San Francisco 49ers Free Agency: Grading Every Signing so Far

After a 13-3 season that saw them emerge as one of the NFL's best teams, the San Francisco 49ers could have been content to have a quiet offseason.

Instead, the Niners have been as busy as anyone in the 2012 free-agent period, making no fewer than six significant signings. 

The squad also retained their most important free agents, including Alex Smith, Ahmad Brooks and Carlos Rogers.

Even factoring the departures of Blake Costanzo, Josh Morgan and even Adam Snyder, I would say the offseason has been kind to the 49ers.

Let's break down all of the signings so far.

Mario Manningham

It's not often a teams gets to add a Super Bowl hero and address their greatest need. The 49ers did just that by signing wide receiver Mario Manningam.

Manningham is most know for a sensational Super Bowl catch that helped the New York Giants hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Manningham missed a quarter of the 2011 season, limiting him to only 39 catches. In 2010, however, he amassed nearly a thousand yards and nine scores. 

Manningham may not quite be an elite receiver, but he'll make an instant impact on the offensive side of the ball.

Grade: A

Brandon Jacobs

The idea of taking the backfield heat off of aging workhorse Frank Gore is understandable.

Signing Brandon Jacobs, actually a year Gore's senior, is less so.

While Jacobs has twice toppled the 1,000-yard rushing mark, the 49ers will not be getting Jacobs anywhere near his prime. In 2011, he gained only 3.8 yards per carry, having his worst season in five years.

With Jacobs turning 30 in the offseason, it's doubtful he'll bounce back in 2012.

Of course, he will probably be a better short-yardage back than Anthony Dixon. But I would hope he doesn't take too many carries away from up-and-comer Kendall Hunter.

Grade: C

Randy Moss

Randy Moss is the epitome of a low-risk, high-reward signing.

Sure, there are significant doubts about the 35-year-old. Coming off a one-year sabbatical after a disappointing 2010 campaign, one wonders how much is left in his tank.

Wisely, the 49ers offered Moss a one-year, incentive-laden deal. If he shows up to training camp out of shape or with a bad attitude, the Niners can cut him easily.

However, if he can recapture even a fraction of his former glory, Moss may give Alex Smith a real down-field weapon.

Grade: A-

Josh Johnson

On paper, signing Josh Johnson makes perfect sense.

As you may well know, Johnson played quarterback under head coach Jim Harbaugh at University of San Diego, which should give him a solid understanding of the offensive game plan.

That said, Johnson struggled in limited playing time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, registering a paltry 57.7 passer rating. 

Johnson may be able to beat out Colin Kaepernick for the backup spot in the preseason, but I wouldn't expect to see much of him in 2012.

Still, a decent move to add quarterback depth. 

Grade: B

Perrish Cox

On the upside, Perrish Cox adds much-needed depth to the 49ers secondary. 

On the other hand, the former Bronco has significant character concerns. His recent acquittal from sexual assault charges aside, Cox has a history of being arrested and suspended back in college. 

Hopefully the corner is able to put his past behind him. If so, the 49ers are getting a player who was able to rise from fifth-round draft pick to starting cornerback in his rookie season. 

Ultimately, red flags about Cox's character are the only thing preventing a higher grade.

Grade: B-

Rock Cartwright

Adding Rock Cartwright wasn't exactly a sexy move, but it could work out.

At this point in his career, Cartwright no longer adds much to the running or return games. However, he did make an impact on special teams during his two-year stint with the Raiders. 

Cartwright will help fill the void left by the departure of special teams stud Blake Costanzo.

The lack of overall significance hurts his grade, but Cartwright is a nice little pick up. 

Grade: B-