The 49ers will have multiple decisions to make when it comes to free agency
With the 49ers officially eliminated from playoff contention, the organization’s eyes are on the offseason and potential draft fits. The discussion is centered around Brock Purdy’s possible contract extension, but there are tough decisions for the team ahead. Javon Hargrave, Deebo Samuel, and others could end up as post-June 1st cuts, with other free agents bolting for new destinations and lucrative contracts.
Pro Football Focus released their top 25 free agent list for the offseason, and there are a few 49ers who made the list.
Before we get to the 49ers on the list, let’s revisit a former 49er who makes money each week with his stellar play down the stretch. That’s right, folks! Coming in at number ten is Sam Darnold.
PFF compares Darnold to Jay Cutler’s 2014 free agent case and writes: “The debate surrounding Darnold in the 2025 offseason will likely focus on whether he can be more than just a bridge quarterback. While his raw stats look impressive, with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, his performance in key areas is more mixed, with 25 big-time throws balanced by 18 turnover-worthy plays.”
At number 14 is former second-team all-pro Charvarius Ward. The tragedy around the Ward family has to be considered when discussing Mooney’s 2024 season, but teams are sure to bet on a bounce-back season from Ward in 2025. Ward’s free agency comp is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from 2014.
Ward has struggled so far in 2024 and is on track for career lows in a number of PFF metrics, but his body of work heading into this season will keep him as one of the top options on the market in 2025. Last year was his best in the NFL to date, with his 86.5 PFF coverage grade ranking third among all players at the position. With cornerback teammate Deommodore Lenoir receiving an in-season extension, the writing appears to be on the wall that Ward will be on the way out of San Francisco.
Dre Greenlaw lands at number 20 on the list. Kyle Shanahan has discussed shutting Greenlaw down for the season during yesterday’s media conference call. Greenlaw will likely push to play, but it would be wise to protect the linebacker from himself. His performance on Thursday Night Football against the Rams was enough to convince many of his return from the Achilles injury. Greenlaw’s free agency comp is Nick Kwiatokski from 2020.
Greenlaw is still working his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl last February, but assuming he can return to the same level we saw in 2023, he will likely see a lot of interest in free agency. He excels in coverage, having earned PFF coverage grades of 82.6 and 79.5 over the past two seasons.
Rounding out the top 25 is former all-pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. While Hufanga’s return felt like an afterthought following the emergence of Malik Mustapha and the draft investment of Ji’Ayir Brown, the former USC safety has played his way back into the conversation with a club cast on his left hand. Hufanga’s free agency comp is Jabrill Peppers from 2023.
The write-up about Hufanga was most likely written before his return from the hand injury, as PFF writes: “A fifth-round draft pick back in 2021, Hufanga earned PFF coverage grades above 65.0 in 2022 and 2023. He has played just 64 snaps so far this season and looks set to miss more time through injury, so how he ends the season will likely play a big role in how high he can climb these rankings before free agency opens.”