San Francisco 49ers Offseason Review
By Jon Dove
The San Francisco 49ers had relatively low-key offseason when you factor in their salary cap space and team needs.
Bringing Richard Sherman on board with the San Francisco 49ers splashiest offseason move. He’ll provide them with a veteran presence at cornerback and someone who has a proven track record of making plays.
However, Sherman is coming off a major injury and will be playing on a less talented defense than he is use too.
The 49ers made some solid under the radar moves in free agency by signing Weston Richburg and Jerick McKinnon. Richburg will represent an upgrade at the center position and hopefully stabilize the interior of the offensive line.
McKinnon is a big-play back who will contribute in both the passing and running game. The big question is whether or not he can handle a large workload.
San Francisco’s draft picks will bring solid additions, but nothing that really moves the needle. Mike McGlinchey will step in as the starting right tackle replacing the traded Trent Brown. McGlinchey has plenty of upside, but Brown was a good player for the 49ers which makes this more of a lateral move for the upcoming season.
Dante Pettis has game-breaking speed and is a much better route runner than most realize. He should see early action working out of the slot and as a return man.
Fred Warner is a developing linebacker prospect who can generate some pressure off the edge and play in the middle. The problem is that he needs time to learn the game and round out as a player.
Maybe the biggest move the 49ers made this entire offseason was getting Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a long-term deal. This franchise has to feel good about their quarterback situation moving forward.