The NFL's free agency period is only 29 days away, and the San Francisco 49ers must prepare to fill their 90-man roster. With the signing of linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball, there are 49 players under contract. The 49ers have 23 unrestricted free agents looking for contracts in 2023. Below are the top five free agents the 49ers should look to re-sign.
Emmanuel Moseley
The 49ers started 2022 with one of the most robust secondary rooms in the NFL. With the signing of Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley was set to have a career year until his injury. Moseley looked more like a number one corner than a number two in his abbreviated 2022 season. He finished the season with 19 solo tackles and one interception, allowing 13 receptions on 20 targets. The 49ers could sign Moseley with a low-risk, high-reward incentive-based contract. He may even get a multi-year deal if the team believes in him.
Tashaun Gipson
With the injury to Jimmie Ward, veteran safety Tashaun Gipson was a godsend for the 49ers. Gipson finished the season with 48 solo tackles, five interceptions (leading the team), and allowed 17 receptions on 30 targets. Gipson loved playing with the All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. The top three safeties on the marker will be Jessie Bates (Bengals), Jimmie Ward (49ers), and Chauncey Gardener-Johnson (Eagles). Expect those three safeties to command top-dollar in the free agency market. The 49ers can get Gipson at a fraction of the price, which could be a steal.
Daniel Brunskill
The 49ers have some holes to fill on the offensive line. With Jake Brendel, Mike McGlinchey, and Daniel Brunskill entering free agency, the 49ers should look to bring back Brunskill. He provides versatility. While the 49ers have talent developing in the offensive line room, Brunskill is that savvy, versatile veteran the 49ers should want to keep around.
Charles Omenihu
The 49ers have four edge rushers set to hit free agency—Charles Omenihu, Kerry Hyder Jr., Jordan Willis, and Samson Ebukam. The team needs to bring back a player that will complement Nick Bosa. The most versatile edge rusher out of the four would be Charles Omenihu. Omenihu finished third on the team in sacks (Bosa - 18.5, Ebukam - 5, Omenihu - 4.5), adding seven solo tackles and one forced fumble in the 2022 season. His ability to line up inside and outside is why the 49ers may choose Omenihu over Ebukam.
Hassan Ridgeway
Hassan Ridgeway was a free agent signed to help strengthen the run-stop defense. He finished the season with 28 combined tackles and a sack. The 49ers placed Ridgeway on the injured reserve list, and the defender missed the last five weeks of the season. San Francisco needs to fill the defensive tackle position with depth, and if it came down Ridgeway, Maurice Hurst, or T.Y. McGill, the 49ers might lean more toward the most productive of them all, Ridgeway.