
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The 49ers, coming off a 7-9 record, have several areas in which they're looking for an upgrade over a year ago. The 49ers can use strengthening throughout their roster. Their top priority among their own free agents was re-signing Takeo Spikes, who re-upped on Friday.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Offensive tackle: The 49ers did not get good play out from their right tackles last season, so the club would like to upgrade that spot. If they are able to get a quality left tackle, they could consider moving Joe Staley back to the right side. This is a spot the 49ers could address with the No. 10 overall pick, as they could focus on one of the top four offensive tackles in the draft.
2. Pass rusher: The club has not been able to create a consistent pass rush for several seasons. The 49ers are looking for their pass rush to come from outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. There is some depth at that position in the draft.
3. Wide receiver: Veteran Isaac Bruce has not decided whether he's coming back next season. Still, the 49ers are looking for more speed on the outside to complement youngsters Josh Morgan and Jason Hill. They did sign Brandon Jones on Saturday.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--TE Billy Bajema, at the $927,000 salary he made last season, might be getting a little too expensive to retain as a blocking specialist.
--OT Damane Duckett spent the season on injured reserve because of an August knee injury. He spent the entire season rehabbing at the team's facility, which would seem to indicate the club wants to keep him around.
--RB DeShaun Foster languished on the sideline for most of the season as Frank Gore's backup. Showed his worth when pressed into action, but the 49ers might be looking to get younger at the backup spot.
--DE Roderick Green had a disappointing season as the third-down pass rusher. Team will be looking to upgrade.
--QB Jamie Martin is 39 and will not be back.
--QB J.T. O'Sullivan was favorite of Mike Martz, but Martz is no longer around. O'Sullivan's propensity for turnovers led to his benching after eight games. He likely will not return.
--TE Sean Ryan signed late in season as an H-back/fullback type. He is a low-priority re-signing.
--CB Donald Strickland is a versatile defensive back, who has done everything asked of him. He should be back on the team.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--FB Zak Keasey earned the starting job at the start of the regular season but played in just six games before sustaining season-ending torn biceps tendon.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--KR
Allen Rossum: UFA; terms unknown.
--LB Takeo Spikes: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--WR Brandon Jones: UFA Titans; $16.6M/5 yrs, $5.4M guaranteed.
--FB Moran Norris: UFA Lions; $5M/3 yrs, $1.5M SB.
--DB Jimmy Williams: FA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--LB Tully Banta-Cain (released).
--DT Ronald Fields: UFA Broncos; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
--WR Bryant Johnson: UFA Lions; $9M/3 yrs, SB unknown.
--S Keith Lewis (released).