The 49ers keep saying they will tread lightly in free agency this year. But a look at their roster once free agency begins shows several positions that need attention. In fact, the 49ers seem set -- numbers wise, at least -- only at center, cornerback and defensive end.
49ers roster as of 9:01 p.m.
Offense:
Quarterbacks: Shaun Hill, Alex Smith. The team will add at least one QB to the mix in free agency or the draft.
Running back: Frank Gore, Michael Robinson, Thomas Clayton, Zak Keasey. Look for the 49ers to add a fullback in free agency and a running back in the draft. Keasey is on the bubble.
Receiver: Arnaz Battle, Mark Bradford, Isaac Bruce, Jason Hill, Josh Morgan, Maurice Price, Michael Spurlock and Dominique Zeigler. The numbers here are deceiving. Bruce's return is 50/50, meaning the 49ers have only one receiver - Battle - with meaningful playing experience. It's hard to see the team not adding at least one wideout in free agency. Spurlock is a special teamer who was signed in case Allen Rossum, a FA, doesn't return.
Tight end: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, JJ Finley. Look for the 49ers to draft a tight end late in the draft a la Billy Bajema in 2005.
Center: Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace. The team does not need another center. In addition, David Baas and Tony Wragge could play the position in a pinch.
Guard: David Baas, Chilo Rachal, Tony Wragge. The numbers here are thin, and both Baas and Wragge become free agents in 2010. Look for one - or both - to be offered extensions. An inexpensive free agent likely will be added for practice depth.
Tackle: Joe Staley, Jonas Jennings, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims, Jacob Bender, Joe Toledo. The only dependable long-term option from this group is Staley. Jennings will be cut; Snyder and Sims are good back-ups, not starters. The team needs to add a starting right tackle in free agency or the draft.
Defense
Defensive end: Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga. The 49ers appear to be content with this group.
Nose tackle: Aubrayo Franklin. Sopoaga could fill in, but several good nose tackles are expected to be available in free agency.
OLB: Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Jay Moore, Ahmad Brooks. Only one of these players - Haralson - doesn't have a question mark next to him. The 49ers are expecting Lawson to regain the explosion he had before tearing an ACL in 2007, but that's not a given. Brooks teems with talent but can't be counted on yet. Moore will have a tough time making the squad. The 49ers must add depth at the position.
ILB: Patrick Willis, Jeff Ulbrich, Justin Roland. The 49ers are expected to re-sign Takeo Spikes. Still, a young "Ted" prospect is a must. Roland, an undrafted FA out of Kansas State in 2008, will get a shot.
Cornerback: Walt Harris, Nate Clements, Tarell Brown, Shawntae Spencer, Reggie Smith, Marcus Hudson. The 49ers have good depth here but didn't get much help from Smith, a third-round pick, last year. Someone must step forward to fill Donald Strickland's considerable role. Hudson could be moved to free safety.
Free safety: Mark Roman, Dashon Goldson, Jimmy Williams. Lots of question marks with this group. Unfortunately, both free agency and the draft are bare at the position.
Strong safety: Michael Lewis. Without Keith Lewis (he has a deal with Arizona) the 49ers are thin here. Both Goldson and Williams could fill in in a pinch.
-- Matt Barrows
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.