Various news sources are reporting players that the 49ers may show some interest in this week, whether it be on Thursday at 9:01 pm, the start of free agency, or sooner for those players that were cut by other teams.
WR Isaac Bruce
Thurs - 11:10pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers will go after Bruce.
WR Bernard Berrian
Thurs - 11:10pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers are not in the running for Berrian.Thurs - 9:59pm: ProFootballTalk.com states that arrangements have been made for Berrian to visit with the Vikings on Friday.
Thurs - 5:42pm: Adam Caplan of Scout.com is reporting that, in addition to the San Francisco 49ers, the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans are expected to aggressively pursue Chicago Bears wide receiver Bernard Berrian at 9:01 pm tonight. Reports have Berrian looking for something in the ballpark of $12 million in guaranteed money.
Earlier this week: John Czarnecki of ESPN states that Berrian keeps talking about wanting to play for the San Francisco 49ers. Could this mean that there have been initial talks to acquire the unrestricted free agent? ProFootballTalk.com also listed Berrian as a player that may already have a deal in place. Although, they did not say with whom.
LB Calvin Pace
Thurs - 11:10pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers are not in the running for Pace.Tues - 1:49pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat states that the 49ers will make a strong push for Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace. Six or seven teams are expected to bid for Pace. It'll take at least $14 million guaranteed to sign Pace, and according to a league source, the 49ers are willing to pay at least that price.
RB DeShaun Foster
Thurs - 10:49pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers have agreed to terms with Foster.Thurs - 2:50pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that there is one other team still in the mix with Foster.
Earlier this week: ESPN's John Clayton expects the 49ers to sign free agent running back DeShaun Foster "in the next couple of days." San Francisco was quick to contact Foster after he was cut last Thursday. The Niners would reportedly use him as a complement to Frank Gore, but he'd be the biggest threat for carries Gore's faced since Kevan Barlow in '05.
QB J.T. O'Sullivan
Thurs - 10:49pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers have agreed to terms with O'Sullivan.Thurs - 1:01pm: Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee mentioned in his podcast interview that the 49ers are showing some interest in the backup quarterback.
LB Dontarrious Thomas
Thurs - 10:49pm: Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the 49ers have agreed to terms with Thomas.Thurs - 1:01pm: Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee mentioned in his podcast interview that the 49ers are showing some interest in the former Vikings linebacker.
G Alan Faneca
Thurs - 10:17pm: Both John Clayton of ESPN and the New York Daily News report that the 49ers, along with the Jets and Rams, are interested in free agent guard Alan Faneca. This is the first word that has reported the 49ers' interest in Faneca.
DE Justin Smith
Thurs - 9:59pm: ProFootballTalk.com states that arrangements have been made for Smith to visit with the Vikings on Friday.Thurs - 1:42pm: John Clayton of ESPN stated that the San Francisco 49ers will be one of the first teams to be active once free agency begins. He believes that their first move will be the signing of Bengals defensive end Justin Smith. Clayton added that Smith is expecting a call from the 49ers the minute FA starts, and his contract may be worth up to 8-8.5 million a year.
Earlier this week: Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com is reporting that the 49ers are negotiating with defensive end Justin Smith.
LB Lance Briggs
Thurs - 5:50pm: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com stated that he feels that the 49ers may still take a shot at Briggs while Adam Schefter of NFL Network feels that the 49ers will not be big players to land the free agent.Earlier this week: Various rumors have had the 49ers interested in linebacker Lance Briggs. However, the NFL is currently investigating charges that the 49ers tampered last season making overtures to the linebacker. Sean Jensen of AOL Sports said that linebacker Lance Briggs has been pegged to land in San Francisco. ProFootballTalk.com stated that a source close to the situation tells them that the 49ers currently aren't even among the teams that are interested in Briggs' services.
WR Javon Walker
Last week: According to the Denver Post, the San Francisco 49ers are one of nine teams that are expected to at least inquire about a trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker. The other teams include Tampa Bay, Dallas, Washington, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Chicago and the New York Jets.
WR Muhsin Muhammad
Update - Signed by the Carolina Panthers on 2/27
According to ESPN, the 49ers are one of three teams that may be interested in acquiring the services of wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad. ESPN states that he "would likely fill the slot in San Francisco, as Mike Martz needs speed and quickness outside." The other teams that may be interested are the Redskins and Panthers and ESPN seems to feel that a spot in Carolina would make the most sense.
