With the NFL free agency period is exactly one month away, let's take a quick look at each San Francisco 49er that is unsigned through next year. How high is each player on the 49ers' priority level list?
QB Alex Smith (HIGH): The team finally found the quarterback they have been looking for this past season. The team has made it known they want to bring him back and all signs point to Smith returning and keeping continuity for the offense. Expect possibly a three or four-year deal.
RG Adam Snyder (MEDIUM): He played very well when he was asked to replace Chilo Rachal. Because of that, his value may have increased. If the price is right, the team will try to bring him back. But if he gets higher offers elsewhere, the 49ers are ready to move on.
RG Chilo Rachal (LOW): The chances of Rachal returning is very low. He has been inconsistent throughout his entire career and the team likely doesn't see him as starter material with them.
TE Justin Peelle (LOW): He was very serviceable for the 49ers early on and helped out when Delanie Walker got hurt. But now with the return of Nate Byham, the team can cut ties with Peelle.
WR Joshua Morgan (HIGH): The team wants him back and Morgan will likely sign a one-year deal. He'll probably test the market to see his worth but staying with the 49ers is his best career choice right now. He's high on the 49ers priority list and it will be easy to bring him back.
WR Ted Ginn (MEDIUM): Great value on special teams but OK receiver. If the 49ers don't want Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter as returners, Ginn stays with the 49ers. Ginn was valuable to the team all year long and would have been a tremendous factor in the NFC Championship game had he not gotten hurt.
FB Moran Norris (LOW): Bruce Miller is now the team's starting fullback. Norris has been declining and his time with the 49ers is over.
WR Brett Swain (LOW): Swain is a restricted free agent and did OK in his time with the 49ers. They could maintain him for depth chart purposes but the 49ers won't sweat it if he's gone.
FS Dashon Goldson (HIGH): They'll likely give him the franchise tag if a new deal isn't worked out. Goldson got his first Pro Bowl selection this year and the 49ers know that they can't let this budding talent go on the free agent market (again).
OLB Ahmad Brooks (MEDIUM): The team would love to bring him back, but he might have priced himself out of the 49ers' range. However, the team is low on outside linebacker and getting stability at the position will be key. The 49ers won't jump on signing Brooks back immediately, but they will make a strong effort to retain him once the team can wrap up other free agents on the team.
CB Carlos Rogers (MEDIUM): The reason why it's not high is because the 49ers know they can move on without Rogers. Despite his tremendous season, the 49ers know if they lose him, they can develop Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock. Now, if the 49ers can get a hometown discount, they will definitely bring back Rogers. But if he's too expensive, they will have to let him go.
S Madieu Williams (LOW): Ended up doing special teams duties at the end of the year. The 49ers can move on without Williams.
S Reggie Smith (LOW): With so much depth at the safety position, Smith is unlikely to return.
LB Tavares Gooden (LOW): Strong special teams leader, but can be replaced. I don't see the 49ers making a huge deal in trying to bring him back.
LB Larry Grant (MEDIUM): The 49ers are lucky that Grant is a restricted free agent and they can match the offer. However, Grant might have played himself to a big contract when Patrick Willis missed some games. He is definitely a player the 49ers want to keep if the price is right.
LB Blake Costanzo (MEDIUM): He became a special teams leader and worked real well with Brad Seely. If the 49ers believe he can duplicate this effort under Seely, Costanzo returns.
S CJ Spillman (HIGH): I give Spillman high priority despite him playing special teams mainly. He was a great tackler on special teams and was a tremendous fill-in on defense. The 49ers should be able to hold onto him and keep his strong play on the roster.
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