:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30020213/20140126_kkt_ac4_829.0.jpg)
Fooch's Update: Matt Barrows had this to add:
#Patriots trying hard to retain Edelman, & free-spending #Browns have interest, too, source says. Gonna come down to -- surprise! -- $$$$$.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 14, 2014
After a brief lull, NFL free agency appears to be picking back up for the San Francisco 49ers. Not too long after we learned that Walter Thurmond was coming to visit the 49ers, Adam Schefter is now reporting the 49ers will host wide receiver Julian Edelman for a visit on Friday, and also has some interest in wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.
Patriots free-agent WR Julian Edelman is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Friday, per source. SF also interested in Giants WR Hakeem Nicks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2014
Matt Barrows pointed out that Edelman is originally from Redwood City, and attended the College of San Mateo. I'd imagine there will be some incentive to play for his hometown team, but whether it be him or Nicks, the 49ers don't exactly have a lot of cap space.
Prior to details on Phil Dawson's contract, the 49ers have approximately $4.77 million in cap space. The 49ers are hosting cornerbacks and wide receivers, but the money probably isn't there to make a "splashy signing" at both positions. I suppose they could restructure some other contracts, but it surprises me to see them still getting this aggressive in free agency.
Edelman became Tom Brady's favorite target in 2013 after it became clear that Danny Amendola was not going to stay completely healthy (shocker there). Edelman finished the season with 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. He benefited from playing with a Hall of Fame quarterback, so it would be interesting to see what would happen if he came to a team with a still developing quarterback, and two entrenched receivers ahead of him. Edelman also returned punts for the Patriots, so that adds to his appeal.
Hakeem Nicks finished the season with 56 receptions for 896 yards. I suppose since the last Giants wide receiver didn't work out for the 49ers, why not bring in another?