And in a breaking development, the 49ers have come to reportedly reached an agreement with Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers on a deal that averages $7.3M per year. This move would mean the 49ers were somehow able to retain all eleven starters from last years defense, which is arguably the smartest thing they could have done.

RT @JasonColeYahoo CB Carlos Rogers about to re-sign with SF. Deal will avg about $7.3 mill per yea.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) March 14, 2012

The defense was clearly the strength of the team, and to have them all returning would allow the 49ers to have some continuity; something they always seemed to elude them in previous years. Not all the details are in, but it's as official as anything else that broke today.

Rogers had a career-best 6 interceptions as he basically had a rebirth under Jim Harbaugh and the Vic Fangio run defense, led by All-Pro Patrick Willis. It is a surprising development, seeing as how the 49ers brought in former Denver Bronco cornerback Perrish Cox on a two-year deal and were reportedly interested in Brandon Carr and Eric Wright.

A lot of fans will be thrilled with the signing because Rogers basically played like a kid again, as if his career had new life, even at age 31. Many critics out there would question the Niners bringing in a cornerback on the wrong side of 30, but his veteran presence is something the 49ers wouldn't have had with the cornerbacks if they let him walk.

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