The free agent market is slowly starting to dry up as more and more names are signing contracts. We've seen Plaxico Burress reportedly coming to terms with the Jets. Antonio Cromartie may be close to a new deal as well with the Jets. The 49ers have made a move of their own as they are close to signing Chargers OLB Antwan Applewhite, with the deal just pending a physical.
The 49ers currently have 83 men on a roster that is allowed up to 90. None of the additions would be allowed to practice until a CBA is finalized so the team appears content to take their time filling out their roster. As they add guys like Antwan Applewhite and Larry Grant, they seem to be taking an extremely conservative approach to free agency. I don't recall a time where the team has been anywhere near this quiet, at least as long as Niners Nation has been around. Each of the last four offseasons we've had plenty of action to keep us busy, but the team is being more passive this year.
There have been some moves that could mean more signings are coming soon. The Oakland Raiders re-signed free safety Michael Huff, which would seemingly remove them from the Dashon Goldson race. Based on the news we've heard that would leave it down to the 49ers and Cowboys for the services of the free safety. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn't seem to expect Goldson, or any of the other defensive free agents, to return this year, so maybe we won't see him back. Who really knows at this point.
In other news, the Seattle Seahawks are going to release Lofa Tatupu after he refused to take a pay cut. The 49ers are likely hoping NaVorro Bowman can secure the starting TED linebacker job, but maybe they try and bring in Tatupu to provide some competition? I suppose at this point we can't assume anything given their approach to date. And it's not like Tatupu has wow'd us the last couple years. After a strong first three seasons he has seen his career take a precipitous decline. So unless it's an inexpensive flier, maybe it's worth passing.