Lawson was a first-round pick of the 49ers in 2006, based in large part on his ability as a pass-rusher in college. But Lawson has not been given that opportunity. In fact, he generally has come off the field in pass-rush situations. In 34 career games, Lawson has 5.5 sacks, with two of them coming against the St. Louis Rams in his second NFL game.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The 49ers have starters at every position with the addition of free-agent tackle Marvel Smith, who is penciled in to play right tackle. The 49ers can use their first pick, No. 10 overall, on just about any position. The 49ers have said they plan to use that pick on the best-player available.

The 49ers had a pre-draft visit with Penn State outside linebacker Aaron Maybin, who should be available when the 49ers make their first selection.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Outside linebacker: The 49ers have not had a player with 10 or more sacks since 2002. The club needs somebody on the other side to complement Parys Haralson, who led the 49ers with 8.5 sacks. This year's draft is deep with hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types who are well-suited for a 3-4 defense. A consistent pass rush is the team's top weakness on defense.

2. Quarterback: Coach Mike Singletary has said he feels lucky to have Shaun Hill and Alex Smith on the roster, but the 49ers are still looking for a quarterback. They failed in an attempt to lure free-agent Kurt Warner to the team. They also showed initial interest in Jay Cutler. The team is expected to look for a quarterback to develop in the draft. The question is whether they would select somebody in the first round.

3. Offensive tackle: Right tackle was a weakness for the 49ers last season. The 49ers had three different starts at that spot. Adam Snyder finished the season as the starter, but his versatility makes him better-suited as a backup. The 49ers signed Marvel Smith, but they still would like to create more depth at this spot.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--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.

--TE Sean Ryan signed late in season as an H-back/fullback type. He is a low-priority re-signing.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--FB Zak Keasey: ERFA; terms unknown.

--KR
Allen Rossum: UFA; terms unknown.

--LB Takeo Spikes: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--DE Demetric Evans: UFA Redskins; $3.8M/2 yrs, guarantees.

--QB Damon Huard: FA Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--WR Brandon Jones: UFA Titans; $16.6M/5 yrs, $5.4M guaranteed.

--FB Moran Norris: UFA Lions; $5M/3 yrs, $1.5M SB.

--OT Marvel Smith: UFA Steelers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

--DB Jimmy Williams: FA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--TE Billy Bajema: UFA Rams; terms unknown.

--LB Tully Banta-Cain (released).

--OT Damane Duckett: UFA Patriots; terms unknown.

--DT Ronald Fields: UFA Broncos; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

--OT Jonas Jennings (released).

--WR Bryant Johnson: UFA Lions; $9M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

--S Keith Lewis (released).

--QB J.T. O'Sullivan: UFA Bengals; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

--CB Donald Strickland: UFA Jets; 3 yrs, terms unknown.