San Francisco 49ers: Latest Free-Agency News and Rumors
Now that the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is complete, teams will be lining up to pursue the services of various free agents as they are set to hit the market this offseason.
The San Francisco 49ers are no different.
San Francisco has a number of its own free agents who could easily depart the team. Additionally, some names have been tied to the 49ers to potentially fill some voids that may emerge.
A number of former 49ers are all but destined to play elsewhere in 2015. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree looks to be on his way out. Offensive guard Mike Iupati may also price himself out of San Francisco's financial plans.
But a number of other significant free agents warrant consideration. Cornerback Chris Culliver helped solidify an effective secondary in 2015. Running back Frank Gore—long considered the bell cow of the offense—is also a pending free agent.
So what will transpire?
Decisions will be complicated by the fact that San Francisco is pressed up against the salary cap. According to Over the Cap, the 49ers will have $3,787,058 in cap space in 2015. This doesn't include possible contract restructurings or cap casualties, but it's safe to say that San Francisco doesn't have a lot of wiggle room to make many high-profile signings.
With free agency looming, let's take a look at some of the latest news and rumors that are surrounding the red and gold this offseason.
DT Ricky Jean-Francois Set to Meet with the 49ers
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The Indianapolis Colts released defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois on February 23—news of which is further described by CSN Bay Area.
Jean-Francois was scheduled to make $5.6 million in 2015, per the report.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area) reports that Jean-Francois is scheduled to meet with a variety of teams including the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins.
"Former #Colts DL and now FA Ricky Jean-Francois is visiting the #Redskins & #49ers this week, source says
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2015"
The six-year veteran spent his first four years in San Francisco under the tutelage of then-defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, who now is at the helm of the coaching staff.
Signing Jean-Francois would make sense if veteran defensive end Justin Smith decides to retire prior to 2015. Rumors surrounding Smith's possible retirement have been swirling since the end of the regular season, according to the team's official website.
Re-Signing CB Chris Culliver Will Be a Challenge
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Despite a slow start to the 2014 season, cornerback Chris Culliver was one of the primary reasons why San Francisco's secondary was such a strong part of its defense last year.
Culliver was tied for second on the team with four interceptions. While he does have some off-the-field concerns, Culliver could also wind up being a hot target on the free-agent market this offseason.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk breaks it down:
"Culliver has landed at No. 45 on the PFT Free Agent Hot 100, but the chatter suggests maybe he should be higher. Given the obsession over off-field issues that threatens to damage the draft stock of incoming rookies, it’s hard to imagine Culliver cashing in as a free agent. But with the ongoing proliferation of the passing game, guys who can cover pass catchers will continue to be at a premium, with or without the brass knuckles.
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The four-year veteran is poised to cash in on his first free-agent contract after starting his career in San Francisco but missing all of 2013 due to a season-ending injury.
One of his suitors might include the Philadelphia Eagles, per a report from Reuben Frank and Geoff Mosher of CSN Philadelphia (h/t CSN Bay Area).
"#Eagles free-agent targets may include Philly native Chris Culliver (via @CSNPhilly) http://t.co/jXDZxuorOE #49ers pic.twitter.com/spU4hoaIQI
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) February 25, 2015"
Culliver, a Philadelphia native, might be swayed to return to his hometown if the deal is good enough.
The 49ers have a deep crop of developing defensive backs including Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser. These will combine with cornerback Tramaine Brock, who is also under contract in 2015.
Fellow cornerback Perrish Cox is also a pending free agent.
WR Michael Crabtree Appears Poised to Walk
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Veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree experienced a diminished role on offense in 2015.
The former No. 1 wideout in San Francisco recorded just 68 receptions for 698 yards this season—far below the numbers posted by fellow receiver Anquan Boldin during the same period. In fact, Crabtree has posted just one 1,000-plus-yard season in his six years with the 49ers.
With Boldin signed for one more season and fellow wideout Stevie Johnson also under contract, Crabtree's tenure in San Francisco appears all but finished. Add that to the common notion that general manager Trent Baalke will target a speedy, impact wideout in the 2015 NFL draft, and Crabtree's pending free agency will likely take him elsewhere.
Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reported that it would be unlikely that Crabtree returns in 2015 even if the two sides have met to discuss contracts.
"Baalke said he plans to meet with Michael Crabtree's agent this week. Crabtree one of several prominent #49ers headed for free agency.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 18, 2015"
But with cap considerations and the lack of speed on offense being critical factors, any notion of Crabtree playing in San Francisco next season seems to be little more than a distant thought.
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No Reason to Sign RB Reggie Bush
4 of 5The Detroit Lions have parted ways with running back Reggie Bush after a disappointing season.
So would there be any reason to speculate the 49ers would target Bush as a free agent this offseason?
Given the initial circumstances, it might not be out of the question. Running back Frank Gore is going to be a free agent, and there are plenty of obstacles to retaining the 31-year-old veteran who holds the franchise record in rushing yards.
Gore's potential departure would leave fellow backs Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter in the wake. Adding a dynamic threat like Bush would help the offense, given what he brings to the table.
But, contracts aside, it's hard to fathom a conservative, power-running offense utilizing the skill set that Bush possesses.
Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus elaborates further:
"#49ers attempted five screens to RBs in 2014. Entire RB group caught 44 passes. Unless they utilize RBs differently, no reason to sign Bush.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) February 25, 2015"
Based on Deeney's assessment, we should assume San Francisco will have zero interest in Bush this offseason.
Frank Gore Is Seeking $4 Million in 2015
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So the biggest free-agent priority for the 49ers this offseason will still be re-signing running back Frank Gore.
He crested 1,000 rushing yards for the eighth time in his storied career. It's hard to argue against the 31-year-old veteran's abilities despite his age, but will San Francisco continue to hope that Gore can contribute at such a high level beyond 2014?
General manager Trent Baalke has repeatedly stated that he wants Gore back next season. But will cost considerations and the desire to give No. 2 back Carlos Hyde a prominent role force San Francisco to part ways with the fan favorite?
Complicating matters is the recent news that Gore wants $4 million in 2015. According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, Gore is seeking this number next season. But La Canfora also admits that the likeliest of landing spots for the running back would be with the 49ers given this number.
Yet Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area (h/t 95.7 The Game) disagrees. He feels that the Indianapolis Colts will be a hot suitor for Gore's services next year.
".@MaioccoCSN doesn't think it's a given Frank Gore is back next year with the #49ers. Says #Colts could be landing spot for him.
— 95.7 The GAME (@957thegame) February 25, 2015"
Watching Gore wearing anything but red and gold next season would be tough for all 49ers fans. But it is the reality of football.
It's a business above all else.
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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