Golden Nuggets: NFL free agency begins, at my signal...unleash hell!

Well, here we go! In just a few short hours (well, eight as of publication time), NFL free agency gets going. The negotiating period has been three days of rumors, likely planted mostly by player agents. We've heard Donte Whitner is connected to several teams, but right now the rumors have the Cleveland Browns in the lead with a potential five-year deal, with solid guarantees, on the table. It could be true, but as with most free agency rumors, I'll believe it when I see it.

The big news yesterday was word of Carlos Rogers' impending release. He's not gone yet, but that is likely due to a potential decision to make him a June 1st release. With that designation, the 49ers could release him now, but the full cap savings would not be felt until June 1. They do this to spread the hit over two seasons, and in this case, it would save them $1.5 million.

It should be a fairly busy day of rumors and early news. We'll have plenty of coverage, even if the 49ers are relatively silent. There are a lot of potential moves elsewhere that could impact the 49ers own decision process. Although it gets a little hectic, the early days of free agency can be incredibly fun....and a little nerve-wracking!

Free agency primers

Free agency Q&A: Do the 49ers make a free agent splash? (Gin)

49ers Free-Agent Primer (Biderman)

2014 Team Needs: 49ers (Pro Football Focus)

49ers set to enter free agency with $10 million in cap room (Maiocco)

Examining Grantland's 49ers blueprint (Williamson)

Top free-agent roundup: NFC West (Williamson)

San Francisco 49ers' contract status update (Williamson)

Carlos Rogers release

49ers to cut Carlos Rogers, who helped spark team’s 2011 turnaround (Bay Area Sports Guy)

Report: 49ers will release Carlos Rogers (Gin)

How Rogers’ cap hit would be with post-June designation (Inman)

49ers could release Rogers with post-June 1 designation (Barrows)

Carlos Rogers still with the 49ers... for now (Maiocco)

San Francisco 49ers to release Carlos Rogers (Williamson)

Report: 49ers to Cut Rogers (Biderman)

Report: 49ers to cut CB Rogers with free agency imminent (Branch)

Report: Rogers getting cut, will test free agency for first time since 2012 (Inman)

Report: 49ers to release cornerback Carlos Rogers (Barrows)

Donte Whitner news

Whitner attracts attention from hometown Browns (Maiocco)

Source: Browns, Bears, Jets could pursue Whitner; 49ers ‘pushing’ to keep safety (Branch)

Tarell Brown news

Tarell Brown drawing interest; 49ers checking out alternatives at cornerback (Barrows)

Cornerback re-signings a good sign for Brown (Maiocco)

Michael Vick news

Would Vick fit as Kaepernick's backup? (Maiocco)

Does Michael Vick make sense for 49ers? (Williamson)

Report: Vick Could be Answer to 49ers' Question at Backup QB (NBC Bay Area)

Miscellaneous

49ers pass defense is focus of offseason (Maiocco)

Boldin's $12 million deal counts just $2.364 million in first year (Maiocco)

Tank Carradine ‘Over’ Injury, Eager to Play (49ers.com)