NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

San Francisco 49ers

After handing out grades to the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, it’s great to talk about a competent organization. The San Francisco 49ers have made a remarkable turnaround from “absolute joke” to “NFL powerhouse” under the leadership of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, who should be spared the Super Bowl jokes after molding one of the league’s tightest-run offenses.

The 49ers picked up where they left off last offseason, making more smart moves. They re-signed star edge rusher Arik Armstead and will pay him less money per year than the Indianapolis Colts will give star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, whom they got a first-round pick out of. Realistically, San Francisco could only pay one player, and they saved money while giving themselves important draft capital.

Additionally, the 49ers retained star defensive back Jimmie Ward, who always had the talent but was truly unleashed as one of the league’s best under the new coaching staff. Ward returns as a leader on the defense and a playmaking safety who should take another step forward in 2020.

Like with the Chiefs, the 49ers offseason needs to be about draft smarting, keeping core players, and avoiding future cap issues. Mission accomplished in the Bay Area.

Grade: B