The reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers‘ 53-man roster is set, and their focus can now shift to preparations for their regular-season opener.
San Francisco’s road to redemption, and the franchise’s sixth Lombardi Trophy, begins on Monday night, Sept. 9, when the 49ers host Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
In the meantime, there is a pool of free agents available and players hitting waivers following cutdown day, and there are some intriguing names out there. Here are three potential free agent targets for the 49ers.
3 Potential Free Agent Targets for the 49ers
Carl Lawson, EDGE
Carl Lawson is back on the open market after the Dallas Cowboys released him after being on the team for less than two weeks.
Lawson signed with the Cowboys after DE Sam Williams went down with a season-ending torn ACL injury.
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Still, he couldn’t stick in Dallas as a pass-rushing option behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Lawson didn’t see much action in 2023, but he’s only two years removed from a seven-sack season with the New York Jets. For the 49ers, Lawson could be a depth piece at EDGE behind Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
Noah Brown, WR
When at full strength, the 49ers have arguably the deepest wide receiver room in the NFL. However, that is not the case at the moment. Even with the regular season less than two weeks away, Brandon Aiyuk’s status is less certain than ever.
After re-signing with the Houston Texans on a 1-year, $4 million contract with $3 million guaranteed, Noah Brown was one of the most surprising cuts of the day.
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At 28 years old, Brown averaged 56.7 yards per game last season in Houston, a career-best. He even went for over 150 receiving yards two weeks in a row in Weeks 8-9.
Tim Patrick, WR
Another notable wide receiver who was released on cutdown day is former Denver Broncos WR Tim Patrick.
Patrick is coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries, as he tore his ACL and his Achilles in consecutive training camps.
The last time Patrick played, however, he recorded his second consecutive season with 50+ receptions and 730+ receiving yards.
Patrick certainly is a major injury risk. However, the 49ers would just be counting on him to be a depth piece.
