One perfect free agent signing and draft pick for the 49ers this offseason

An offensive tackle and a cornerback Robert Saleh is familiar with for the 49ers

With free agency beginning shortly and the NFL draft on the horizon, the 49ers have several offensive and defensive needs. The organization is set with all its coaching staff after Robert Saleh returned as defensive coordinator and brought in his Special Teams coordinator from New York. How the 49ers will go about preparing the team for 2025 and planning for the future is fascinating. Free agents can instantly upgrade positions, or draft picks can provide a glimpse into the future while providing impact and development.

Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus has named one perfect free agent and a draft pick for each NFL team.

Cameron named former 49er D.J. Reed as the 49ers’ perfect free agent signing and offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU as the perfect draft pick.

Highlighted in PFF’s NFL free agency signings we want to see, Reed and the 49ers should have a mutual interest in reaching a deal to reunite the cornerback with his former defensive play caller in New York. Robert Saleh highly values outside cornerbacks who can stand up in man coverage in his scheme, something Reed has excelled at, earning an 83.1 man coverage grade in their time together.

The 49ers and Brock Purdy are reportedly working on a massive extension, so moving to find more blocking for both him and Christian McCaffrey is a priority. With Aaron Banks’ contract expiring and Trent Williams entering his age-37 season while coming off an injury, Campbell — or another highly touted tackle prospect — would address an immediate need on the interior and provide a long-term solution at tackle.

Reed would play inside at nickel cornerback and allow Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir to play outside. The cover corner group would be a strength in 2025, even with the potential loss of Charvarius Ward.

Campbell projects as a long-term offensive tackle, but beginning his career at left guard allows him to develop while strengthening the 49ers' offensive line. Banks’ 2024 season was up and down, and he figures to walk in free agency. This would leave the 49ers with the center position to upgrade, possibly in free agency with the signing of Drew Dalman to replace Jake Brendel.

The excitement of this offseason is based on the possibilities for the 49ers. The team can be creative in reloading the roster to send the 49ers back to the top of the NFC in 2025. If the 49ers are “all-in,” there may be more aggressive free-agent signings, but there is no paint-by-numbers way to add instant impact to the roster.