The 49ers receiving corps needs help. Their inability to get consistent production at that position a season ago bogged down their offense in too many close games. While the 2019 draft class offers some intriguing candidates to fill the void in San Francisco’s depth chart, free agency will offer a host of pass catchers who also fit that need.

There aren’t any elite receivers among the 2019 free agent group. Antonio Brown is potentially available via trade, but that’s an entirely different, much more complicated story.

Here are five free agent receivers who make sense for the 49ers to target when free agent negotiations open on March 11:

Golden Tate

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Tate is the top available receiver. This is the kind of swing the 49ers haven’t taken in year’s past. He turns 31 before the start of the season and will command a top-end contract considering the rest of the free agent class. His production dipped some last season, but since 2013 he’s averaged 73 catches, 845 yards and four touchdowns per season. Tate has never relied on top-end athleticism, which should allow his game to age well. He’s a menace after the catch and does a great job getting open. Tate fits what Kyle Shanahan likes from receivers. His price tag will determine just how aggressively the 49ers pursue him.