With the 2012 NFL season over, there is always the question on who returns with the team and who doesn't via free agency. Here is the list of unrestricted free agents for the 49ers answer who is worth keeping and who should walk:
Leonard Davis: Davis was the extra guard and used in jumbo packages for the 49ers. If Mike Iupati or Alex Boone were injured, he would've taken over. Davis was viewed as a short term fix on the depth chart and he most likely will not return with Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney both waiting their turn.
Ted Ginn Jr.: When the season ended, Ginn became just a punt returner and only saw a few smaps as a receiver. He was most remembered for being unable to receive the botched pitch which led to a St. Louis Rams touchdown. LaMichael James took over for kick returning duties. Despite Ginn being ineffective until the Super Bowl as a punt returner, the 49ers will not have a proven player at his position if he leaves. Ginn would come back for a low price and the depth at wide receiver is still in question.
Dashon Goldson: Jim Harbaugh openly said he deserves a long-term deal, but it will be easier said than done. In the past, Harbaugh said he wanted Alex Smith and Josh Morgan back, but only Smith returned. Goldson's asking price will be high as he wanted to be one of the highest paid safeties in the league back in 2010. He stated that he doesn't want a franchise tag for the second consecutive season. With Goldson coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2012, what do the 49ers do after signing a long-term extension with NaVorro Bowman?
Tavares Gooden: He was one of the stars on special teams for the 49ers. Despite being one of the better players on kicking coverage, the unit as a whole regressed from 2011. It was highlighted by a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jacoby Jones.
Larry Grant: Grant is the team's third inside linebacker and showed he's capable of backing up Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. Unless another team gives an excessive offer for him to be a starter, he should return to the 49ers. Grant has also done well on special teams.
Clark Haggans: Haggans was brought in for OLB depth when Parys Haralson was ruled out for the season back in August. He was only on the field for 48 snaps and appears to be expendable.
Ricky Jean Francois: Jean Francois took over at NT when Isaac Sopoaga went down an injuries early in the season against the New York Jets. He also had to step in at DE when Justin Smith was injured during the game against the New England Patriots in Week 15. He showed versatility and the 49ers would want him back, but does another team give him a better offer?
Darcel McBath: McBath ended up being the first backup safety if Donte Whitner or Dashon Goldson were injured. He didn't see any time on defense but contributed on special teams. His most notable play was in the Super Bowl where was able to tackle Justin Tucker on the fake field goal. The only way he returns is if the 49ers don't feel confident in young players Michael Thomas and 2012 draft pick Trenton Robinson.
Randy Moss: Moss openly said he wasn't happy with his role as a decoy or secondary receiver with the 49ers. He had his chance when Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams went down with injuries, but failed to take over a game like he is the "greatest receiver of all time." It will be the biggest free agency question mark on whether he returns with the 49ers or not. Moss is a polarizing figure in the NFL and his direction in the future is uncertain.
Isaac Sopoaga: One of the longest tenured 49ers since the Dennis Erickson era could have played his last snap during the Super Bowl. His role diminished with Jean Francois taking over at NT. His return to the 49ers will depend on what other teams think of Jean Francois in the free agency market.
Delanie Walker: Walker was the backup to Vernon Davis and could be a starting TE on several other teams. He is a great blocker, but has inconsistent hands. When Colin Kaepernick took over, he developed a strong chemistry with him and his stock went up. Walker should get some looks in free agency from other teams with his improved play in the second half.
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