When general manager John Lynch said the 49ers weren’t in the habit of letting good football players walk out the door, he was talking about the status of Deebo Samuel.
It was two days after the end of a 6-11 season, and Lynch was staking out a position. Why tell the NFL world the 49ers were considering moving from Samuel if even one team will believe the fib enough to offer up a decent draft pick?
Teams let good players walk out of the building all the time. It’s called free agency and it starts in less than a month on March 12. Two of the 49ers’ toughest decisions are what to do with linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who are scheduled to be made available to the highest bidder.
The 49ers must coldly analyze the chances of both starters to rebound from injury and contribute to a title run.
Greenlaw provided more positive drama in his one half of football for the 49ers than any of the other 66 quarters that made for a lost season. Greenlaw was explosive, dominant and inspirational in a December loss to the Rams, his first extensive action since tearing an Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII while taking the field in Las Vegas.
He didn’t play in the second half or the remainder of the season after a 12-6 loss, having made his point. USA Today projected Greenlaw could end up with the Rams. They’re scheduled to lose linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reader in free agency and lord knows Sean McVay has seen enough of Greenlaw over the years to be intrigued.
Other suitors could be Washington (where former exec Adam Peters is the G.M.) and Indianapolis. The more teams interested, the more the price goes up and the longer the commitment.
From the 49ers’ perspective, it’s legitimate to wonder whether Greenlaw’s desire is writing checks his body can’t cash. He sat out the second half against the Rams with calf issues, then lasted just four plays against Miami.
Since it’s not my money, I fully endorse bringing Greenlaw back. He’s revered by his teammates and his presence as a defensive force when healthy is undeniable.
But it’s not my money, and how will the 49ers feel if they do anything beyond a single-year “prove it” deal and Greenlaw can’t stay on the field, playing in only a few games?
Hufanga came out of nowhere to be a Pro Bowl player and a first-team All-Pro in 2022, drawing comparisons to his mentor Troy Polamalu. He’s played in 17 of 34 games ever since, felled by a torn ACL, a concussion, an ankle injury and a wrist injury that needed surgery.
Like Greenlaw, Hufanga knows only one speed and it’s an open question whether he can get back to his 2022 form in one piece.
And while there’s no replacement on the roster for what Greenlaw brings, the 49ers got an extremely promising season from fourth-round rookie Malik Mustapha last year. He’ll be one of the starting safeties, with Ji’Ayir Brown back for a third season.
After seeing injuries as one of the root causes of a disastrous 2024 season, expect the 49ers to be pretty conservative regarding offers for Greenlaw and Hufanga. Their injury history, combined with a fearless, reckless style of play, makes for a roll of the dice in terms of holding up over the rigors of a 17-game regular season and in theory the playoffs.
Here’s a look at the 49ers whose contracts have expired, making them free agents at the start of the new league year:
San Francisco 49ers’ Talanoa Hufanga (29) and San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) walk off the field after the 49ers 30-13 win over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
DT Javon Hargrave: Helped the 49ers get to a Super Bowl in 2023, but if they thought he was worth the investment he wouldn’t be getting released.
CB Charvarius Ward: Surprise signing in 2022 paid off. He had a difficult 2024 with real-life tragedy as his 23-month-old daughter passed away. Deommodore Lenoir assumes the role of CB1.
G Aaron Banks: A two-year starter and former second-round draft pick, Banks’ salary drive season included a concussion, an MCL strain and an overall downturn.
LT Jaylon Moore: With Trent Williams injured, Moore started five games, acquitted himself well and can probably earn starter’s pay elsewhere.
WR Chris Conley: Caught four passes for 59 yards in the ’24 finale and that could be his farewell to the 49ers at age 32.
TE Eric Saubert: Did some good things as a blocker but didn’t develop into a second consistent receiving threat to go along with George Kittle.
RB Jordan Mason (RFA): Was among NFL rushing leaders early on. High ankle sprain ended his season at 793 yards rushing. Could receive a restricted free agent offer the 49ers won’t match.
RB Elijah Mitchell: Remember him? Mitchell was seldom seen at the team facility this year after being placed on injured reserve at the 53-man cutdown. Could be a factor depending on what happens with Mason.
Running back Elijah Mitchell (25) missed all of last season and is scheduled for free agency. Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
G Ben Bartch: Did enough in 65 snaps over three games as an injury replacement he could be brought back to compete for a reserve role.
LB De’Vondre Campbell: Campbell wasn’t the reason the 49ers defense finished so poorly, but he didn’t help. Walked out on his teammates, escorted by Lynch, and won’t be back.
CB Isaac Yiadom: Played in every game with five starts, playing on the outside when Lenoir moved inside. At 28, still has a couple of years left.
CB Rock Ya-Sin: A favorite of the coaching staff because of his team-first attitude, but played only 62 snaps on defense in 13 games. He’s 28 and hoping to catch on somewhere.
CB Nick McCloud: Signed with 49ers practice squad after being released by the New York Giants on Nov. 5. Played in eight games, including 26 snaps in the finale.
S Tashaun Gipson: Brought back as insurance with Hufanga injured, Gipson, 34, played in nine games but played just one fewer snap on special teams (56) than on defense (57).
G Jon Feliciano: Nine-year veteran guard/center never recovered enough after knee surgery during training camp to be activated and retired Thursday.
QB Joshua Dobbs: Signed ostensibly to be the backup to Brock Purdy yet was behind Brandon Allen most of the season. Started in the finale, passing for 326 yards, rushing for 17 and throwing two touchdown passes with two interceptions.
QB Brandon Allen: A classic placeholder QB3 in terms of skill set for teams that carry three quarterbacks.
RB Patrick Taylor: Carried 39 times for 183 yards and his first touchdown since 2021 at an injury-ravaged position.
DT Kevin Givens: Limited to eight games and 184 snaps, lowest since his rookie season in 2019, with a groin injury and then a pectoral tear.
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles: Core special teamer and reserve linebacker released into free agency after coming off injured reserve.
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LB Curtis Robinson (RFA): Lost to a torn ACL in Week 3, which didn’t prevent him from being Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for community involvement.
T Charlie Heck: Signed off the Arizona practice squad on Christmas Day with Jaylon Moore going to injured reserve. Played 87 snaps in two games splitting time with Austen Pleasants.
DT Khalil Davis: Acquired at the trade deadline from Tampa Bay for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Davis played 37 snaps in three games.
P Pat O’Donnell: Veteran took over after Mitch Wishnowsky’s back injury and had a 45.1 gross and 39.3 net in eight games and 24 punts.
