"I'm happy he decided to return to the Cardinals," Hill said.

Hill has been solid in his limited action as a starter. He is 7-3 the past two seasons. The 49ers are 5-17 in games Hill has not started during that time.

Regardless, Hill said his feelings were not hurt when the 49ers made a big push to sign Warner.

"The team has to look at anybody they think can improve the team," Hill said. "I understand that. I'm unfazed. My focus hasn't changed a bit. I don't spend much time worrying about things I can't control. Whatever's going to happen is going to happen regardless of how much time I spend thinking about it."

--The 49ers envision free safety Mark Roman as a backup in 2009, so they have given him permission to seek a trade, his agent confirmed.

"That's why coach (Mike) Singletary is going to be such a great coach," said agent Albert Elias, who represents Roman. "He is so honest with his players, and that's all Mark could ask for. Coach Singletary told him he thought his role was going to be as a safety on nickel and dime situations. So he'd play all third downs, but he probably wouldn't be a starter."

The 49ers have penciled in Dashon Goldson to be the starting free safety next season. Roman, a nine-year veteran, has started 48 consecutive games since arriving with the 49ers as a free agent in the summer of 2006.

--Although it's seen as a long shot of long shots, 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said the 49ers' official stance of pursuing free-agent wide receiver Terrell Owens is: "We don't close any doors."

Owens played his first seven seasons with the 49ers before his relationship with the organization deteriorated. McCloughan came to the 49ers several years after Owens had already left.

--Moran Norris was the 49ers' fullback in 2006 when Frank Gore rushed for a franchise-record 1,695 yards. He is glad to be back after getting cut in training camp last year.

"Even when I left, we still talked like five times a week," Norris said of Gore. "He's glad I'm back and I'm glad to be back with him."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm young. I haven't reached my full potential. I've been in an offense that doesn't throw the ball as much. I've taken the best of my opportunities when we did throw the ball. I'm just ready to elevate and step up my game and be showcased - get the ball more, get more opportunities and that is what I look forward to. I know my days ahead are the best days ahead of me." -- 49ers newly signed wide receiver Brandon Jones, 26, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans.