49ers mailbag: Which free agents should stick around? Who is expendable?

After a few weeks of some much-needed time off, we’re back with another mailbag as the 49ers’ decision makers descend on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine ahead of the draft.

Let’s get to your questions.

Gold Blooded asks: Who do you sign short term, long term, and let walk between Arik Armstead, Jimmie Ward and Emmanuel Sanders?

Good question, and one the 49ers are grappling with this offseason.

I would give Armstead the franchise tag and be open to trading him if another team was willing to offer an enticing package, like a chance to add multiple long-term starters.

Armstead was outstanding in 2019. He had 10 sacks after recording nine the previous four seasons combined. Bringing him back would be justifiable, but so would building toward the future while maintaining flexibility to fortify the rest of the roster. Losing him wouldn’t be a death knell. The 49ers would still have Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford along that defensive line. And Solomon Thomas would have more reps to help his development.

I would sign Ward to something like a three-year, $21 million contract. Yes, injuries have been an issue. But it says a lot that he was able to have the best season of his career despite ending four of his previous five seasons on injured reserve. Put another way, those previous injuries haven’t taken away from his athleticism or hindered his ability to play well, which is important. Broken bones are easier to recover from than ruptured tendons.

I would let Sanders leave. Not because he’s a bad player or won’t be productive next season as a 33-year-old. Letting him walk makes sense because he might be the most replaceable player among those three. The incoming draft class is loaded at wideout, Deebo Samuel could evolve into a No. 1 option next year, Dante Pettis should enter his third year with his hair on fire, and Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd are working back to being healthy.

All those factors could combine into being able to replace Sanders’ production. At the same time, counting on all those things happening is an awfully risky proposition given the evidence we have. I don’t envy the 49ers decision-makers.

Jason Aponte asks: What’s a bigger need in your opinion? Offensive line, wide receiver or secondary?

Since I just discussed letting the No. 1 receiver walk, I think it’s receiver.

Sanders would leave a big void and force San Francisco to add more high-end talent. The 49ers could make Tarvarius Moore the starter at free safety if Ward leaves — and all the starters along the offensive line are under contract for the next two seasons.

That said, the secondary and offensive line should both be addressed in some capacity this offseason. Right guard and center could be positions of focus, while the team would be wise to consider life without Richard Sherman, which is coming at some point in the next few seasons.

Michael asks: Do you think Hurd will ever play? Back injury seems very significant.

John Lynch said Tuesday Hurd is trending toward being available for the start of the offseason program in April. That’s a good sign for his long-term future.

But back injuries are problematic and can linger, particularly for a player who seeks out contact like Hurd. The 49ers like his Deebo Samuel-like physicality. But it’s worth noting Garrett Celek retired earlier this month while also dealing with a fracture in his back.

I’m no orthopedist, but I would keep Hurd away from football activities until June OTAs to give him time to get his body right and build muscle around the area in question. Getting him ready and healthy for the start of training camp should be the top priority.

Craig Fernicola says: Name one free agent (not one of our own) that you think is a good fit based on position need and anticipated salary on the open market.

Joe Thuney from the New England Patriots.

He might be one of the most expensive interior linemen on the market, but he would give the 49ers an upgrade at right guard over Mike Person, who might be required to play center throughout the offseason while Weston Richburg deals with a leg injury for the second straight offseason.

How realistic is that? The team would have to get creative, and probably not bring back Armstead, to have the salary cap space availability. So yes, I’m stretching the limit of the question.

But another point is there aren’t a ton of free agents out there that will provide upgrades to an already good roster that’s barely under the salary cap as is.

George Kittle asks: How big are your hands?

Eight inches, according to my iPhone measuring app, from the point of my thumb to pinkie.

So no, I’m not a good quarterback prospect at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. But I can type at 80 words per minute, which would be much more difficult with giant football player hands. I’m in the right line of work.

This story was originally published February 26, 2020 at 9:12 AM.