Every year, the San Francisco 49ers sign at least one “big splash” free agent.
It was Javon Hargrave the previous year, and it was Charvarius Ward in 2022. For the 49ers, both have shown themselves to be capable starters. They will undoubtedly discover their perfect “big splash” once more during the current free agency round.
It will be difficult, though, because of the 49ers’ pay ceiling restrictions. They’re not in the ideal position to go after a well-known brand with lots of competitors. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t set up a transaction with a player so that it works. Though it will require some significant math skills, they might be able to pull it off.
Pass rusher Danielle Hunter would be the perfect “big splash” free agent addition if they were truly committed to it. In place of Nick Bosa, the 49ers desperately need an impact edge rusher. The last three years have been spent ineffectively trying to locate Dee Ford’s replacement.
Randy Gregory is a supporting actor, Chase Young isn’t it, and Drake Jackson failed. The 49ers haven’t yet experimented with free agency. Hunter is the one who can handle that need on a large scale. He is an incredible pass rusher who will unfairly exploit the 49ers’ defense. As the Minnesota Vikings’ starting lineman, he recorded 16.5 sacks in the previous campaign.
Imagine the threat he would pose as Bosa’s backup. But signing him might be as far off as you can get. The 49ers may not be able to commit to or be able to afford such a large financial commitment given how much he will cost. Due to competing bids from other organizations, his price will only increase as a free agency.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try, though. The 49ers will benefit greatly from adding another potent edge rusher, who will give their pass rush as a whole the lift it has been missing for some time.
