Top 5 49ers free agents whose exits could hamstring San Francisco in 2024 ft. Chase Young

San Francisco 49ers free agents 2024

#3 - Randy Gregory, DE

Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers

Along with Chase Young, the 49ers could lose another piece of their edge rush group in Randy Gregory. The former Cowboys DE was traded by the Denver Broncos to San Francisco in October 2023 in exchange for later draft picks as he was about to be released.

The 31-year-old hasn't been very productive with his new team, amassing only 2.5 sacks since his trade and just 11 total tackles. It would be a surprise if the 49ers re-sign Gregory after this upcoming playoff run.

#4 - Sam Darnold, QB

Los Angeles Rams v San Francisco 49ers

The third-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft may now be a backup on his third team in four years, but the 49ers may want to re-sign him this offseason.

Solid backup quarterbacks are hard to find in the NFL, with many teams' seasons ending as soon as their signal-caller goes down. Darnold has started 56 career games with the Jets, Panthers and 49ers and can help mentor Brock Purdy given his experience at this level.

#5 - Javon Kinlaw, DT

Baltimore Ravens v San Francisco 49ers

Having declined his fifth-year option, the 49ers are set to lose DT Javon Kinlaw in the upcoming free agency period. Kinlaw was placed on IR during both the 2021 and 2022 seasons leading to that decision.

However, he's been healthy throughout most of 2023, sitting behind Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead in the DT depth chart.

Being selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Kinlaw has had serious knee injury issues which may put them off re-signing him, but they must see his potential having drafted him with such a high pick.