The San Francisco 49ers have lost major free agents in Frank Gore and Mike Iupati and now names like Reggie Bush, Trent Richardson, Stevan Ridley and Hakeem Nicks could be potential targets along with Stevie Johnson, who was released by the Niners this week but could be an option to re-sign at a cheaper price after the team added Torrey Smith.
The 49ers have made some moves in free agency already, signing Chris Culliver and Torrey Smith while also bringing back Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Nelson. The team lost Iupati and Gore to the Cardinals and Colts, while Michael Crabtree remains on the market and talk about him has been quiet. According to ESPN.com, the 49ers are looking at Reggie Bush and they have brought him in for a visit with the team. Trent Baalke said to reporters that the "interest" in Bush is real and it comes after the team also was interested in CJ Spiller.
--UPDATE: Reggie Bush has signed with the 49ers.
ESPN reports that Spiller is signing with the Saints, taking another name off the market. According to Pro Football Talk, Trent Richardson has been released by the Colts and now he could be a main target for teams in need of a running back. CSN Bay Area reports that the Raiders, 49ers and Chargers could be potential fits for Richardson after he was let go by Indy. Richardson had a disappointing run with the Colts and now he has the chance to start fresh with a new team and likely a new offensive system.
Bush is coming in after a disappointing season in Detroit, as he was injured and was inconsistent through 2014. Bush could be a nice fit behind Carlos Hyde, as the Niners would like to have a player that can catch the ball out of the backfield. That would add a new element to the offense for Colin Kaepernick, who needs more of a safety net after the way last season went. Bush played in 11 games last season and had just 297 yards along with 40 receptions for 253 yards out of the backfield for the Lions. Stevan Ridley is also available and could be an option.
The team released Stevie Johnson and reports have him as a potential option to return despite getting cut. According to Jason La Canfora at CBS Sports, the Niners are interested in bringing back Johnson despite signing Torrey Smith, while the Cleveland Browns have also shown interest in the receiver. Johnson had a down year in 2014, but did most of the receivers for the Niners and he could be primed for a bounce back season in the Bay Area.
The team signed Smith to a five year deal and the team expects him to be a consistent deep threat, something they lacked over the past two seasons. Crabtree had a great season a few years ago, but he has been a disappointment since and that is why he likely will not return. Pro Football Talk reports that "the door hasn't been closed" on Johnson coming back to the Niners next season on a new contract after he was released. Johnson had just 35 receptions in 13 games last season and had three touchdowns after coming over from the Bills.
