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It is safe to say a nice little market could be developing for San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois. Reports out of Baltimore indicate the Ravens are interested in pursuing the 49ers utility defensive lineman. Aaron Wilson is reporting the Ravens indicated after the Super Bowl that they were looking to upgrade the nose guard position. A league source told him that the Ravens view RJF as one such option.
This adds the Ravens to a list that includes the Packers, and might include the Eagles. Although RJF has only had a few injury replacement starts in his career, several teams are likely intrigued by his versatility. RJF is listed as a defensive tackle, but can play all three positions on the line. He filled in for Isaac Sopoaga when Ice was hurt. He filled in for Ray McDonald when he was hurt. And of course we saw him get extensive playing time this past season when Justin Smith went down with his triceps injury late in the season.
Matt Maiocco has subsequently reported that the 49ers and RJF have had no movement in working toward a contract extension. I have to think with the rumors heating up, RJF wants to test the market and potentially move the needle on his price. The 49ers have no been a team that is willing to get into bidding wars, so if it starts moving north, this might bethe end of the PBJ dance in San Francisco.