49ers Free Agents: Ranking Re-Sign Priorities for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers are going to have some tough choices regarding some of their pending free agents this offseason.
A total of 21 players are set to become free agents in 2015. Some, like linebacker Michael Wilhoite and defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie, are conditional free agents—players whose contract terms give the 49ers some flexibility in retaining their services for next season.
Other players signed one-year deals to help bolster a team beset by injuries and setbacks in 2014.
And then there are some key contributors whose future contracts will likely force general manager Trent Baalke and chief contract negotiator Paraag Marathe to part ways with their services. Offensive guard Mike Iupati and wide receiver Michael Crabtree fall into this category.
But what of some other notable free agents? Which players will San Francisco be able to work into its future plans?
The 49ers' cap situation isn't dire, but it's not exactly great either. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the NFL salary cap in 2015 will be somewhere between $138.6 million and $141.8 million.
San Francisco's top 51 contracts in 2015 amount to $146,863,694, according to Over the Cap. The 49ers will also have just over $3 million in unused cap space this season, which can roll over into next year's figure. Additional contract restructures could give San Francisco a little more wiggle room in approaching free agency this offseason.
Still, the 49ers don't have a lot of room in which to spend. With that in mind, which players stand out in terms of priority?
No. 5: Safety Raymond Ventrone
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One might not consider a backup safety to be a high target this offseason.
But safety Raymond "Bubba" Ventrone is one player whose contributions are more than just at depth.
Ventrone is best utilized on special teams and appeared in eight games for the 49ers after being re-signed back in October.
Bringing Ventrone back to San Francisco won't cost too much. The 28-year-old special teams ace counted just $335,294 against the cap in 2014, so a one-year deal wouldn't hit the 49ers' pocketbooks too much.
The same argument could be made about fellow special teamer Kassim Osgood—another player who accounted for less than a $400,000 cap hit this season. But Osgood is 34 years old, and the 49ers might be looking to get younger within this particular unit.
Special teams, while not particularly sexy, cannot be overlooked. Coverage units are important, and Ventrone has been a worthy piece.
No. 4: Linebacker Dan Skuta
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Linebacker Dan Skuta is another critical piece of the 49ers special teams unit. But he also saw plenty of service in a starting role on defense.
The nine-game suspension handed out to fellow linebacker Aldon Smith opened up the door for Skuta to enjoy a more prominent role in 2014. In Smith's stead—and through the remainder of the year—Skuta enjoyed career bests in tackles (25), forced fumbles (three) and sacks (five).
His five sacks was tied for second on the team along with defensive end Justin Smith. Skuta's performance was a perfect way to round out his two-year, $3 million deal.
Skuta is in line for a nice pay raise this offseason. The only question is whether the 49ers will try to re-sign him.
One may also consider the change at head coach. But Skuta also revealed that he has a desire to play under new head coach Jim Tomsula per Taylor Price of 49ers.com.
"#49ers fans should listen to this @Dskuta51 interview on why he wants to play for #JimTomsula. http://t.co/ZrWtqMUrRu
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) January 15, 2015"
Who knows whether Skuta's sentiments will affect contract negotiations. It's also feasible that San Francisco elects to get cheaper via the draft—finding a flexible replacement who can serve as a linebacker backup to Smith and Aaron Lynch and be able to contribute on special teams.
But it's hard to ignore Skuta's efforts in 2014. If re-signed at the right cost, his presence would be worth the deal.
No. 3: Cornerback Perrish Cox
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Cornerback Perrish Cox is another intriguing veteran whose services came into form for the 49ers in 2014.
Frequently on the roster bubble, Cox also enjoyed the best season of his five-year career. He led the team with five interceptions, which helped the 49ers defense rank No. 1 in the NFL with 23 picks overall.
Cox emerged as a presence when No. 1 cornerback Tramaine Brock missed the majority of the season due to injury. Cox wound up starting 14 games as a result. At a cap hit of $695,000, the 49ers essentially got a bargain out of his notable contributions.
So what will be the case for this defensive back who helped the 49ers defense rank No. 5 in the league in total passing yards allowed?
“Hopefully, I’m back here,” said Cox, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
Cox's decision could also hinge on the future of San Francisco's coaching staff after the departures of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell.
“That’s kind of part of it,” he said. “I want to know. I’m not rushing it at all.”
"#49ers free-agent-to-be Perrish Cox waiting to see what happens (via @MaioccoCSN) http://t.co/rgYZQcTgdZ #NFL pic.twitter.com/9c5gIqcqds
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) January 9, 2015"
Re-signing Cox won't be as costly as the possible signing of fellow cornerback, and free agent, Chris Culliver. We'll get to Culliver in a moment, but it seems as if Cox has worked himself into a legitimate role within the 49ers secondary.
Will he be a part of it next season?
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No. 2: Cornerback Chris Culliver
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Another worthwhile piece of the 49ers secondary this season was cornerback Chris Culliver.
The 26-year-old veteran rebounded nicely from an injury that derailed his 2013 campaign and made a number of notable contributions within San Francisco's defensive backfield.
Culliver ranked second on the team with four interceptions and also posted a total of 15 passes defended.
While he had some bad moments early in 2014, Culliver finished the season on a strong note. His plus-10.7 coverage grade over the last 13 games of the year put him at No. 5 among cornerbacks, per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.
The cornerback's sudden rise to prominence means he'll likely get a substantial raise over the four-year, $2.639 million deal he signed as a rookie back in 2011.
According to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Culliver's efforts could project to him becoming a top-tier cornerback on the free-agent market.
"#49ers Chris Culliver could be top-tier CB in free agency. "It'd be nice to stay but I don't know what will happen."
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 29, 2014"
Bringing Culliver back might be out of the 49ers' financial situation next season. While it is impossible to deny his progression and emergence, the contractual considerations may exceed what San Francisco can afford here.
No. 1: Running Back Frank Gore
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It's impossible to picture the 49ers' all-time rushing leader wearing anything but red and gold in 2015.
But it's very possible that could happen.
Running back Frank Gore has been linked to a number of rumors that suggest he might sign elsewhere next season. The Washington Redskins are reportedly interested, per Gabrielle McMillan of the Sporting News, and the Indianapolis Colts have also been tied to Gore's services, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN (h/t Ninerfans.com).
Gore has stressed that his top priority is to remain with the 49ers—sentiments revealed via the team's website.
"Frank Gore: "I want to be back here." http://t.co/HojW1Olxt9 pic.twitter.com/yQpvsttmxR
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 29, 2014"
Even a member of the team who would be in direct competition for the starting job next year wants him back. No. 2 back Carlos Hyde stated such via 49ers.com.
The question falls into two categories. First, does San Francisco want to continue relying on the prowess of a 31-year-old tailback? Gore is still contributing at a high level having crested 1,000 rushing yards for the eighth time in his storied career. But the top job will eventually have to be given to someone younger.
When does this happen?
On top of that, contractual discussions could force the two sides apart. Gore counted for $6.45 million against the cap last season. While it's possible that Gore signs for a team-friendly deal in 2015, the 49ers' cap situation will prevent them from spending much beyond an initial offer.
Wherever Gore lands, he'll always be a Niner.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Spotrac.com unless notified otherwise.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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