49ers are likely to acquire the following free agents: QB Brian Hoyer (Bears), WR Pierre Garcon (Redskins), WR Marquise Goodwin (Bills), FB Kyle Juszczyk (Ravens).
This makes me REALLY happy as a fan. Not that any of those names are likely to light it up on the field and instantly make them contenders. But these are solid, experienced players that can hopefully provide a bit of stability, and should be able to be acquired for pretty modest prices. That, to me, is EXACTLY what they should be looking to do. The team is a mess and needs to be rebuilt from top to bottom. They aren't going to rebuild it in a season or two. This shows me that they have a long term plan and aren't just rushing to throw away money on big names that will get them back to mediocre. They are filling gaps with solid but not dazzling choices that are going to come at a reasonable price, while taking their time and saving their money while waiting for those guys that may develop into stars. There was talk about them spending big to pick up Cousins, and I felt like that would have been a HUGE mistake. First off, they would have overpayed. Second, despite his skills and experience, I'm not sure he is the type of guy that can provide stability to an organization while they rebuild. Third, in this organization, given the lack of skilled players on the O-line and at the receiver position (although better with the receivers they picked up), he would have gotten killed in the backfield and had awful numbers, which can often destroy a QB's confidence and ruin him as a player. I am really glad they didn't rush to pick him up or go after a QB high in the draft when next year's class looks to be a lot better than this year's.
Again, these are not dazzling moves. But they are smart moves that show a calculated, common-sense, long-term plan, and that is something this organization has lacked. I have hope again.