The San Francisco 49ers are coming into the offseason with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati hitting free agency and if Vernon Davis is released, the team may target players like Darren McFadden, CJ Spiller, Owen Daniels, Torrey Smith or a trade for Andre Johnson this offseason as Jim Tomsula takes over with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback.
The 49ers are coming in after missing the playoffs for the first time in three years and that could spark some changes for the franchise. Tomsula comes in to take over for Harbaugh, who won 44 games in his four seasons in the Bay Area. Gore, Crabtree and Iupati are the top free agents for the Niners and there is a chance that all three players will not return. Trent Baalke said that the team wants Gore back, but he is asking for $4 million per season and could price out of San Fran.
--UPDATE: Reports have linebacker Patrick Willis, "seriously contemplating" retirement.
Gore has been as consistent as anyone in his career, but he is past 30 and the Niners may not want to pay up. According to CSN Bay Area, the Washington Redskins could be a potential landing spot for Gore, while the Indianapolis Colts also could be an option. The 49ers re-worked Aldon Smith's contract this past week, converting some money to non-guaranteed pay as a "good faith" move by Smith and it also frees up money for the team to use. The Niners get some extra cap space and that could help the team sign some of their own players and add new ones.
The team has already made an addition by signing Jerome Simpson to a two year deal and that could signal the departure of Michael Crabtree. Simpson is 29 years old and comes in after putting up 48 catches for 726 yards for the Vikings in 2013, but he did not play last season. The 49ers reportedly met with Ted Ginn this week and also signed Darnell Dockett and those moves could mean that Crabtree and other players will not be returning. Andre Johnson is being shopped by the Texans and if he is released, he could be a target for the 49ers, as Colin Kaepernick needs some upgrades after a down season passing the ball.
Crabtree is coming off of a disappointing season with 68 catches for 698 yards in 16 games and CSN Bay Area reports that he could get around $4 million per season on the market. The report says that the Niners are interested in bringing back Crabtree, but depending on how the negotiations go, the team could look at other options on the market. There is a chance that Davis could be a salary cap casualty this offseason after dealing with injuries last season, but general manager Trent Baalke said he wants the tight end to return.
Some players on the free agent market the Niners could look at include CJ Spiller, Darren McFadden and Byron Maxwell. According to ESPN.com, Spiller could be a target for the 49ers, Dolphins, Raiders, Jets and Arizona Cardinals this offseason, while McFadden is not expected back for the Raiders. Gore reportedly wants $4 million per season according to CSN Bay Area and that could price him out of San Francisco. Mike Iupati is a significant free agent for the Niners and he is hitting the market after previously being a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player in San Francisco.
