Why the San Francisco 49ers Will Be Winners in Free Agency

Today's 4:00 p.m. ET kickoff of the NFL's free agency period is likely to be a quiet one for the 49ers' front office and its fans.

Leading up to it sure hasn't been that way.

Trent Baalke and Co. have been hard at work in recent weeks, locking up several key pieces from San Fran's tenacious defense of a season ago.

Alex Smith is close to agreeing on a three-year deal as well—all but eliminating the hopes of those who've been clamoring for Peyton Manning to come to Cali.

And as you're probably well aware of by now, the 49ers have signed Randy Moss. The 35-year-old veteran receiver worked out in San Francisco on Monday, not long before inking a one-year deal with the Niners. 

So what else does the front office have up its sleeve this spring? The deal with Moss likely won't take up much cap space, and the 49ers still have some spending cash.

While they're not ones to waste, there is some shopping to be done.

The next couple of slides will highlight what the 49ers' front office will do (or won't do) to assure they come out winners in free agency once again.

Retaining the Pieces That Got You Here

While some NFL franchises have been cleaning house in preparation for a free-agency spending spree, the 49ers have been busy keeping their own off the market.

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks signed a cap-friendly six-year deal in late February, and the team slapped its' franchise tag on Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson shortly after.

Since then, they've also retained important reserve players such as Tramaine Brock, Will Tukuafu and special teams' ace, C.J. Spillman.

Smith is easing the minds of those that want him in San Fran (myself included), allowing the front office to continue filling the roster's few holes rather than creating more. 

Veteran Help Won't Be Hard to Find

Is there something to be said about Moss choosing Alex over Drew Brees as the quarterback to help revive his NFL career? 

I think so.

Moss worked out for the Saints a week ago, and basically impressed everyone in sight. While it's unknown (to my knowledge) if New Orleans actually offered him a contract—the fact that he so quickly chose San Francisco says a lot about where the franchise is headed.

Harbaugh was also a big factor in his decision, as Moss had this to say about the Niners' coach:

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"Harbaugh is a young, enthusiastic coach. I love enthusiasm," Moss said. "A lot of things stood out to me."

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You and most NFL veterans.

Even if Moss doesn't succeed in San Fran, his keen interest in Harbaugh and the 49ers franchise may attract a couple more deals like this in the future.

Staying out of Bidding Wars

It's well documented that the 49ers' front office won't be throwing the bank at any one player.

They'll reward their own prior to overpaying a newcomer, and rightfully so. Plenty of NFL owners will lavishly dole out giant paychecks to top-tier free agents in order to revamp their respective rosters, all while the 49ers just sit back and enjoy the show.

With that said, this year's free-agent pool is a deep one, and there are plenty of helpful hands to be had.

San Francisco could still use another wideout, and may search for a long-term solution at right guard as well.

Receivers like Mike Wallace and Vincent Jackson will garner plenty of attention throughout free agency, allowing the 49ers to focus on cheaper (and still effective) options like Pierre Garcon or Reggie Wayne. 

In Closing

The truth is, Trent Baalke and company did so well during free agency a year ago that they won't need to add much this spring. 

They'll likely add a little depth, continue to supplement through the NFL draft and then prepare for training camp.

Considering Harbaugh led his mighty men to a 13-3 record and the NFC West title in his first ever season as an NFL coach—the 49ers may not need to do anything to be considered winners this spring.

These Niners like to leave the excitement for the gridiron, anyway.