Back to the San Francisco 49ers Newsfeed

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 10 worst free-agent signings in franchise history

Ever since the NFL introduced the modern system of free agency back in 1993, the San Francisco 49ers have managed to sign more than a number of quality free agents. One of the best was now-retired defensive end Justin Smith, whom the Niners grabbed back in 2008, and he ended up changing the franchise in the early 2010s.

Yet for the large number of good pickups in NFL free agency San Francisco has gotten, there have been more than a few busts, too.

Not long ago, the 49ers inked journeyman quarterback Brian Hoyer with the hopes of him becoming an actual starting-caliber guy under center.