Free agency isn’t over, as players like Ben Bartch are still getting scooped up. But for the most part, the big names are all off the market, and we’re at the point where the remaining signings will be for the veteran minimum.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak went through each team and ranked them based on who improved the most based on the following criteria:
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The value they got for the money they spent
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The flexibility of their roster approaching the draft
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The contract details that provide them leverage
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How they manipulated the compensatory pick formula
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What they could have done but didn’t do
You don’t have to scroll far to find the San Francisco 49ers, who are second on the list. Here’s what Solak had to say about the 49ers’ haul in free agency:
I loved: The Evans deal. This was one of the most team-friendly signings in this free agency period. With only $14 million guaranteed at signing and most of his 2027 and 2028 money tied into option bonuses, the 49ers are committed to Evans for only one season, which would be important should he look completely unplayable in his age-33 season. Far more likely, Evans should fill a valuable role of vertical specialist, third-down stick mover and red zone matchup nightmare.
Remember the short-yardage issues that the Niners endured against the Seahawks’ stifling run defense? Evans is the answer to that. If he’s even 75% of his prime self, the 49ers got an enormous deal on a ring-chasing veteran leader.
I didn’t love: Nothing. The Odighizuwa trade was an enormous boon. A third-round pick for a rising 28-year-old with three years of team control at a premium position of massive need? Home run! And the fliers on Hobbs and Greenlaw should be exactly the shot in the arm this defense needs. At worst, they will play rotational roles; at best, they could return to starting form.
I had WR depth questions, too, but in comes Kirk. If the 49ers can just keep Trent Williams in the building for one more year and get full recoveries from Mykel Williams (knee) and Nick Bosa (knee), I’ll be a full believer.
The role Solak is describing is the one Jauan Jennings filled the last couple of seasons. It’s not a stretch at all to say 75 percent of Evans’ prime is still more valuable and will attract more attention than Jennings did.
I would not ignore the potential upgrade, even if it’s in the form of consistency, that the 49ers should have at left guard. Whether it is Robert Jones or Brett Toth, there will be a veteran at left guard who has seen looks that a player like Spencer Burford has not.
Odighizuwa might be a more pressing need than Evans, which is saying something. Osa, even if his play plateaus, takes the onus off every defensive lineman to produce as a pass rusher. History suggests Odighizuwa will produce unlike any interior pass rusher the 49ers have had. If that’s the case, and Bosa returns to his usual self, then you could do a lot better if your third-best player is a fringe top-10 pick.
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It also puts players like Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu back into their respective roles, while CJ West and Alfred Collins can focus on being stout run defenders.
We’ll see what Hobbs and Greenlaw bring to the table. They are more wild cards. But based on their contracts, any value they bring will look like a bargain.
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