The 49ers expect to have more than $25 million in cap space, but they want to sign some of their own players to contract extensions. McCloughan said the club would like to bring in a quarterback to add to the mix. Currently, the 49ers have only Shaun Hill and Alex Smith under contract, but the club must rework Smith's contract before he will be allowed back.

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 is likely linebacker Takeo Spikes, who has already stated he wishes to return this season. The 49ers say his return is about 50-50. Spikes might have increased his market value with a solid season, in which he ranked second on the team in tackles.

The 49ers have other needs, such as offensive tackle, safety and wide receiver, too. The 49ers also want to find fullback to help them establish a power running game. Coach Mike Singletary said he wants to get a big running back to help take some of the pounding off Frank Gore, who has been the 49ers' workhorse running back the past three seasons.

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.

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.

--DT Ronald Fields did not get a whole lot of action behind starter Aubrayo Franklin. He will likely have an opportunity see what he can get on the open market.

--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.

--WR Bryant Johnson was the second-leading receiver with 45 catches for 546 yards, but youngster Josh Morgan is penciled in as the starter at split end.

--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.

--KR
Allen Rossum did a nice job on kickoff and punt returns. The club could look to get younger here, though.

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

--LB Takeo Spikes ranked second on the team with 122 tackles. He wants to be back, and the 49ers liked his influence on Patrick Willis. The sides should be able to reach a deal.

--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: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--DB Jimmy Williams: FA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--LB Tully Banta-Cain (released).

--S Keith Lewis (released).