San Francisco 49ers: 5 Free Agents the 49ers Must Sign

Since the lockout has been lifted and the free agency period began, the San Francisco 49ers have been passive in their efforts to acquire players. 

As more and more free agents are signed every day it is time for the 49ers to become active and improve their roster.

San Francisco has needs at several positions and will need to make multiple signings if they plan to compete in the NFC West this season.

Here are five free agents the 49ers must sign this offseason.

5. Olin Kreutz, C

Now that Eric Heitman and David Baas are no longer with the 49ers, the team is in need of a center.  Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz has reportedly decided not to re-sign with the Bears after being insulted by their offer.

The 49ers would welcome his leadership on their offensive line which is a fairly young group.  Assuming San Francisco is willing to pay him well for his services, Kreutz and the 49ers could get a deal done within the week.

Chicago has been rebuilding their offensive line for a couple seasons now, but Kreutz has been the staple.  He will definitely be missed on the field and in the locker room in Chicago.

4. Dashon Goldson, S

The 49ers have let Dashon Goldson test the free agent market, and up to this point there seem to be very few suitors.  Goldson wanted big money from the 49ers to re-sign initially but now they may be able to get him a reduced rate.

There is no doubt that he is a talented safety but after a disappointing 2010 campaign the 49ers hope that he can regain his form from 2009.

Goldson will have to sit down with the new 49ers coaching staff to make sure that their defensive scheme will mesh; otherwise he should sign shortly.

3. Malcom Floyd, WR

With the news breaking about Michael Crabtree’s foot injury, it is clear that the 49ers need a wide receiver.  Most of the marquee names have already signed but several talented veterans remain available.

Free agent wide receiver Malcom Floyd’s skill set would be greatly appreciated in San Francisco.  There have been reports that he will not re-sign with the Chargers and that the 49ers are interested in signing him.

San Francisco has been pretty stagnant since the lockout ended, so landing a talented receiver like Floyd would be a great for Alex Smith and Co.

2. Aubrayo Franklin, DT

San Francisco has let defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin test the free agent market like safety Dashon Goldson.  Franklin has experienced the indifference Goldson has.

Because he did not have the best relationship with the previous regime in San Francisco his services have not been extremely valuable around the league.

At this point the 49ers are still very much in need of a nose tackle and would be silly to pass up Franklin for a cheaper and less skilled alternative.

1. Any Cornerback

After releasing Nate Clements, the 49ers do not have a true No. 1 cornerback.  At this point in free agency there are very few top tier corners available so it is important that San Francisco act fast.

Antonio Cromartie is close to re-signing with the Jets which means there is one less Pro Bowl corner available.

The 49ers should target cornerbacks like Carlos Rogers, Phillip Buchanon, Ellis Hobbs and Lito Sheppard.  Although none of those guys are No. 1 guys, they are in the 49ers price range and can give the team depth.