Expecting a "big splash" free agent signing from the San Francisco 49ers is unlikely.
Their current salary cap constraints will not allow them to as they are $5 million over the limit. They have to first figure out a way to free up space, then work on who they are re-signing before considering outside sources. Brandon Aiyuk is also up for an extension, so there are a lot of configurations for the 49ers.
However, there is a chance the 49ers can land a "big splash" in their eyes and the fans. That potential splash is re-signing a familiar face in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The 49ers should bring him back after his one-year stint with the Tennessee Titans. Al-Shaair is still a strong, impactful linebacker that can boost the 49ers.
But more importantly, he can fill in for the injured Dre Greenlaw. It is unlikely that Greenlaw will be ready for the beginning of the 2024 regular season. Some time is sure to be missed. With Al-Shaair, the 49ers can mitigate his loss with a talented linebacker who needs little time to reintegrate himself into the 49ers defense.
The problem, again, stems with the salary cap. How much can the 49ers free up? Should they be spending it on a linebacker? And would Al-Shaair be out of their price range? If there is one position that the 49ers are good at drafting, it is at linebacker. Perhaps they find a mid round pick to fill in for Greenlaw or look to the youngsters from last season in Dee Winters and Jalen Graham to fill the temporary void.
That could very well be what the 49ers end up doing. I'm sure they would love to bring back Al-Shaair. He would make the hole left by Greenlaw small and they wouldn't have to worry about the growing pains from Winters, Graham, or a potential rookie. If it is possible, the 49ers should re-sign Al-Shaair. Free agency shouldn't be used to fill the needs at offensive or defensive line.
They should use that avenue to fill the need at linebacker to pair up
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