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49ers bolster roster with familiar faces on first day of free agency
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The 49ers said that they wouldn't make a splash on the first day of the open free agent market. However, they may have made the biggest splash by welcoming back some familiar faces to the roster.
The 49ers brought back kick returner Allen Rossum, linebacker Takeo Spikes and free agent fullback Moran Norris.
Rossum agreed to a contract (no official details) with the 49ers after a tremendous season that improved the special team. Rossum is second all-time in return yards in NFL history and last year, his highlight was the 104-yard kick return to against the Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
The 49ers have kick returner Michael Spurlock on the team, but with Rossum back, he can still lead the way as well as coach the young Spurlock. If Rossum had not been re-signed, the 49ers wouldn't have been in terrible shape. But with Rossum's return, the 49ers are keeping together core players that helped the team in the second half of the season.
Spikes was also brought back by the team. The reports say that the contract is for two years, but the details have yet to be made official. Spikes was a great mentor to a young linebacking core this past season. Spikes, who finished on the team with 122 tackles, said he wanted to return to the team and the 49ers were in good talks with him.
Spikes, 32, still has the legs to cause havoc for the opposing quarterbacks. He even had an interception in three consecutive games. Keeping this veteran around was a very smart move.
But the biggest move the 49ers made today was to bring in former 49er fullback Moran Norris. Norris played for the 49ers in 2006-2007. He was the fullback for running back Frank Gore's two best offensive seasons. The contract is reported to be three years for $5 million.
After spending one miserable season in Detroit, Norris returns to an offense that is committed to the run. We still don't know how the new offense will run. But with the 49ers claiming that they will use a two-back system, the 49ers will definitely have a lot at hand for Norris in the run game.
Familiarity was what Friday was all about and the 49ers brought back some great familiar faces. They definitely will be active on Saturday too. Wide receiver Brandon Jones (Titans) is in the South Bay right now and after his physical, will meet with head coach Mike Singletary in the morning. If all goes well, they might have a contract ready for him to sign.
Unless something happens tonight, I'll catch you folks tomorrow morning.
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