San Francisco 49ers: 5 Moves the Niners Have to Make Once the Lockout Is Lifted

It appears as though the lockout is drawing to a close, which means we are likely gearing up for the most action packed and intense couple of weeks in NFL offseason history.

Free agency, blockbuster trades and training camp are all going to run together. Because this is Jim Harbaugh's first season as a head coach, he's going to have to nail these upcoming weeks in order to kick off the regime in the manner he wants to.

Here are five moves (and non moves) the 49ers should make once the lockout is lifted.

Ditch Nate Clements

This shouldn't come as a shocker. Clements' $17.36 million cap number makes him unpalatable, especially given his lackluster play.

With no return on their investments, it's time to part ways with him. There are a slew of free agent corners out there. Most of them are cheaper and many of them are more talented.

Sign a Veteran Quarterback

It doesn't matter whether this is a Carson Palmer type or someone like Vince Young, the 49ers can't go into training camp with David Carr as the third quarterback.

Ideally, there will be a competition between all three quarterbacks for the starting job, as well as competition between the backup and the third-string option.

The 49ers might be able to get a deal done without breaking bank for a veteran. A guy like Marc Bulger isn't going to cut it. The 49ers need a proven veteran, just in case handing the keys of the franchise to Alex Smith backfires and Colin Kaepernick suffers growing pains.

Let Aubrayo Franklin Walk

Aubrayo Franklin is on the wrong side of 30. He's expensive, inconsistent and looking for a long-term deal. That being said, he's an outstanding nose when he wants to be.

The fact of the matter is, the 49ers can't be held hostage by the lack of a nose in the market. When you look at Vic Fangio's defenses from the past, he didn't have a 6'5" behemoth locking down the middle. 

The 49ers can get by with a rotation between Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois for the time being. The problem is, the defensive line rotation was weekend by the previous regime overhauling linebackers, so pulling Sopoaga away from the DE position becomes an issue.

Bring in Cullen Jenkins

This might not constitute a blockbuster acquisition, but the move would have a resounding affect. Cullen Jenkins is the most underrated free agent on the market. The 49ers might not have to pay an arm and a leg to bring him in and he's used to playing in the 3-4.

Jenkins can tap into some of Franklin's cash. While he's the same age as Franklin, he doesn't carry nearly the baggage. His presence allows the 49ers to shift Sopoaga inside, adds a key piece to the defensive line and gives Justin Smith an outstanding compliment on the opposite side.

Spend the Extra Cash on a Corner

There have obviously been a lot of whispers about the possibility of bringing in Nnamdi Asomugha.

The truth is, the 49ers don't need to in order to take huge strides at the position.

There are a lot of decent No. 1 corners who can hold down the job capably. They might not be able to wipe out half the field, but they also don't put the 49ers in a financial bind.

The Packers scored when they opened their wallets for Charles Woodson. It was out of character for Packers GM Ted Thompson, who likes to build through the draft, but it was a critical part of their Super Bowl run.

Likewise, the 49ers can choose to build through the draft and still feel good about investing in a surefire free agent like Asomugha. Even so, guys like Jonathan Joseph or Ike Taylor would be nice consolation prizes if the 49ers elect to pass on Asomugha.