San Francisco 49ers free agency preview: Changing of the guard by the Bay
Beyond putting together a new coaching staff in San Francisco, there's anticipation of some massive player turnover.
After terminating the contract of defensive end Ray McDonald, the team awaits word on if Justin Smith will retire. Aside from all that, the 49ers have 17 free agents.
Six of San Francisco's unrestricted free agents are players who logged significant playing time in 2014: Mike Iupati, Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Perrish Cox, Chris Culliver and Dan Skuta played in a combined 91 of 96 total games last season.
How they finished:
2014: 8-8 -- No postseason
2013: 12-4 -- Loss in NFC Championship against Seattle
Adjusted salary cap space: $1.5 million
Potential free-agency targets: General manager Trent Baalke doesn't have a ton of flexibility when it comes to this year's free agency. With several players under contract and being tight against the cap, the 49ers certainly don't have the firepower to land a premier free agent. They could, however, enhance their team with some lower-level players in the secondary. It was rumored that the 49ers want to meet with recently-released defensive tackle Darnell Dockett.
Potential cap casualties: The writing seemed to have been on the wall when linebacker Ahmad Brooks became very unhappy with his reduced role last season. Brooks, who has a $7 million cap hit next season, was underutilized in 2014 and will likely be replaced by second-year standout Aaron Lynch.
Offseason needs: OL, DL, CB
Notable free agents:
OG Mike Iupati
RB Frank Gore
WR Michael Crabtree
WR Brandon Lloyd
CB Chris Culliver
CB Perrish Cox
LB Dan Skuta
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