The deadline to place a franchise tag on players passed earlier this afternoon and there weren't any significant surprises. The 49ers franchised safety Dashon Goldson late last week. He joins Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell as franchised NFC West players. Franchise players can begin talking to other teams on March 13 at 1:00pm PT when free agency officially begins.

The Indianapolis Colts franchised defensive end Robert Mathis, but it turns out they were able to get a deal done shortly after the deadline. That is particularly noteworthy because they no longer have use of the franchise tag, which means Pierre Garcon is free and clear on the market if he so chooses. With Stevie Johnson off the market and Dwayne Bowe and DeSean Jackson franchised, Garcon could be working his way towards a better pay-day.

We have discussed guys like Mike Wallace, Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston as potential receiver options, but Pierre Garcon could be an intriguing "consolation" prize, if the price is right. Garcon is reported to have turned down what is being described as a five year, $35 million contract offer from the Colts. Garcon put together solid numbers this past season in spite of the absence of Peyton Manning. He is an intriguing option to consider, but the main reason I don't see Garcon ending up with the 49ers is because his asking price is potentially too high.

Mike Wallace remains the sort of "pie in sky" option at wide receiver, but there are some very interesting secondary options. Robert Meachem is the guy I am most intrigued by given the potential price for him. He has been inconsistent but his potential could be worth what might not be a particularly large contract.

2012 FRANCHISE PLAYERS