5 Free Agents the San Francisco 49ers Should Let Walk This Offseason

After the thrilling finish in the divisional round against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, the San Francisco 49ers are now preparing to butt heads with the New York Football Giants for NFC supremacy. 

Who would have thought the San Francisco 49ers as Super Bowl contenders in the early season? How about even playoff contenders? 

The culture is not transforming in San Francisco—it has already happened. The 49ers have a legit shot to not only attend the Super Bowl, but actually win the whole dang thing. 

With such a drastic turnaround, who deserves majority of the credit? Many fans believe Jim Harbaugh deserves the majority of the props––and rightfully so––but Trent Baalke, the 49ers general manager, merits recognition as well.

Scott McCloughan, former 49ers general manager, was replaced by Trent Baalke after reported rumors regarding his personal issues––marital problems. Baalke officially retained the title of GM in the early parts of 2011 and hasn't looked back. 

Baalke was criticized in the early parts of free agency for the 49ers lack of involvement but the first time GM came strong at the end. He signed several standout players to one-year deals. 

Two notable signings include Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson, both Pro Bowlers in 2012.

Baalke's achievements did not go unnoticed, as the first time GM won the executive of the year award for the 2011-2012 season. 

The season is far from over, but I thought it necessary to analyze the in-house free agents and which players Baalke should resign or let walk. 

Larry Grant (ILB)

Grant played great in filling in for Patrick Willis, but the four-year veteran will likely demand a contract the 49ers can ill-avoid to pay. 

Despite the talent, Grant plays behind two All-Pro linebackers in Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. The 49ers must spend that money on areas of need not strengths. 

Moran Norris (FB)

Norris shouldn't be a surprise selection here. Rookie Bruce Miller hasn't looked back after filling in for Norris in the early parts of this season. 

Miller has the potential to be an All-Pro at his position and will come at a cheaper price tag than Norris. 

Chilo Rachal (OG)

Another selection that shouldn't count as a surprise. Chilo has been a huge disappointment and should be lucky the 49ers did not cut ties with him earlier in the season. 

Adam Snyder will likely be resigned if the 49ers fail to address the interior of the offensive line in the draft or in free agency. 

Josh Morgan (WR)

This should be a shocker to some fans who watched Morgan in the early parts of this season. Morgan looked to be a perfect fit in Harbaugh's West Coast scheme, but a season ending injury has derailed the young wideouts progress in 2011-2012. 

Morgan is coming back from a serious injury (broken leg) and who knows how long it will take the wideout to return to his previous form. Before this year, Morgan was far too inconsistent despite the flashes of potential. 

If the 49ers draft a wide receiver in either of the first two rounds in 2012, look for Baalke to pass on resigning Morgan. 

Dashon Goldson (FS)

Another surprise selection but this has more to do with money than actual performance. Dashon played at a high level, but the 49ers secondary has given up far too many big pass plays for Baalke to look the other way. 

While the 49ers secondary is quite adept at creating turnovers, this can't go on forever. The New Orleans Saints are the perfect example.

The Saints gave up big pass plays regularly during their Super Bowl run but that secondary made up for their coverage woes with an abundance of turnovers. After the turnovers dried up, the Saints defense went down the drain. 

Now the 49ers will not suffer the same ending as the Saints, but a decline is not out of the question.

Goldson collected six interceptions this season, but can the 49ers expect this type of performance on a consistent basis? If the 49ers can't resign Goldson at a reasonable price, then Baalke should let Goldson walk.