3 players unlikely to return to the 49ers in 2022

Now that the 49ers’ season has ended, it’s time for San Francisco to make interesting decisions regarding the team. While Jimmy Garoppolo is anything but gone, some other important free agents will be hitting the market this season and it’s unlikely that John Lynch will put much of an effort to keep them.

With the change at quarterback and several other players set to become free agents in 2022, we’ll be looking at a very different San Francisco 49ers roster next year.

Check out three 49ers players that should be replaced when September comes:

#1 – Laken Tomlinson, G

The arrival of Aaron Banks means the 49ers can take advantage of his rookie contract and let Laken Tomlinson leave, who will hit the market as a free agent in March.

Tomlinson, the team’s starting left guard, isn’t a bad player, but Banks has a higher ceiling and will be cheaper than the veteran. He’ll be helpful to any team that needs to improve the interior of the offensive line, especially blocking for the running game.

#2 – Raheem Mostert, RB

Raheem Mostert will be a free agent in March. If there’s one thing that’s been evident in Shanahan’s offensive system over the past couple of years, it’s that most running backs can produce enough even if they’re not elite.

Last year, the player and the organization had some issues after Mostert threatened a short holdout to raise his salary. The 49ers drafted Ohio State’s Trey Sermon, whose style fits in nicely with the outside zone system Shanahan loves to use. Elijah Mitchell’s rise to stardom while Mostert was out in 2021 was the final nail in the coffin.

Mostert won’t have any trouble finding a new team, but San Francisco has more than enough reasons not to pay him to stay.

#3 – Dontae Johnson, CB

49ers fans don’t like hearing Dontae Johnson’s name. The cornerback, who’s in his third stint with the team, is a familiar face but isn’t a difference-maker. The 49ers drafted two cornerbacks in 2021, making Johnson expendable. He’s an easy target for the vast majority of opposing quarterbacks, and his experience doesn’t make up for his lack of skills.

Johnson enjoyed some success in the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers, but he’s not trustworthy at all and the last impression doesn’t erase all his previous failures. Ask a 49ers’ fan and he’ll be relieved Johnson is gone.