Many would say the San Francisco 49ers have been playing it safe while attacking offseasons during the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era. They have worked hard to bring in players who fit a certain mold. The duo wants high-character guys in their locker room who build upon the chemistry they have worked to create.
Shanahan and Lynch used a high draft pick on a player, linebacker Reuben Foster, with some concerns in 2017. It backfired on them, and he is no longer on the team. It was an expensive lesson for the 49ers, who fell in love with the young defender's talent despite the red flags. The situation may cause some hesitation to bring in other players who don't check all the boxes.
Shanahan and Lynch are preparing to enter their third season with the team. They have earned just 10 victories over the past two seasons. Peter Schrager of NFL Network believes San Francisco might have to start taking more chances if it is going to keep up in an increasingly competitive NFC West.
"You have to add weapons this offseason." @gmfb host @PSchrags talks #49ers 2019 needs at the #NFLCombine 👇 pic.twitter.com/sDgu8poe91
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 5, 2019
"They need more players" Schrager recently told team reporter Joe Fann in Indianapolis. "There was a lot of injuries (in 2018), and I know Kyle would not want to hear about injuries, and John Lynch doesn't want to hear about injuries because every team deals with injuries.
"You need a receiver. Dante Pettis showed flashes, but you need some weapons. You need to score points in this league."
The 49ers offense ranked No. 21 in scoring last season.
Schrager went on to say that it might be time to take a few risks to improve the roster, which he isn't convinced is good enough right now to compete in the division.
"Do you explore the trade market?" asked Schrager. "Do you call up the Giants and say, 'You know what? Screw it. The Rams went and got Brandin Cooks last year for a first-round pick. We'll give you a first-round pick. Give us Odell Beckham.'
"Or do you call the Steelers and say, 'I know he's 31 and he seems mad and angry, but maybe a fresh start is good for Antonio Brown.'
"I feel like I'm pretty connected with the 49ers so me saying this might have some weight. It comes from me. It's not from those guys, but I would entertain a call to those two teams.
"I would consider seeing who else is malcontent elsewhere because until the Niners bring in a couple of wide receivers, maybe another running back, I know [Jerick McKinnon] is going to be back, and give (George) Kittle some help, I feel like this team is never going to get over the hump until they add the offensive weapons."