The NFL’s free agent pool got a few intriguing new names Friday after the Titans, Vikings and Lions announced the release of several veterans.
With limited cap space to work with, finding veterans cast aside by their former teams on below-market-value deals will be essential for the 49ers as they try to reconstruct a Super Bowl contender for 2020.
Tennessee released former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker, along with kicker Ryan Succop. Minnesota let go of cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive lineman Linval Joseph, while the Lions released offensive tackle Rick Wagner.
While the 49ers have higher priorities than adding veteran free agents, we went through each of the players made available Friday to judge whether they’re a realistic target for San Francisco:
TE Delanie Walker
A Walker-49ers reunion would be intriguing even though Walker turns 36 in August played only eight games across the last two seasons. A long-term deal probably isn’t feasible, but the do-everything tight end could fit nicely in a reserve role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Walker is capable of lining up all over the field and offers a better pass-catching threat than San Francisco currently has behind George Kittle. Ross Dwelley also takes some of the onus off Walker to be on the field for more than a handful of snaps per game. The 49ers don’t necessarily need a tight end, but Walker on a short deal as another dynamic playmaker could benefit the offense while they find a longer-term option behind Kittle.