Free agency 2017: Pierre Garcon expected to sign with the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have over $90 million in cap space to spend in free agency, and it looks as if the first major signing of the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch era will be former Colts and Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported the news on Wednesday, and added that “league sources believe he will make $16 million in first year.”

Garcon will get to reunite with Shanahan, who was Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2010-2013, during which time he signed with the team in the 2012 season. He caught just 44 passes in ten games in his first year with the Skins, but then had an outstanding 2013 campaign, catching 113 balls for 1346 yards and 5 touchdowns on a 3-13 team. Last season, Garcon had 79 catches for over 1,000 yards and 3 touchdowns, as well as a career-high catch rate of 69.3%.

San Francisco has a quality wide receiver (albeit one who is on the wrong side of 30) on its way, but quarterback remains the big question mark. There’s been plenty of speculation that Kirk Cousins could be joining Garcon, whether this season or in 2018. If by any chance it happens this year, that means that the Redskins stand to lose Cousins, Garcon, and DeSean Jackson, all in a single offseason.