The San Francisco 49ers were the biggest surprise in the NFL in 2011.  No one who follows football expected that first year head coach Jim Harbaugh could turn around such an abysmal team so quickly.  The Niners were 6-10 in 2010 and went 13-3 under Harbaugh in 2011.  Following the 2011 regular season, San Francisco went to the NFC Championship where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.  Now the question has become, “what do the 49ers do for an encore?”  Can they take the next step next season?  Here are three free agents who could help the 49ers get to the Super Bowl in 2012.

Peyton Manning:  The 49ers are as sound as they come on defense.  The fact of the matter is that the team lacks offensive firepower.  What a better way to give the offense a boost than to bring in one of the NFL’s best all-time quarterbacks in Peyton Manning?  Sure, Manning’s health and status as a Colt are still in question but if Manning can even return to 75 percent of what he once was he will still be better than 49ers returning quarterback Alex Smith.  Smith has been the perennial game manager rather than a playmaker and acquiring a productive Manning would certainly be an upgrade.  It’s not expected that San Francisco will pursue Manning once he is released by the Colts but if they do…watch out NFC.

Vincent Jackson:  One of the reasons for Alex Smith’s lack of productivity is the absence of playmakers at wide receiver.  The 49ers have Michael Crabtree and hoped that bringing in Braylon Edwards in 2011 would give them a pair of complimentary deep threats.  Instead, Edwards spent the majority of 2011 injured before finally being released by the Niners.  Enter Vincent Jackson.  Jackson is a big time receiver capable of stretching the field and torching defenses.  At 6-5, Vincent Jackson is a big target and with Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis, the 49ers would field a formidable receiving corps that would give defensive coordinators fits.

Mike Tolbert:  Yes another Charger who could Bolt to San Francisco.  Tolbert is a big back who has proven himself more than capable in the passing game; especially in goal line situations.  The 49ers do indeed have Frank Gore, who just signed a new contract last season, but let’s face it – Gore is a punishing runner who has been injured and will probably be injured again.  A back like Tolbert could effectively spell Gore from time to time to increase his longevity as well as add another dimension to the 49ers offensive attack.  If Tolbert leaves San Diego he could follow in the footsteps of Darren Sproles and Michael Turner; two other part-time San Diego backs who went on to have big seasons/careers with other teams.

NFL Free Agency kicks off on March 13^th.  Let’s see how things play out for the 49ers.

Saturday March 17^th is St. Patrick’s Day!  This year TPF has teamed with Guinness to help set a World Record for the Largest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ever!  Take the pledge to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion – with Guinness.  Be a part of history and join the party www.Guinness.com. Enter the referral code FLAG and Please drink responsibly.

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