Unfortunately, their efforts to rejuvenate the defensive front didn't produce the desired results. While Leonard Floyd's performance wasn't poor, he didn't have the game-changing impact general manager John Lynch likely envisioned when signing him. The team also signed Yetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott to fortify the trenches and traded for Maliek Collins.
Among those acquisitions, Wasserman identified Elliott as the 49ers' worst signing of 2024.
"Elliott struggled in what could be his lone season in San Francisco, as he did during his four years in Cleveland," Wasserman explained. "His 47.6 overall grade is actually the second-highest of his career, but it certainly isn't the mark of a starting-caliber player."
Elliott registered just seven total pressures in 213 pass-rushing snaps and failed to record a single sack. With a $3.4 million cap hit in 2025, the 49ers could save over $2.9 million by designating him as a post-June 1 release.
As for the 49ers' best signing, Wasserman's pick may surprise fans. He chose cornerback Isaac Yiadom, a relatively under-the-radar player who didn't garner much attention during the season.
Yiadom is among several 49ers players set to hit free agency in March, but Wasserman's choice might reflect the overall lack of impact from the team's 2024 free-agent class, resulting in few options for him to pick from. He certainly doesn't sound enthusiastic about the selection.
"The 49ers quietly had a relatively unproductive free-agent class this season," Wasserman noted. "Yiadom was one of the better players, but even his production is highlighted by a 76.1 run-defense grade that doesn't do much to counter his 55.3 coverage grade."
While the 49ers aimed high in free agency, the results left much to be desired, contributing to the team's disappointing 6-11 campaign.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL free agency rumors swirl with 49ers in the mix for big names
NFL free agency continues to produce interesting storylines even after the initial rush of signings. With training camp approaching, several experienced veterans remain without teams, creating fresh speculation around where they could land next. Stars like Tyreek Hill, Stefon... -
Why 49ers fans shouldn't rely on PFF player grades
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has become the go-to grading source for everyone from print journalists to TV commentators to draft evaluators. I was once under the impression it was meaningful, that it was useful. Not anymore. For the last few years, I have read articles that give... -
49ers' Brock Purdy cracks PFF's top-10 QB rankings: Who finished ahead of him?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has quickly established himself as one of the NFL's top signal-callers. In just four seasons, he has led the 49ers to three playoff appearances, including a trip to the Super Bowl. Purdy has thrown for 11,685 career passing yards, 84... -
49ers stars believe revamped receiver room could be among team's best
The San Francisco 49ers lost several contributors from their wide receiver room this offseason, including veterans Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne. However, knowing a transition was underway at the position, the team moved aggressively to reload its receiving corps. The...