The San Francisco 49ers should quickly reap some on-field benefits of having Robert Saleh re-installed as their defensive coordinator. However, his presence may help them before any offseason workouts even begin.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign the 49ers have some work to do restocking their roster with some quality at a few starting spots and down the depth chart. Last season their top-heavy group was exposed as injuries mounted, which should make overall depth a significant priority for them in the offseason.
Having Saleh in San Francisco may be key in luring some New York Jets free agents who played under Saleh to the 49ers. New York’s roster wasn’t overloaded with talent, but they have some quality players due to hit free agency that would fill some key offseason needs for the 49ers.
Here are the Jets free agents we could see follow Saleh to the Bay Area:
Dec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs with the football past New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
With some question marks at linebacker, Sherwood is an intriguing potential option for San Francisco as a starter alongside Fred Warner. Sherwood played a career-high 1,063 snaps in his first season as a full-time starter. He’s a good athlete with room to grow as a Will LB. Sherwood posted an NFL-best 98 solo tackles last year and 158 combined tackles to go along with 10 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. If the 49ers can’t get Dre Greenlaw back in free agency, Sherwood is a really quality external option.
Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (83) makes a catch and scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The 49ers wouldn’t need Conklin to play the starting role he played for the Jets last season. He started 15 of the 16 games he played and hauled in 51 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns. Conklin has never been a prolific receiver or blocker, but he’s a quality NFL veteran with seven seasons and 114 games under his belt. If San Francisco is looking for a TE2 who can be at least a little bit of a receiving threat, Conklin is interesting.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #18 of the Buffalo Bills catches…
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