Back in late November, I took a look at what players I believed should be a part of the 49ers future plans, both long term, & short term, and today I’m going to be taking another look now that the 49ers are set to play in the NFC Championship game.
Below are the player currently under contract as of January, 26th, 2022.
QB(3): 10 Jimmy Garoppolo(2022), 5 Trey Lance(2024), & 7 Nate Sudfeld(2021-PS)
RB(7): 25 Elijah Mitchell(2024), 22 Jeff Wilson Jr.(2021), 23 JaMycal Hasty(2021), 28 Trey Sermon(2024), 49 Trenton Cannon(2021-IR), 31 Raheem Mostert(2021-IR), & 35 Brian Hill(2021-PS)
FB(2): 44 Kyle Juszczyk(2025), & 40 Josh Hokit(2021-PS)
WR(10): 19 Deebo Samuel(2022), 11 Brandon Aiyuk(2023), 15 Jauan Jennings(2021), 81 Trent Sherfield(2021), 6 Mohamed Sanu Sr.(2021), 17 Travis Benjamin(2021), 13 River Cracraft(2021), 13 Richie James Jr.(2021-IR), 86 Austin Mack(2021-PS), & 83 Connor Wedington(2021-PS)
TE(5): 85 George Kittle(2025), 89 Charlie Woerner(2023), 82 Ross Dwelley(2021), 84 Tanner Hudson(2021-PS), & 88 Jordan Matthews(2021-PS)
C(3): 50 Alex Mack(2023), 64 Jake Brendel(2021), & 61 Jon Halapio(2021-PS)
LG(2): 75 Laken Tomlinson(2021), & 68 Colton McKivitz(2021)
RG(2): 60 Daniel Brunskill(2021), & 65 Aaron Banks(2024)
LT(2): 71 Trent Williams(2026), & 76 Jaylon Moore(2024)
RT(5): 66 Tom Compton(2021), 69 Mike McGlinchey(2022-IR), 67 Justin Skule(2022-IR), 62 Wyatt Miller(2021-PS), & 77 Alfredo Gutierrez(2021-PS)
DE(7): 97 Nick Bosa(2022), 56 Samson Ebukam(2022), 98 Arden Key(2021), 92 Charles Omenihu(2022), 94 Jordan Willis(2021), 55 Dee Ford(2022-IR), & 58 Alex Barrett(2021-PS)
DT(5): 91 Arik Armstead(2024), 95 Kentavius Street(2021), 90 Kevin Givens(2021), 96 Maurice Hurst Jr.(2021), & 99 Javon Kinlaw(2023-IR)
NT(3): 93 D.J. Jones(2021), 78 Chris Slayton(2021-PS), & 67 Darrion Daniels(2021-PS)
WLB(3): 57 Dre Greenlaw(2022), 36 Marcell Harris(2021), & 59 Curtis Robinson(2021-PS)
MLB(1): 54 Fred Warner(2026)
SLB(3): 51 Azeez Al-Shaair(2021), 45 Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles(2021), & 53 Mark Nzeocha(2021-PS)
CB(9): 4 Emmanuel Moseley(2022), 20 Ambry Thomas(2024), 24 K’Waun Williams(2021), 26 Josh Norman(2021), 27 Dontae Johnson(2021), 38 Deommodore Lenoir(2024), 2 Jason Verrett(2021-IR), 43 Darqueze Dennard(2021-PS), & 47 Lavert Hill(2021-PS)
FS(4): 1 Jimmie Ward(2022), 30 Jarrod Wilson(2021-PS), 33 Tarvarius Moore(2021-PUP), & 32 Tavon Wilson(2021-IR)
SS(2): 3 Jaquiski Tartt(2021), & 29 Talanoa Hufanga(2024)
PK(1): 9 Robbie Gould(2022)
P(1): 18 Mitch Wishnowsky(2022)
LS(1): 46 Taybor Pepper(2022)
Below are the pending free agents for the 2022 offseason.
UFA:
RB Raheem Mostert
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
RB Trenton Cannon
WR Travis Benjamin
WR Mohamed Sanu Sr.
WR Trent Sherfield
WR Richie James Jr.
TE Ross Dwelley
C Jake Brendel
LG Laken Tomlinson
RT Tom Compton
DE Arden Key
DE Jordan Willis
DT Maurice Hurst Jr.
NT D.J. Jones
WLB Marcell Harris
CB Jason Verrett
CB K’Waun Williams
CB Josh Norman
CB Dontae Johnson
FS Tarvarius Moore
FS Tavon Wilson
SS Jaquiski Tartt
RFA:
WR River Cracraft
RG Daniel Brunskill
DT Kentavius Street
SLB Azeez Al-Shaair
ERFA:
RB JaMycal Hasty
WR Jauan Jennings
LG Colton McKivitz
DT Kevin Givens
SLB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Practice Squad FAs:
QB Nate Sudfeld
RB Brian Hill
FB Josh Hokit
WR Connor Wedington
WR Austin Mack
TE Jordan Matthews
TE Tanner Hudson
C Jon Halapio
RT Wyatt Miller
RT Alfredo Gutierrez
DE Alex Barrett
NT Darrion Daniels
NT Chris Slayton
WLB Curtis Robinson
SLB Mark Nzeocha
CB Lavert Hill
CB Darqueze Dennard
FS Jarrod Wilson
Players with a future, either long term, or short term:
QB Trey Lance(2024) – This is obvious, the 49ers invested a lot to get Lance, and I fully expect him to be the teams starting QB come week 1.
RB Elijah Mitchell(2024) – Mitchell had a great rookie season, showing that he can definitely be the teams starting back for the foreseeable future.
RB Trey Sermon(2024) – Despite his lack of playing time, Sermon, the 49ers first of two 3rd-round picks, is definitely in the teams long term plans.
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.(2021) – Since Wilson came off of PUP, he’s been a very reliable player when the 49ers have needed him, and he’s a guy I’d bring back on a multi-year deal.
FB Kyle Juszczyk(2025) – The man that pretty much all 49ers fans call, Juice, is a vital part of the 49ers offense, he’s the best fullback in the NFL, he can run with the ball, catch the ball, lineup at many positions, including tight end, and in the slot, but he is one of the two main reasons why the 49ers run game works so well, along with George Kittle.
WR Deebo Samuel(2022) – I think all 49ers fans can agree that Deebo is the teams top offensive weapon, and it’s not just as a receiver, but also in the run game, as Shanahan has used him in so many different formations, so I fully expect the 49ers to look to extend him in the offseason, when he’ll be entering his final year of his contract.
WR Brandon Aiyuk(2023) – Aiyuk proved this season that he wasn’t a bust, that he was the right choice in the 2020 draft, and is a great compliment to both Deebo Samuel, & Jauan Jennings.
WR Jauan Jennings(2021) – Jennings showed this season that he’s a more than capable #3 wide receiver, and a great compliment to Deebo Samuel, & Brandon Aiyuk.
TE George Kittle(2025) – Kittle was signed to the biggest deal for a tight end in NFL history, $15 million a year, and since then, he has had injury concerns, but, Kittle is without a doubt, the best all-around tight end, and as I said, he is one of two reasons why the run game works so well, along with Juice.
TE Charlie Woerner(2023) – I really think Woerner has come on, last season he was, honestly, not impressive at anything, he prides himself in his blocking, but that was a huge weakness, but this year he’s shown what the 49ers saw when they picked him in the 6th-round of the 2020 draft, plus he’s added the ability to catch the ball too.
C Alex Mack(2023) – This more a short term guy, as he said he has no desire to play into his 40s, and he’s signed through 2023, with no guaranteed money left after 2021, but he should, and likely will be the teams center until they find a young prospect to have Mack groom.
LG Laken Tomlinson(2021) – Tomlinson had one of, if not, his best season of his career, and is a must re-sign for the 49ers, as he’s really solidified the left guard spot.
LG Colton McKivitz(2021) – McKivitz is a ERFA after 2022, and while I think he should have never been waived in the first place, I’m thankful the 49ers were able to keep him, as he’s very versatile, as he can play guard, & tackle, so he could be a guy who ends up being at worst a key backup to 3-4 positions on the line, and at best, he turns into a potential long term left guard.
RG Daniel Brunskill(2021) – Once thought of as a potential center, Brunskill won the right guard spot, and I think he’s someone the 49ers should hang onto, plus he’s a guy who really can play pretty much every spot on the offensive line.
RG Aaron Banks(2024) – I know pretty much all 49ers fans aren’t thrilled that Banks has yet to see the field, but I think Banks has a bright future, either at right guard, or left guard, it depends on if the 49ers bring Tomlinson back or not.
LT Trent Williams(2026) – The big man, Trent Williams, was rewarded with the highest contract for an offensive lineman, getting $23.03 million a year, and so far, he’s not disappointed, as he’s still, in my opinion, the best left tackle in the NFL, so this is a no brainer, as he’s one of the teams elite players.
RT Jaylon Moore(2024) – Moore has shown, in the short time he’s played right tackle, that he’s more than capable of holding his own, and with the future of Mike McGlinchey uncertain, I think Moore will definitely end up as a starter, even if it’s not at right tackle.
DE Nick Bosa(2022) – Ok, do I really need to explain this one, Bosa leads the league in TFLs(15), & has 10 sacks, with 7 games left, and while the 49ers could pick his option up for 2023, then tag him in 2024 & 2025, it’d be foolish to not extend him this offseason, where as, if you wait, his price will only go up.
DE Charles Omenihu(2022) – This is more of a projection, hopefully DL coach Kris Kocurek can bring the best of Omenihu out, and potentially make him a fixture for the 49ers defensive line.
DE Samson Ebukam(2022) – Ebukam really ended up having a pretty good season, and while he may not be worth the $8.5 million salary cap charge in 2022, he’s a guy I’d look into giving a short term extension to.
DE Arden Key(2021) – Key had a great season, showing he was a great low risk, high reward signing, and is a player that the 49ers really need to bring back on a multi-year deal.
DE Jordan Willis(2021) – Willis, acquired in 2020 from the Jets, has been pretty good for the 49ers, and is a guy that the 49ers should bring back on a short term multi-year deal.
DT Arik Armstead(2024) – Armstead has really become a dominant player, especially ever since he moved inside once Javon Kinlaw was lost for the season, thus earning his $17 million a year contract.
DT Javon Kinlaw(2023) – Unlike some 49ers fans, I refuse to give up on Kinlaw, I know he’s not DeForest Buckner, and never may be, but he has the potential to be a dominant run stuffing defensive tackle.
DT Kevin Givens(2021) – An ERFA after 2021, he’ll be back, at least for camp, but Givens, who has played very well behind D.J. Jones, is a player that the 49ers should hold onto to develop.
DT Kentavius Street(2021) – An RFA after 2021, Street is a guy I don’t know if he has a long term future with the team, he got off to a good start, had a good camp, made the 53, he had a good season, and the 49ers should at least bring him back for 2021.
NT D.J. Jones(2021) – The past 3 seasons have shown how good Jones can be, from running down & sacking Kyler Murray, to having the wherewithal to sniff out a fake field goal, Jones is a guy the 49ers need to have for the long term.
WLB Dre Greenlaw(2022) – With Greenlaw back in the lineup, and fully healthy, he’s proven that he should be a part of the teams long term plans, as he’s a dynamic linebacker.
MLB Fred Warner(2026) – Another no brainer, & one of the elite players on this team, Warner was given a new deal this offseason, worth $19.05 million a year, he’s a tackling machine, he’s the defensive leader on the field, & a damn good player, one of the best pure linebackers in the game today.
SLB Azeez Al-Shaair(2021) – Al-Shaair was one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 season, as he’s become a key part of the 49ers defense, and should be given a multi-year deal.
CB Emmanuel Moseley(2022) – Moseley is a player that has played really well, and is another player I’d give a new multi-year extension to.
CB Deommodore Lenoir(2024) – This one baffles me, as he played very good the first 2 games of the season, starting for the injured Emmanuel Moseley, but since then, he’s not seen much of the field as a cornerback, instead we’ve seen the likes of Dontae Johnson, Josh Norman, & even the now ex-49er Dre Kirkpatrick get playing time over him, but, Lenoir has a high upside, as he could either turn into a long term fixture on the outside, or inside at the slot cornerback spot.
CB Ambry Thomas(2024) – After not playing much early on, Ambry Thomas has become a very good cornerback, and looks to be a long term answer.
CB K’Waun Williams(2021) – While K’Waun has had his injury issues, you can’t deny that when he’s on the field, the defense is so much better, so he’s one of 3 guys I’ve identified, that are UFAs, that I think should get multi-year deals from the 49ers this offseason, he really is a top 5 slot cornerback.
FS Jimmie Ward(2022) – Ward has really come on, becoming one of the 49ers defensive leaders, and one of the leagues best safeties.
SS Talanoa Hufanga(2024) – Hufanga has a high football IQ, where he lacks in speed, he makes up in hustle, he doesn’t give up on whoever has the ball, he’s a guy that should be viewed as the team long term starting strong safety.
Players who are really 50/50:
RB JaMycal Hasty(2021) – Hasty is a ERFA, so he’ll be brought back for camp, but he’s going to need to contribute more, show something, because the 49ers have 2 backs they drafted in Mitchell, & Sermon, both of which are a part of the teams future, so we’ll have to wait where Hasty fits in.
WR Trent Sherfield(2021) – Sherfield started out hot in the preseason, he had a coupe nice TDs, one long one from Trey Lance, then he started the first few weeks, but since then, he hasn’t seen a lot of time at wide receiver, but he’s a guy I want to see back on a 1-year, veteran minimum deal, to see what he can bring, as a potential deep threat, and he is a very good gunner on special teams.
TE Ross Dwelley(2021)- I can see the 49ers bringing Dwelley back on a cheap 1-year deal, but I’d think the 49ers will look to find a better 3rd tight end.
RT Mike McGlinchey(2022) – McGlinchey is guaranteed to be here in 2022, his $10.88 million 5th-year option is fully guaranteed, it’s really about beyond 2022, if he comes back strong in 2022, if the injury isn’t serious, then the 49ers have a decision to make in 2023.
RT Tom Compton(2021)- Compton came in to take over for Mike McGlinchey, and has done a good job, so he’s a guy I think the 49ers will bring back on a 1-year deal.
RT Justin Skule(2022) – Skule has been on IR all season after suffering a torn ACL before the season, and while he hasn’t been spectacular, he has looked good when given chances, he’ll likely have to battle for a Swing Tackle spot.
NT Darrion Daniels(2021) – This is an intriguing player, as he’s a guy who I thought, before the signings of D.J. Jones, and now ex-49er Zach Kerr in the offseason, would be a candidate to backup Jones or even start, as he looked good when given chances in 2020, he is on the practice squad, so he’ll be back, but I want to see if he has a future with the team.
WLB Marcell Harris(2021) – Harris, who has made the switch from safety to linebacker, has played really well, he’s a guy I’d consider bringing back in 2022, but beyond that, I don’t know if he’s in their future plans.
SLB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles(2021) – Like with Givens, Flannigan-Fowles is a ERFA, so he’ll be brought back for camp, but as far as in the long term, I really don’t know where he would fit.
FS Tarvarius Moore(2021) – Here’s a guy who I had high hopes for, but he tore his Achilles in the offseason, and has been on PUP ever since the beginning of the season, but I would give him a 1-year deal, to see if he can prove to be a part of the teams future.
SS Jaquiski Tartt(2021) – While I really like Tartt, he’s just been injured too much during his career, and with the youngster Talanoa Hufanga, who filled in, & played well, waiting, Tartt seems expendable.
P Mitch Wishnowsky(2022) – While I’m a fan of Wishnowsky, he didn’t exactly have the best season, so I can see the 49ers bringing in some competition for him this offseason.
LS Taybor Pepper(2022) – Pepper has been good for the most part, but I can see the 49ers bringing in some competition, as he’s only signed for 2022.
Not in the 49ers future plans:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo(2022) – This is obvious, the team traded up, gave 2 future 1’s, and a future 3rd, to get Trey Lance, and by offloading Garoppolo’s deal, while having Lance on a rookie deal, it’ll allow them to retain the likes of Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, or anyone else who proves they deserve a new deal, plus the 49ers really do need that $24.845 million they’d save by releasing or trading him.
QB Nate Sudfeld(2021) – While he has been active for 2 games, luckily he didn’t see the field, and Sudfeld isn’t all that great, it was really either him or Josh Rosen, with one going to the practice squad, Sudfeld won out, but he’s not the answer to mentor Lance.
RB Raheem Mostert(2021) – Mostert got injured week 1, and is out for the season, now, when healthy, he’s one of the better backs that fit Shanahan’s system, but due to his injury issues, plus the fact he asked for a raise last year, I don’t see the team paying him what a Nyheim Hines got, which was $6.2 million a year.
RB Trenton Cannon(2021) – While Cannon has done a good job as the teams kick returner, I think they can, and will upgrade in the future, with Ambry Thomas being a candidate in my opinion.
RB Brian Hill(2021)- Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
FB Josh Hokit(2021) – With Juice signed until 2025, I don’t see a real future for Hokit, while I like the kid, unless he converts to being a tight end, he just won’t be on the 49ers 53-man roster, as the team only keeps 1 fullback.
WR Connor Wedington(2021) – Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
WR Austin Mack(2021) – Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
WR River Cracraft(2021) – Another practice squad guy who has no legit future with the team, he’s never done anything special, so I expect him to get a reserve/futures deal, but won’t last long.
WR Richie James Jr.(2021) – James has been on IR the entire season, and other than a few nice catches, and the occasion nice return, he doesn’t bring much to this team.
WR Travis Benjamin(2021) – Another veteran, who really hasn’t shown much after being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, I just don’t see the need for him.
WR Mohamed Sanu Sr.(2021) – Another veteran, who made the 53, but actually has contributed, but is on IR right now, he could be brought back on a veteran minimum deal, but as far as long term or even short term future, the 49ers need to get more youth.
TE Tanner Hudson(2021) – Another practice squad guy, who has played in 2 games this season, but didn’t really see the field much at tight end, but expect him to be back on a reserve/futures deal.
TE Jordan Matthews(2021) – The former wide receiver, turned tight end, showed something in the preseason, but this is his first year as a tight end, I think the team could sign him to a reserve/futures deal, I just don’t see any fit long term for him.
C Jake Brendel(2021) – While I like Brendel, as he surprised a lot in the preseason, and is Alex Mack’s backup, I don’t see where he fits in past 2022, if he is even brought back for 2022.
C Jon Halapio(2021) – Another practice squad guy, who was really just signed as depth in case of injuries, I don’t see him as more than a guy who signs a reserve/futures deal, and then is let go during roster cut downs.
RT Wyatt Miller(2021)- Another practice squad guy, who was really just signed as depth in case of injuries, I don’t see him as more than a guy who signs a reserve/futures deal, and then is let go during roster cut downs.
RT Alfredo Gutierrez(2021) – Now this kid is intriguing, he’s on the practice squad, he doesn’t count against the cap, or the practice squad limit, but can’t play, as he’s an international pathway program player, but I can see him back on a reserve/futures deal.
DE Alex Barrett(2021) – Barrett has bounced from being cut to signing to the practice squad, and cut again, so I don’t expect much more than a reserve/futures deal, he has no real future with the team.
DE Dee Ford(2022) – The 49ers have a decision to make, and they have to do so within 5 days after the super bowl, as he has an injury guaranteed $4.6 million roster bonus, and while I can see him brought back for 2022, past that, he’s not likely a guy the 49ers would give a new deal to.
DT Maurice Hurst Jr.(2021) – Hurst’s signing really became too good to be true, as he only played in 2 games this season, and just isn’t someone that I would bring back.
NT Chris Slayton(2021) – Signed once Darrion Daniels got hurt, Slayton is just here on the practice squad, in case of injuries, and like many practice squad guys, expect a reserve/futures deal for him.
WLB Curtis Robinson(2021)- Another practice squad guy, who was really just signed as depth in case of injuries, I don’t see him as more than a guy who signs a reserve/futures deal, and then is let go during roster cut downs.
SLB Mark Nzeocha(2021)- Nzeocha is a pretty good special teams player, and will likely be back on a veteran minimum deal, but I’m not sure if he has a real future with the team.
CB Dontae Johnson(2021) – Another one of those guys that I don’t get how he keeps sticking around with the 49ers, he’s not terrible, but he’s not great, he’s really above average at best I just don’t see any future for him in the bay area.
CB Josh Norman(2021) – While I can see the 49ers bringing Norman back, I just don’t see him in their long term future, yes he’s been doing a better job lately, but he’s getting up in age, and has too many defensive pass inferences called on him.
CB Jason Verrett(2021) – Like with Norman, I can see the 49ers bringing back Verrett, who tore his ACL week 1, on a 1-year, veteran minimum deal, but, beyond that, unless he makes a miraculous recovery, there’s no real long term future for him here.
CB Darqueze Dennard(2021) – Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
CB Lavert Hill(2021) – Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
FS Jarrod Wilson(2021) – Wilson is currently on the practice squad injured reserve list, but I expect him back on a reserve/futures deal, but like all of these guys, he doesn’t seem to be in the teams long term plans.
FS Tavon Wilson(2021)- Wilson didn’t do much this season, only playing about half the games, and has been on injured reserve for most of the season, so I don’t expect him back.
PK Robbie Gould(2022) – Gould will be the teams place kicker in 2022, but that’s mostly due to his salary being fully guaranteed, plus he’s getting up there in age, so the 49ers would be wise to plan for the future after Gould.
And, with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap, or leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
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