San Francisco 49ers: Free Agency Grades

After the dust has settled, the 49ers have finally decided to join the free-agent frenzy. Fans were obviously worried about the 49ers lack of involvement in free agency and rightfully so. 

The 49ers lost key free agents in guard/center David Baas and linebacker Takeo Spikes. With no impact signings to replace such starters, some fans believed that the front office was "tanking" this season in the hopes of acquiring Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL draft. 

While that theory had credence early on in free agency, the 49ers have rebounded quite nicely in the later hours of free agency. There are still doubts regarding how competitive the 49ers will be within the division but at least it seems the arrow isn't pointing down (as of right now). 

With the preseason quickly approaching, I have decided to grade each individual signing. 

David Akers (K)

Previous Team: Philadelphia Eagles

While the kicker position wasn't high on the 49ers list of needs, it was a solid signing nonetheless. Akers has been a dependable (not counting playoff performance against Falcons) and consistent kicker for the last 12 NFL seasons with the Eagles. 

Grade: B

Donte Whitner (FS)

Previous Team: Buffalo Bills 

In the last two years, the Bills have placed in the top five in pass defense (second in 2009; third in 2010). Whitner isn't much of a playmaking safety in regards to interceptions (five picks in the last five years) but is a sure tackler and has proven to be consistent in coverage. 

The 49ers badly need safety help and Whitner should prove to be an excellent signing. He is a true free safety and should pair well with either Reggie Smith/C.J. Williams/Madieu Williams (and maybe Taylor Mays unless the email was a joke). 

Whitner is an upgrade over Goldson, who's really more of a strong safety. 

Grade: A-

Ray McDonald (DE)

Previous Team: San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers smartly re-signed Ray McDonald and he should be a fixture at the right end for the foreseeable future. With the loss of nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, the 49ers had to re-sign McDonald to have some continuity on the line. 

McDonald played well last season and is deserving of the raise. 

Grade: B+

Jonathan Goodwin (C)

Previous Team: New Orleans Saints 

Goodwin was an excellent pickup for the 49ers. The 49ers still must address the center position for the future but Goodwin is a solid stop-gap until then. Goodwin was a starter in the 2009 Pro Bowl and an alternate last season. His experience should help a very young but talented offensive line in San Francisco.

Eric Heitmann was a solid player for the 49ers but injury issues with his neck resulted in his release. David Baas would have been the fill-in but he departed for the Giants.

Grade: A+

Madieu Williams (SS)

Previous Team: Minnesota Vikings 

Madieu Williams was a solid and cheap sign for the 49ers but there is doubt regarding his role. I had him pegged as the starter but there are rumblings of Reggie Smith's performances in training camp (more like dominance from what I am hearing). 

If Smith performs poorly in the preseason, Williams will likely start alongside Whitner. 

Grade: C+

Carlos Rogers (CB)

Previous Team: Washington Redskins 

Rogers was a steal for the 49ers this late in free agency. He isn't much of a playmaking cornerback but is solid and consistent in coverage. Rogers is a definite upgrade over the inconsistent Nate Clements, who signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.

The secondary should be better with Rogers but don't expect much playmaking from the seven-year veteran (eight interceptions in his six-year career). 

Grade: A

Braylon Edwards (WR)

Previous Team: New York Jets 

This was a surprise signing in my eyes. Harbaugh and Baalke have stated they are looking for high character players and Edwards doesn't fit that description. He has had numerous off-the-field incidents and may be in line for a suspension for his recent digressions. 

Besides the off-the-field incidents, Edwards is extremely talented and could prove to be a steal. The 49ers signed him on the cheap, so there isn't much risk involved. Edwards will be looking to his next contract, so production is expected. He's a tall receiver with deep-threat speed and should fit in nicely opposite Michael Crabtree. 

Grade: B+