Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top 200 players expected to enter free agency. As part of the process, the analytics site also projected each players' value by predicting upcoming contracts.
The San Francisco 49ers have several players scheduled to hit free agency. Here's a look at the contracts projected for those within Pro Football Focus' ranking and some notes based on the analytics site's analysis.
Laken Tomlinson, guard: Three years, $27 million ($9M per year, $16.5 million total guaranteed)
Rank: 26
Pro Football Focus views Tomlinson among the league's best guards. He is a good run blocker and strong pass protector. Tomlinson recorded a run-block grade of 75.3 in 2021 and 80.9 in 2020. His overall grades of 73.6 in 2021 and 78.8 in 2020 are the best of his career.
D.J. Jones, defensive tackle: Three years, $26.25 million ($8.75M per year), $15.5 million total guaranteed
Rank: 77
Often considered the most undervalued player on the 49ers defense, the defensive lineman could see a nice payday this offseason. His overall grade of 73.7 in 2021 was a career-high, as was his 66.6 pass-rushing grade. However, Pro Football Focus notes that Jones won't get a ton of value as a pass rusher but is stout against the run.
K'Waun Williams, cornerback: One year, $2.5 million, $2 million total guaranteed
Rank: 116
If the projection is accurate, Williams could be one of the easier players for the 49ers to bring back in 2022. While still an effective slot cornerback, he will be 31 years old at the start of the season. That could impact his value.
Jason Verrett, cornerback: One year, $3 million, $1.25 million total guaranteed
Rank: 143
Verrett is an outstanding cornerback. He just can't remain healthy. The veteran defender had only two seasons in his eight-year career where he didn't land on injured reserve. Verrett suffered a torn ACL in San Francisco's Week 1 contest against the Detroit Lions this past season.
Maurice Hurst, defensive tackle: One year, $1.5 million
Rank: 157
Another likely inexpensive option for the 49ers, Pro Football Focus views Hurst as an efficient down-to-down pass rusher. However, he was inactive for the last 14 games of the 2021 season due to a calf injury.
Arden Key, defensive end: Two years, $12.5 million ($6.25M per year), $6.25 million total guaranteed
Rank: 159
Finally able to escape what he feels was a bad situation with the Raiders, Key had his best season, recording a career-best 68.1 overall grade and eclipsing all previous marks with a 75.4 pass-rushing grade. He had a career-high 6.5 sacks, five tackles for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits. The analytics site sees Key as an intriguing option as a rotational pass rusher.
Jaquiski Tartt, safety: Two years, $5 million ($2.5M per year), $3.25 million total guaranteed
Rank: 164
Pro Football Focus doesn't feel Tartt would earn much with another team. Remaining with San Francisco may be his best offseason play. Tartt can help defend against explosive plays but benefits from a strong pass rush and linebacker Fred Warner underneath.
Tom Compton, tackle: One year, $1.75 million fully guaranteed
Rank: 186
Compton will be 33 years old at the start of the season but has been a healthy and reliable offensive lineman. His 79.9 overall grade in 2021 was a career-high, as was his run-blocking grade of 89.5. He was graded as the 49ers' best offensive lineman not named Trent Williams.
Raheem Mostert, running back: One year, $1.75 million, $1.25 million total guaranteed
Rank: 187
If Mostert proves healthy after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 1, he could be a valuable running back to some NFL team. That assumes Mostert hasn't lost his impressive burst.