© Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers landed two important pieces earlier this week, acquiring free agent running back Jerick McKinnon and center Weston Richburg.
These signings didn’t have the national splash of the Jimmy Garoppolo or Richard Sherman deals, understandably. But once McKinnon and Richburg settled into their seats during their introductory press conference on Thursday afternoon, Lynch promptly stated that these aren’t merely complementary pieces.
“These were the top two guys on our priority list,” Lynch said. “We think these guys fit perfectly.”
Once Lynch handed the floor to Kyle Shanahan, he doubled down on the general manager’s evaluation.
“It always starts with the tape for me,” Shanahan said. “And these guys were as impressive as anyone at their position on tape.”
The interior offensive line and running back positions were among San Francisco’s biggest weaknesses last year. The 49ers front office has spent 2018 offseason addressing those issues and finding the proper replacements.
When evaluating free agents, Lynch said players must excel in two categories: talent and spirit. Richburg and McKinnon checked both boxes.
“It was tough,” Lynch said. “We had to compete in a big way for these guys.”
McKinnon spent the first four years of his career stuck in Minnesota’s ever-changing running back cycle. He was delegated as the third-down option behind Adrian Peterson, Latavius Murray, and 2017 first-round draft pick Dalvin Cook throughout the past four seasons.
When he saw the field, McKinnon impressed. Pro Football Focus gave McKinnon its seventh-highest receiving grade last year amongst running backs. He also scored as PFF’s eighth-best pass protector out of all running backs.
Shanahan praised the 25-year-old running back’s versatility in nearly all aspects of the game. Whether McKinnon eluded tackles, used strength to gain tough yards, pass protected, or was involved in the passing game, the 49ers head coach saw a player with tons of ability.
“You always want to complement each other, but it’s also important to just get the best running backs possible, too,” Shanahan said. “I don’t always think of, (Matt) Breida is here, who is the best guy we can pair with him?”
McKinnon sees his potential in an offensive system that has maximized its running backs.
“The things Coach Shanahan has done with the backs, like he did in Atlanta with Devonta (Freeman), Tevin Coleman,” McKinnon said. “I see myself doing those things.”
While the Richburg signing also satisfied a major need, it also required the team to move on from center Daniel Kilgore. San Francisco had extended Kilgore to a three-year deal earlier in the offseason. On Thursday morning, the 49ers traded him to the Dolphins, which Shanahan said was one of the most difficult decisions of his coaching career.
But Lynch and Shanahan knew Richburg was their guy.
“I think we all personally felt he was the top o-lineman we saw of all the inside guys,” Shanahan said. “When you have a center in our offense that can play at the level Weston can, it gives us a huge advantage.”
Richburg was ranked as Pro Football Focus’ third-best center in 2015, his second season in the NFL. He allowed only two sacks in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Richburg started 50 of his first 51 career games with the Giants after he was drafted in 2014. He missed the final eight games of the 2017 season due to a concussion.
Richburg, who is the same age as Garoppolo, is excited to develop a partnership with the team’s $137.5 million man.
“I haven’t met him yet but I am looking forward to that,” Richburg said. “The bond between a center and quarterback is crucial.”
As Thursday’s press conference drew to a close, Lynch emphasized the importance of every new 49ers signing, instead of only praising the headline-grabbing ones. San Francisco added former Chargers edge rusher Jerry Attaochu on Thursday afternoon. The 49ers have now extended seven players to new deals and signed four free agents in a busy offseason.
“Our team has gotten a lot better today,” Shanahan said.
Brad Almquist is KNBR.com’s 49ers beat writer. For full 49ers coverage, follow Brad at @bquist13
