a lot easier for the club to move on from troubled 2017 first-round pick Reuben Foster. The latter was suspended for the first two games this past season, played in six contests and was released by the club in late November.

Veteran Malcolm Smith played in only 12 games and made five starts for the team and saw his season end with a torn pectoral muscle. He turns 30 years old in early July which isn’t necessarily a huge factor. But he wasn’t productive when he was on the field. Three-game starter Mark Nzeocha is slated for free agency on March 13.

It’s conceivable that Lynch could open up his checkbook and spend some money on four-time Pro Bowler Anthony Barr. At this moment, it doesn’t appear the Minnesota Vikings will place the franchise tag on the 2014 first-round pick. He made at least 12 starts in each season for Mike Zimmer’s club. He comes off a year in which he played 13 games and finished with 55 tackles, three sacks and two passes defensed. The rangy Barr would be a big-time asset to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the NFL’s 12th-ranked defense of the past season.