The San Francisco 49ers will have 20 free agents in a couple of months. Seventeen of those free agents are unrestricted, while three are classified as restricted free agents.
A couple of things to know before free agency takes place:
-- Unrestricted free agents can negotiate exclusively with the San Francisco until the new league year begins on March 9.
-- Restricted free agents could be tendered a contract. If so, the 49ers would have the right of first refusal to match any offers they may receive.
-- Teams have until 1 p.m. PT on March 1 to designate franchise or transition tags for their free agents.
-- The new league year also begins with the start of NFL free agency, which officially opens on March 9 at 1 p.m. PT. Unrestricted free agents will have a two-day negotiating period on March 7 at 12:59 p.m. PT to enter contract talks. New deals cannot be executed until the start of free agency.
Let's take a look at the 17 aforementioned unrestricted free agents on San Francisco's roster in alphabetical order:
LB Nick Bellore
Started 10 games at linebacker in place of NaVorro Bowman, recorded 82 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
K Phil Dawson
Made 30-of-31 extra-point attempts and was 18-of-21 on field goals with a season-long of 53 yards.
NT Glenn Dorsey
Started six games after suffering a torn ACL late in the 2015 season, recorded 36 tackles and one sack.
RB Shaun Draughn
Appeared in 14 games. Rushed 74 times for 196 yards with four touchdowns on the ground. Caught 29 passes for 263 receiving yards with two touchdown receptions.
TE Jim Dray
Signed with the 49ers on Dec. 19, 2016. Appeared in two games.
QB Blaine Gabbert
Started five games in 2016. Completed 91-of-160 pass attempts for 925 yards with five touchdown passes and six interceptions. Rushes 40 times for 173 yards with two touchdowns.
G Andrew Gardner
Signed on Dec. 21, 2016. Started at left guard in the 2017 season finale.
LB Gerald Hodges
Made 11 starts at inside linebacker. Recorded 92 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
DT Tony Jerod-Eddie
Appeared in nine games. Recorded seven tackles.
DT Chris Jones
Claimed off waivers on Nov. 8, 2016. Appeared in five games. Recorded 27 tackles in five starts.
WR Jeremy Kerley
Acquired via trade on Aug. 29, 2016. Started 13 games and led the 49ers with 64 receptions and 667 receiving yards. Added three touchdown catches. Averaged 7.6 yards on 21 punt returns with a long of 26 yards.
QB Thad Lewis
Placed on Injured Reserve on Aug. 16, 2016 after sustaining a knee injury in the preseason.
WR Quinton Patton
Placed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 20, 2016. Produced career highs with 37 catches and 308 receiving yards.
QB Christian Ponder
Signed on Aug. 16, 2016. Did not appear in a regular season contest.
WR Rod Streater
Acquired via trade on Sept. 3, 2016. Recorded 18 catches for 191 receiving yards with two touchdown grabs.
G Andrew Tiller
Appeared in 14 games. Made seven starts at guard.
LB Michael Wilhoite
Appeared in 16 games. Made five starts and recorded 59 tackles and one forced fumble.
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San Francisco's restricted free agents:**
CB Marcus Cromartie
Appeared in nine games. Recorded four tackles.
CB Chris Davis
Began the season as the team's starting slot cornerback, was placed on Injured Reserve on Oct. 10, 2016. Recorded two tackles and a half sack in four appearances.
RB DuJuan Harris
Appeared in nine games, making one start. Rushed 38 times for 138 yards. Caught eight passes for 115 yards and one touchdown.
