The San Francisco 49ers are in the midst of the coaching search, but there is other personnel work to be done. The team is allowed to start signing free agents to reserve/future contracts, and we can expect to hear news on that in the coming days. A reserve/future contract is used for players that were signed to practice squads, contracts which expire at the close of the season. They essentially are place-holder contracts that can get the players through the offseason workout program and into training camp.
The 49ers have not announced any signings, but it would appear at least one is done. Kicker Corey Acosta tweeted out on Tuesday that he is heading back to the team in 2016.
Acosta signed with the 49ers last June as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi. Kicker Phil Dawson and punter Bradley Pinion were locked into their respective roles with the 49ers, but virtually every team signs a rookie or other young player to be a camp leg. Acosta got work in two games, successfully converting all four of his field goal attempts, with a long of 50 yards.
This offseason could be an interesting one for Acosta. Phil Dawson is a free agent. He has said he wants to return, and has not thought about retiring, but the 49ers might want to get younger and cheaper at the kicker position. If Acosta made the roster, he would earn the league minimum. Dawson had a cap figure of $4.134 million this season, $2 million last year, and $2.35 million in 2013. If the 49ers sign Dawson to a new contract, Acosta is unlikely to make the roster. If the 49ers do not sign Dawson, Acosta could emerge as a strong candidate for the job.
Excited to announce that I'll be heading back to the @49ers. Grateful to keep the dream alive @prostarphilly pic.twitter.com/3qeX5EZT3c
— Corey Acosta (@Corey_Acosta) January 5, 2016