The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to undergo plenty of roster changes this offseason as they move on from Jim Harbaugh and forward with Jim Tomsula they must decide which players comeback as several big names prepare to hit the free agent market. Speaking with the media at the NFL scouting combine, the 49ers gave a few hints at which players would be a priority entering 2015.
San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke made it clear that Vernon Davis would not be going anywhere this offseason as rumors swirl the tight end could be a salary cap casualty. Statistically, Davis is coming off one of his worst seasons and yet is scheduled to earn $4.95 million in the final year of his contract. Currently looking for a pay raise, the 49ers might not give it to him, but they also do not plan on releasing him.
"It was an off year," Baalke said, via CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. "He realizes (that). The great thing about Vernon, he understands. He's been in this business long enough and he's worked hard enough, he understands where his level of play is and he still believes that he can have some great years ahead of him -- as do we. And we look forward to having him a part of those."
The 49ers need Davis to return because the jury is still out on whether or not Michael Crabtree will be returning. The wide receiver saw a major drop in production in 2014 as he suddenly found himself as the third option for Colin Kaepernick instead of the first. The wide receiver is a free agent in 2015 and many believe the 49ers will let him walk away in favor of a top rookie in this year's NFL Draft to run in tandem with Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson.
The other biggest question mark for the 49ers is Frank Gore. The veteran running back is certainly showing no signs of slowing down, but his worth is also uncertain considering he is a free-agent-to-be and a crucial player for San Francisco. Gore has stressed that he simply wants a commitment from the 49ers as the two sides begin contract negotiations. San Francisco has Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter ready to take over the rushing throne, but Baalke made it clear that Gore is still an option for the long-term outlook for the 49ers.
"We're going to do what we can to get him back as a 49er," Baalke said, via 49ers.com. "I talked to him the other day on the phone. He's a very good football player and one of the most, if not the most, passionate football players I've ever been around."