San Francisco 49ers: In-House Free Agents

The NFC West is considered the laughing-stock of the league, and rightfully so. Despite the Seahawks upset over the Saints, the division spat out a 7-9 team for the first time ever. 

The division lacks solid quarterback play but I see that changing in a few years. The Rams seem to be ahead of the ball after drafting rookie standout Sam Bradford with the first-overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Bradford almost led a Rams team to a playoff berth in 2010, and that to me is an impressive feat considering the roster (specifically the WR corp) he was dealt. 

The 49ers can only hope they find a quarterback with as much talent as Sam Bradford. The 49ers need a QB fix, but it seems with the lockout in place they will have to rely on Alex Smith and promising rookie Colin Kaepernick. While I think Kaepernick has the potential to be a star QB in this league, he is nowhere near ready to start Day 1.

Finding stability at the quarterback position would bring relief to a fan base that has had enough with mediocrity. The 49ers will have to rely on their stingy defense and strong running game if they hope to win the division crown in 2011. 

While fans are itching for the shiniest toys to come out of free agency, the 49ers should really focus on in-house free agents. The 49ers have some tough decisions to make and I'm here to sort out who should stay or who should start packing. 

Brian Westbrook

Brian Westbrook is a class act and was a solid pickup for the 49ers last season. Westbrook played well in filling in for Frank Gore but will probably become too pricey for the 49ers to keep. With the possibility of Frank missing some games in the beginning of the season, Westbrook would be great insurance—but some team will likely overpay for his services. 

In addition, Westbrook is very familiar with the West Coast offense and could be beneficial come training camp (if there is one). I say let him go unless the 49ers can keep Westbrook at the right price. 

Jeff Reed

Jeff Reed was a solid pickup for the 49ers, midway into the season. With Joe Nedney nearing retirement, it's time the 49ers find an eventual replacement. The problem with Reed isn't his on-the-field contribution, but rather his endeavors off the field.

Reed has been arrested several times, which was part of the reason the Steelers released him. If Reed can stay out of trouble, the 49ers should definitely think about re-signing the 10-year veteran. 

Alex Smith

All indication seems to be pointing to Smith returning to the 49ers on a probable one-year deal. While I think Alex isn't the long term answer at the quarterback position, the 49ers have no other choice at this point. 

They aren't going to trade for a QB like Kolb or Orton, and free agency has little-to-no options as well. Niner fans can only hope everything finally clicks for the former first-overall pick. 

Aubrayo Franklin

Franklin has been one of the more underrated nose-tacklers in the game. He had a phenomenal 2009 season and was robbed of a Pro-Bowl selection. Franklin didn't have a great 2010 season, but should have a bounce back season in 2011 (wherever he plays) once he returns to full health. 

It's very hard to find solid nose-tackles in the mold of Franklin, but the 49ers should not break the bank for the nine-year veteran. The 49ers did little in the draft to address any depth at the DT/NT positions, so losing Franklin would be a big blow nonetheless. The 49ers like the potential of Ricky-Jean, but there is little depth at that position. 

The 49ers should re-sign Franklin at the right price but will not actively bid for him against crazy spending squads like the Redskins.  

Manny Lawson

Depending on the labor negotiations, Lawson could turn out to be an unrestricted free agent. If that occurs, Lawson could be headed to another team. The 49ers will not overpay for his services and I can envision several squads overpaying the versatile linebacker. 

Lawson isn't the pass-rushing demon the 49ers had hoped for, but the six-year veteran is one of the more versatile OLBs in the league. Lawson is solid against the run and is a fantastic coverage linebacker. 

I would want the 49ers to re-sign Lawson, but I almost expect several teams to over-pay for his services. That would almost definitely take the 49ers out of the running for Lawson's services.