San Francisco 49ers: 10 Most Important Free Agency Decisions

With the lockout at a close, we are about to embark on the most eventful weeks in NFL offseason history. Free agency begins at the end of the week, and though the 49ers have indicated they won't be making a huge splash in free agency, don't expect them to remain quiet.

If Jim Harbaugh wants to kick off his head coaching regime the right way, he's got to re-sign key free agents, part ways with the dead weight and bring in guys who can have an immediate impact.

Here are the 10 most important free agency decisions the 49ers have to make.

Let Aubrayo Franklin Walk?

Aubrayo Franklin commands too much money, especially given the season he's coming off of. He had a great outing in 2009, but he wants elite nose tackle money after one fringe Pro Bowl year in his career.

Franklin would be the best 3-4 defensive tackle to hit the free agency market, should the 49ers decide to part ways with him. His departure would create a huge hole for the 49ers, but the 49ers can excel without him.

Vic Fangio's defenses don't require a 6'5" two-gap behemoth to succeed. Franklin's departure frees up a ton of money and rids them of the financial headache. 

Bring in Cullen Jenkins?

Cullen Jenkins is the best defensive end on the market. If the 49ers choose to part ways with Franklin, they've got to bring in another defensive lineman. Jenkins presence gives them two superb 3-4 defensive ends and allows Isaac Sopoaga to rotate with Ricky Jean-Francois at the nose.

Ideally, there would be a nose tackle of Jenkins' caliber on the market, but bookend defensive ends like Justin Smith and Jenkins would be a huge boost to the front seven. He's not going to come cheap, but the 49ers will have money to spend if Franklin walks.

Re-Sign Takeo Spikes?

Takeo Spikes was brought in to play alongside Patrick Willis. To say that the move worked out would be an understatement. He's been an outstanding compliment to Willis and has given the 49ers more than they ever imagined he could.

Spikes is old, but he can still perform. NaVorro Bowman is waiting patiently to break into the lineup, but he will get his chance when Spikes retires. For the time being, Bowman is going to get plenty of reps when Spikes needs a breather, which should be often.

Ditch Nate Clements?

This one should be an easy decision. Nate Clements is grossly overpriced and is unlikely to take a pay cut or move to safety for the 49ers.

As a result, the 49ers are almost obligated to let their once blockbuster free agent acquisition walk. While it hurts to take a corner away from an already bleak cornerback situation, it's a must.

Who Is Going to Fill the Nate Clements Void?

Cornerback is the deepest position in free agency this year. That's great news for the 49ers, who are sure to invest in at least one free agent cornerback.

There have been a lot of people who suggest that Nnamdi Asomugha should come to the 49ers. He's a top-two corner in the league, but he's going to command a huge amount of money. He's not overrated, but he's certainly overpriced.

The 49ers are likely to explore other options. Ike Taylor, Jonathan Joseph and Antonio Cromartie are also going to be available. Of the three, Joseph would offer the best bang for the 49ers' buck.

Free agents coming out of Pittsburgh's defense don't typically do well, to say the least. Cromartie comes with serious baggage and will likely want to be paid as one of the best corners in the league.

Should Dashon Goldson Get an Extension?

Joe Staley and Kyle Williams have already rallied around "Hawk," supporting Goldson on Twitter by saying, they need him back.

They are absolutely correct and they won't be the last 49ers to get behind Goldson. He's not an elite safety, but he shouldn't be dinged for his regression from 2009 to 2010. He's solid in run defense and he has an intimidating presence at safety that is incredibly valuable to the 49ers.

The problem is that he might be a bit too expensive to justify bringing him back. He has shortcomings in coverage and he isn't a sure tackler, as he often gets caught in over-pursuit. Even so, he's too good to let walk. The 49ers are going to have money to kick around and Goldson has earned a place on the roster.

Where Does David Baas Fit?

David Baas is a free agent, but he's almost guaranteed a chance to come back. He stepped in capably when Eric Heitmann went down last season. Baas has shown that he can play anywhere on the interior line.

With Heitmann set to miss this season as well, the 49ers can't afford to lose Baas to free agency. While the 49ers could use Baas at right guard, his time at center has allowed the offensive line to get comfortable with him. Expect to see him anchoring the line at center.

Do They Need Ray McDonald?

The previous regime overhauled the roster with linebackers. It makes sense, given the scheme they run, but the lack of defensive lineman in the rotation is cause for concern.

McDonald would be a great piece to rotate in and out. He's been quietly productive during his time in San Francisco and as long as he isn't going to demand starter money, the 49ers can afford to bring him back.

Does Alex Smith Deserve a Raise?

Alex Smith's contract was restructured from his original rookie deal. He is currently a free agent, and there are a number of teams who would likely be interested in Smith if he hit the market. As a result, the asking price for Smith may be on the rise.

Clearly Smith is coming back to San Francisco, but the terms of his deal haven't been worked out. A two-year deal laden with incentives seems to be a logical deal for Smith. He has a lot to prove, but Smith deserves to make middle-of-the-road starting NFL quarterback money.

Who Will Fill the Third Quarterback Roster Spot?

David Carr is the only quarterback under contract for the 49ers. I promise, he won't be back. With Colin Kaepernick being their developmental quarterback and Alex Smith heading into training camp as the starter, the 49ers need to bring in a veteran.

Carson Palmer is a name that has been tied to San Francisco, given his wife's ties to the Bay Area, but he's still under contract with the Bengals for the time being.

Notable free agents who could contribute to depth and have experience under center are Matt Hasselbeck and Mark Bulger. Matt Leinart could also be brought in, which is interesting, as all three quarterbacks have serious NFC West ties.

Keep in mind that this quarterback won't necessarily assume the role of third string. The goal is to make the position as competitive as possible. In a battle between Smith and Hasselbeck, Colin Kaepernick could very well assume the emergency quarterback role.

Last season, the problem at the end of the season was that not one quarterback on roster could command the 2010 offense to victory consistently. This year, Harbaugh could put forth three.