A Quarterback, Hope and Cap Space

For an NFL team that lost 10 of their first 11 games in 2017, it seems odd that their would be much optimism.  But such is the nature of the NFL when your season turns on finding a quarterback.

The 49ers ended 2017 by winning their final five games of the season.  A midseason trade for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who had been backing up Tom Brady in New England, turned the Kyle Shanahan offense from inconsistent to unrelenting.

The next step for the 49ers will be building a complete team that can compete with the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West.  The 49ers hold a league-high amount of cap space with well over $100M in space this offseason.  Due to the team's trades last offseason, San Francisco holds nine picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Player acquisition is always difficult in the NFL.  The 49ers are setup to draft impact players while also luring away several to their team in free agency.

The 49ers need to add pieces around Garoppolo while also adding additional impact defenders.  This rebuild started with a five year commitment to head coach Kyle Shanahan last offseason because of how long it would take.  Consider year one to be a success.

Offensive Ranking: 12th

Defensive Ranking: 24th

Key Free Agents:  

Jimmy Garoppolo - QB - Started his 49ers career going 5-0 as a starter.  Has yet to lose a game as a starter in the NFL.  Organization will look to get a long term deal done before using the franchise tag.  With their available cap space, both options are fully viable.

Dan Kilgore - C - Has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the 49ers.  Started 29 games over the past two seasons.  Was among the top 10 centers in 2017 in terms of graded performance.

Eric Reid - SS - Lost his starting job before getting it back due to injury.  The free safety moved to strong for 2017 and will probably find a better opportunity to play regularly elsewhere.

Tank Carradine - DE - Recorded 1.5 sacks before missing eight games due to injury.  Will certainly reach free agency.