The San Fransisco 49ers had an interesting 2022 season, to say the least.

Many had awaited the day that former first-round pick, Trey Lance would take the field for the 49ers. Well the day finally came, and it ended in a loss. 

And it was to a Chicago Bears team that would eventually finish last in the NFL, of all teams. 

Afterward, things didn't fare any better. In fact, they immediately got worse. Lance broke his ankle the very next week against the Seattle Seahawks and went on to miss the rest of the season. 

Jimmy Garoppolo took over as the starter, until Week 13. That is when the story of Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy began.

Despite three different starting QBs over the course of one NFL season, the 49ers found their way into the playoffs and made it all the way to the NFC Championship game.

Following an improbable season, the off-season began. Like every other NFL team, the 49ers were tasked with many decisions. Who to keep, who to add to the team, should we trade for anyone? Among others.

The first wave of free-agency has seemed to slow down, so without further ado, let's grade the 49ers off-season so far.

Re-signings

Jake Brendel, OL

Brendel drew interest from a number of teams, but ultimately chose to stay in San Francisco. Brendel was a crucial player for the 49ers in 2022, only allowing 1 sack in 1,078 snaps played. Brendel was signed to a 4-year deal that is worth up to $16.5 million. Brendel started every game for the 49ers in the 2022 season and the deal he signed keeps his cap hit quite low in 2023.

Grade: A-

Tashaun Gipson Sr., S

The 49ers were able to retain yet another starter. Gipson signed on a one-year deal where he can earn up to $2.9 million. This is a deal that keeps the veteran in San Francisco for one more year, where he can mentor his eventual replacement. Expect the 49ers to add another free safety in the draft that can take over for Gipson next year.

Grade: B

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, LB

Flannigan-Fowles is another player that was signed by the 49ers to a one-year deal. A core special teams player, who has played mostly in reserves in the linebacker room. Some project Flannigan-Fowles to battle for the starting Sam linebacker job. Contract details have not yet been posted, but retaining a core special teams player is never a bad thing.

Grade: B

Signings/Additions 

Javon Hargrave, IDL

Let's start off with one of the biggest splashes in free-agency as a whole. Hargrave was signed to a 4-year deal worth $84 million. The 49ers already had a scary defensive line, and this signing just makes it so much scarier. Hargrave will line up alongside Arik Armstead and they still have Javon Kinlaw in the rotation. Oh, and there's Nick Bosa on the outside, too.

Hargrave will have less than $7 million as his cap hit in 2023. and there is a potential out after 2 years. A home run signing for a team that got close to the top, but just needs a little more of a push.

Grade: A+

Sam Darnold, QB

The former No. 3 overall pick finds his third home in four years. To say his career has not lived up to expectations would be accurate. However, this is a really interesting signing. If anyone can "fix" Darnold, it is Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan is known for having success at the QB position, and it doesn't matter who is under center. Just look at what he did with Brock Purdy, the literal last pick in the draft this year. Darnold is a low risk, high reward signing for the 49ers as he comes in with $3.5 million in guaranteed money. 

At worst, he doesn't make the team, and they are out of that money. At best he is "fixed" and competes for a starting job, shows improvement and becomes a trade candidate or nets himself a compensatory pick next year when he signs with a new team. 

Grade: A

Clelin Ferrell, Edge

The 49ers weren't done with adding former first round picks. In addition to adding Darnold, the 49ers added a former fourth overall pick in Clelin Ferrell. Like Darnold, Ferrell has never lived up to the expectations of being selected that high. His career high in sacks is 4.5, which came in his rookie year; in the three years since he has eclipsed that season high by 1.5. 

This is another low risk, high reward signing by the 49ers. They are only on the hook for $1.85 million in guaranteed over a one-year deal. The 49ers needed to add some competition opposite of Bosa, with the departures of Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam. This signing does not preclude them from adding through the draft and is yet again a low-risk, high-reward signing.

Grade: A-

Isaiah Oliver, CB

The 49ers kept up with their trend of low-risk, high-reward signings by bringing in another high draft pick. This time the player was selected in the second round at pick 58. Oliver played predominantly in the slot in 2022. He is set to replace Jimmie Ward in the slot as they lost him to the Houston Texans. This move allows for Deomodore Lenoir to remain on the outside, but again does not preclude them from adding in the draft. Oliver's contract is for two years, although the numbers are not yet known. 

Grade: B