Dashon Goldson rumors: Adam Schefter provides update on 49ers free safety

NFL free agency is just around the corner, which means we might start to get some kind of closure on the Dashon Goldson situation. Is he staying? Is he going? What's his price tag? It's hard to tell what's going on given all the radio silence, but ESPN's Adam Schefter has his thoughts on who is in play right now:

Four teams - SF, PHIL, DET, TB - in play on Dashon Goldson - but DET, TB considered favorites. TB also in on CBs Sean Smith, B. Grimes, DRC.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013

It's tough to tell where the 49ers stand in this following the trade for Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin. The 49ers have some cap space to work around, but with a host of other young players to extend in the near future, it seems unlikely that the 49ers would commit sizable bucks to Goldson.

One frequent comment on Twitter recently has been the idea that the 49ers would be able to get Goldson at some kind of discount if he doesn't find the money he is looking for on the open market. While his asking price might come down from $8 million per year (assuming that is where it actually is at), I still think the 49ers let Goldson walk because of the need for that money down the road.

Trent Baalke has made it clear the 49ers cannot re-sign every single player. I happen to think Dashon Goldson is up for a big contract at a time when the 49ers have a lot of talent to extend, and the Draft provides a potential for multiple long-term options at a much more cost effective price. It might not suit the desires of some 49ers fans, but the business end of things has to rear its ugly head at times. This is one such time in my mind.