The first week of free agency is in the books, and in a major surprise, the 49ers actually gave us something to talk about. So let’s do that!

My Hottest Take: I can admit when I’m wrong (kinda)

So, a week ago, I wrote the 49ers would have a quiet free agency, doing very little of what they needed to.

They proved me wrong. I must admit, a few hours into the opening days of the league year, I was feeling pretty good about my opinion, albeit not so good about my team. Maxx Crosby went elsewhere (well, he didn’t, but you know), other blue-chip players signed with desperate teams (Tyler Linderbaum on the Raiders is a horrible thought), and the 49ers stood pat, or so it seemed. The biggest headline of the early hours of free agency was the news that the team might cut or trade Trent Williams. You don’t need to hear me rant on that again.

Then, suddenly, something happened, and the 49ers picked up Mike Evans. Then they actually brought in a little offensive line depth. Then they traded for a genuine, three-down, multi-faceted defensive tackle. It was like someone had written down my thoughts and started to work on them, although there was still no sign of an upgrade at center, tackle, or guard.

Still, I’m being difficult. I don’t think anyone can reasonably claim to be unhappy with the 49ers' first week dealings. Evans is a classic X receiver, a future Hall of Famer, and, health-permitting, can be both an explosive presence on the field and a great presence off it, mentoring the next generation of 49ers playmakers. Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing ought to benefit greatly from the veteran wideout’s presence. Osa Odighizuwa is a pressure-pressing defensive tackle with sound ability against the run, and even as an individual, is probably better than the trio of players the 49ers rotated there last year. Vederian Lowe is a tackle with potential, and Brett Toth adds guard and center flexibility, and both add veteran offensive line help, involving players who have actually played offensive line in the NFL. Given how bare the cupboard is behind the four starters (yep, there’s a hole there too), I’m not unhappy with those.

The good news continued – ascending linebacker Garrett Wallow returned, while special teams veteran Luke Gifford also came back on a multi-year deal, and we’d already kept Eddy Piniero and Jon Weeks. All good stuff. Nate Hobbs, similar to the two offensive line signings, is someone with actual league experience who can play multiple corner positions. That’s likely to become a huge boon, given the dumpster fire behind starters Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green (and the team’s out on Green, it seems). Jake Tonges returned, we swapped out punters, and so far, that seems to be it. Oh, we had a player due to make serious money decide to retire, too, but I doubt we’ll miss Bryce Huff’s four sacks and generally useless production.

So, all good? In a fashion, yes. It was certainly busy, and it seems to have shown the right level of urgency, considering the holes the team has to fill. It was a pleasing first week, although there’s still work to do, particularly at EDGE, along the offensive line, safety, and getting Trent Williams back in the building. That said, given my pessimism in last week’s column, I can’t be unhappy. Good work, front office.

There is, however, one thing that worried me a little.

You Should Know: A 49ers nostalgia tour is a risk

You’ll notice the one move I didn’t mention was Dre Greenlaw’s return to the team. He’s back on a one-year deal; the Broncos cut bait just a year into a big contract he signed to get away from us last year. And I’ve not mentioned it. Truthfully, I don’t know how to feel. I love Greenlaw – he’s been the reason for some of my favourite 49ers memories, and without him getting injured, we likely win the Super Bowl two years ago. However, there’s a reason the Broncos cut him and made him available to us, and it’s the same reason his original swansong with the Niners didn’t go to plan – injuries. He had a variety of niggles last year, and only appeared in eight games. The last thing the 49ers need is another oft-injured linebacker, particularly as the depth behind Greenlaw (likely Nick Martin and Dee Winters) hasn’t pulled up many trees.

He’s not the only risk; Mike Evans’ reducing snaps over the last few years make our flagship acquisition a risk of its own, too. But Greenlaw will be the headline return, and it has me slightly worried. Nostalgia, as they say, ain’t what it used to be. I loved Greenlaw. I really hope he can be the same or similar guy and produce at a similar level while bringing in the next generation. But I’m not sure I’d bet on it, and certainly not to the level that the 49ers have, where he seems to be pencilled in as a starter. I guess we’ll see. At least the team didn’t bring back Deebo Samuel (as of press time, anyway), because that would probably be one nostalgia tour too far.

Before You Go: Could Jennings still return?

I already wrote off the idea of Jauan Jennings returning to the 49ers. That was a while ago, though, when most projections had him making $20-30m a year on his new contract. At this point, a week into free agency, it’s clear he’s not getting that, and in all honesty, I don’t know why he or his agent ever thought that he would – outside of a purple patch in 2024, he’s rarely put up numbers above that of a #3 or #2 receiver. His market seems to reflect that, too, with no signing apparently imminent.

That brings the question: could Jennings actually return to the 49ers? The big contract has gone – likely spent on Evans – but the longer he goes without a contract, the more I think there might be a number the 49ers get down to. Jennings, for all his limitations, is a tigerish run blocker, a useful third-down playmaker, and, moreover, with Evans in play, would have the opportunity to play his best role out of the slot, forming a trio with Evans and Ricky Pearsall as pass-catchers. Maybe it happens.

Then again – check my free agent target list from last week. Not a one, so far. But with the Niners still needing some help at various spots, maybe I’ve still got time to turn things round.

Either way, there’s bound to be something to talk about next week. I’ll see you then.