The 49ers should feel optimistic about their chances next season. Five of the six NFC playoff teams finished the 2017 regular season at .500 or worse the previous year. It won’t be impossible for Kyle Shanahan’s 6-10 club to make a run next season with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.

San Francisco, of course, is expected to have more than $100 million in cap space this offseason to use toward making a playoff push. Perhaps Shanahan can pick up a piece or two playing Sunday in Super Bowl LII.

Here are five Eagles and Patriots pending free agents that make sense for the 49ers to consider this spring.

Malcolm Butler | CB | Patriots

Butler will likely be one of the most sought-after defensive backs on the market, which also means he’ll be one of the most expensive. But if San Francisco’s staff should make some calls if the coaches think he fits the scheme.

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Butler, who made the Super Bowl-winning interception three years ago against the Seahawks, had the seventh-best Pro Football Focus grade among corners in 2016 and has eight interceptions over the last three seasons. Tramaine Brock led 49ers corners with four over the same span and he was released last April. San Francisco ranked 21st in forcing turnovers in 2017.

Cornerback will be one of the team’s most glaring needs this offseason. Starter Dontae Johnson is slated for free agency after playing his way off the field in two separate games late in the campaign. San Francisco could use a long-term option opposite Ahkello Witherspoon, who showed promise as a rookie.