The biggest part of free agency is over and the teams are getting ready to fill their remaining roster needs through the draft. It's time to evaluate the free agency moves of every NFC West team, starting with the defending division champions, the San Francisco 49ers:

The 49ers ranked 26^th in total offense last season. While they gained 127.4 yards per game on the ground (8^th) the passing offense ranked near the bottom with 183.5 yards per game. The defense ranked 4^th in the league, allowing 77.2 rushing yards per game (1^st) and 230.9 yards per game passing (16^th). The Niners allowed 44 sacks, which were the 7^th most in the league, and recorded 42 sacks, which also tied them for 7^th in the league.  San Francisco's special teams ranked 1^st in punting average as well as average yards per kickoff return and 5^th in average yards per punt return. Opposing special teams ranked 18^th in punting average, 20^th in average yards per kickoff return and 22^nd in average yards per punt return against the 49ers.

From these numbers it becomes clear that San Francisco's primary need is a wide receiver and their secondary need is a defensive back. A pass protector, preferably a right tackle may be needed as well.

The 49ers franchised FS Dashon Goldson, re-signed QB Alex Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., DT Will Tukuafu, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LB Tavares Gooden, CB Carlos Rogers, S C.J. Spillman, and acquired QB Josh Johnson, RB Brandon Jacobs, FB Rock Cartwright, WR Mario Manningham, WR Randy Moss and CB Perrish Cox.

With the re-signing of Ahmad Brooks, Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson San Francisco made sure that all 11 defensive starters would return in 2012. Head coach Jim Harbaugh showed that Alex Smith is capable of leading a successful offense. This signing is important, considering that the Niners were without a proven passer for about a week. Brandon Jacobs adds depth to the offensive backfield. On paper Mario Manningham and Randy Moss have to be considered an upgrade at the receiver position. Will Tukuafu is an investment in the future, as he is a young and talented interior lineman. Perrish Cox adds depth to the secondary and can be used as a returner. Ted Ginn Jr., Tavares Gooden, C.J. Spillman and Rock Cartwright should guarantee that San Francisco's special team remains one of the best units in the NFL.

Josh Johnson is the only signing I do not understand. I know that the 49ers wanted him all along and see him as Alex Smith's primary backup but isn't QB Colin Kaepernick the designated heir to the throne? The Niners also have QB Scott Tolzien, whom I consider to be the most talented among the backup quarterbacks.

The 49ers lost WR Josh Morgan (WAS), RG Adam Snyder (ARI), LB Blake Costanzo (CHI), CB Shawntae Spencer (OAK) and S Reggie Smith (CAR).

At first I wasn't too happy about Josh Morgan's departure but Mario Manningham is the better player in my opinion and Manningham and Randy Moss come cheaper than what Morgan is going to earn in Washington. The jury is still out on the loss of Blake Costanzo. Rock Cartwright, his replacement, is more versatile and has been an efficient tackler on Oakland's special teams unit. Shawntae Spencer's release had to be expected due to the emergence of CB Tarrell Brown and Chris Culliver as well as the acquisition of Perrish Cox. I was surprised when the Niners allowed Reggie Smith to leave. He is young and his playing time increased as a defensive back in the dime formation. I am assuming the Niners have big plans for C.J. Spillman, which would explain Smith's move to Carolina.

I totally disagree with the reluctance of re-signing Adam Snyder. I once featured him as one of the main reasons why the 49ers transformed from a pretender into a contender last season and still believe that he gave the offensive line stability. What's worse, the Niners didn't land a replacement in free agency, which worries me, as I prefer a battle-proven lineman to a rookie to replace a starter on the offensive line.

San Francisco's remaining free agents are FB Moran Norris, TE Justin Peelle, G Chilo Rachal, LB Larry Grant, CB Tramaine Brock and S Madieu Williams.

I expect the Niners to eventually re-sign Larry Grant and Tramaine Brock. Madieu Williams could return unless the Niners add considerable depth through the draft. Adam Snyder's departure means it's possible the Niners bring back Chilo Rachal, though he has yet to prove that he deserves to be a starter.   

My verdict is that the 49ers fixed their problem at the wide receiver position, added depth to the defensive and offensive backfield and stabilized their special teams unit. On the other hand, San Francisco's offensive line has been weakened and they did not address their need for pass protection. If the Niners want to be a better team in 2012 they will be forced to look into trade scenarios.

I agree with 17 of their 19 free agency moves, which is a percentage of 89%.

San Francisco 49ers

Of all the teams in the NFC West the San Francisco 49ers had the busiest start to the new league-year, as free agency officially kicked off yesterday. The Niners secured the services of three players and lost two to other NFC teams.

The 49ers signed CB Perrish Cox to a two-year contract and give him another opportunity to play in the NFL. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010 and had 57 solo tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and 14 passes defensed in his rookie season. Cox played 15 games and started nine of them. The 25-year old did not play last season after the Denver Broncos released him at the end of training camp. Cox played for current 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatelli when both were with the Broncos. Perrish Cox may not end up as a starter but he can be used as a return guy on special teams.

Shortly afterwards the 49ers re-signed CB Carlos Rogers to a four-year deal worth $29.3m. The 30-year old was a top priority to be re-signed in the offseason but it still comes as a bit of a surprise, considering San Francisco's aggressive push for CB Brandon Carr (KC) and Eric Wright (TB). Rogers had 41 solo tackles, a team-leading six interceptions and 18 passes defensed last season. This signing means that all of San Francisco's defensive starters return for another season.

LB Tavares Gooden was re-signed to a one-year contract. Gooden had the third most tackles on San Francisco's special team last season.

WR Josh Morgan left the 49ers for the Washington Redskins. The contract is worth $12m over the first two years, with $7.5m guaranteed. The contract runs for five years but can be voided after two. Morgan caught 15 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in five games last season before a broken leg ended his season prematurely.

The 49ers also lost special teams standout LB Blake Costanzo to the Chicago Bears. The linebackers signed a two-year contract for $2m.

Arizona Cardinals

It didn't come as a surprise but the Arizona Cardinals released LT Levi Brown moments before the start of the new league year. The move was motivated by salary cap reasons. The first-round pick of 2007 was due a staggering $17m in 2012. Brown hasn't missed a game for the Cardinals since 2008.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks re-signed DE Red Bryant to a five-year deal worth $35m, with $14.5m guaranteed. The 27-year old had 20 solo tackles and one sack last season. He also caught two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. His specialty is blocking kicks though. Last season he blocked three field goals and one PAT.

The Seahawks also re-signed LB Heath Farwell, who led the NFL in special teams tackles last season.

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams signed CB Cortland Finnegan to a five-year contract worth $50m, with $26.5m in guaranteed money. The 28-year old played five seasons under head coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. Last season Finnegan had 58 solo tackles, one interception, 11 passes defensed and one sack.

The Rams also released CB Ron Bartell, who missed most of last season after he sustained a neck injury in the season opener. Bartell was a second-round pick in 2005 and spent his entire NFL career with the St. Louis Rams.

The San Francisco 49ers seemed set at the receiver position with WR Braylon Edwards and WR Michael Crabtree as the projected starters in 2011. Edwards got injured, never fully recovered and was cut eventually. WR Josh Morgan was emerging as a slot receiver when a leg injury ended his season prematurely. WR Ted Ginn Jr. was hampered by injuries as the season went on and had to sit out a couple of games without making much of an impact in the passing game. WR Kyle Williams played remarkably well but does not have the potential to be a starter yet. WR Brett Swain and WR Joe Hastings were called up as stand-ins and were just that.

The 49ers have an effective receiver corps to work with but the depth is thin and it lacks playmaking ability. This became painfully obvious during the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, when Michael Crabtree was the only wide receiver to catch a pass, though it only gained three yards.

Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. are free agents and may or may not be on the roster in 2012. Morgan is an internal priority to be re-signed. He may not fetch much interest on the free agency market, as he didn’t get enough opportunities to perform due to the early season-ending injury. Ginn Jr. took a pay cut in 2011, though he had an incentive-laden contract. He is an important returner on special teams but is used as a diversion rather than a weapon on offense. Re-signing him will be a question of his asking price.

Should the Niners lose Ted Ginn Jr. they will likely look for a wide receiver in the upcoming draft in April, who can return kick-offs and/or punts. Some six weeks earlier, on 13 March to be precise, the 49ers can add free agents to their roster, who are currently with another team. It is to be expected that the Niners will make some serious inquiries and add depth to the position through free agency. Here is a list of the most talented receivers available:

Dwayne Bowe (27 years, Kansas City Chiefs) had 81 receptions for 1,159 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Bowe earned $2.76m last season and is in for a pay rise, as the Chiefs would give him the franchise tag if this is what it takes to keep him. D-Bowe is a strong receiver who can make difficult catches. He is tough to tackle and able to gain yards after the catch. He is a red zone threat and would help the Niners greatly, though chances seem slim to land him.

Deion Branch (32, New England Patriots) recorded 702 yards on 51 receptions in 2011 and scored 5 touchdowns. He is past his peak and makes less of an impact compared to previous years. He can beat the zone coverage but age and injuries have slowed him down. Branch earned $2.2m last season and won’t be able to demand more money going forward. His lack of blocking ability may put head coach Jim Harbaugh off but Branch’s experience and success could benefit Michael Crabtree and help Josh Morgan’s transition into a number-two.

Plaxico Burress (35, New York Jets) scored 8 touchdowns last season but it is safe to say that he won’t return to the Jets. Burress is a dangerous receiver in the red zone and could help the Niners, who have struggled to score touchdowns from 20 yards or less. On the other hand, Burress hasn’t always been a positive influence in the locker room and his gun shot incident is legendary. Burress would also have to settle for less money because it is doubtful anyone would pay the $3.017m he made in 2011.

Marques Colston (28, New Orleans Saints) caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011. The Saints let it be known that they want to bring him back, whether they’ll succeed is a different story. Colston is a big physical receiver in his prime and will try to cash in on his next contract. If the Niners were ready to open up the passing game Colston would be an ideal fit, though his price tag might scare them off.

Early Doucet (26, Arizona Cardinals) had 689 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Doucet is physical and a good blocker but his lack of speed doesn’t make him a deep threat. He is also affordable in terms of salary. Midway through the season I considered him an interesting free agent but as the number-three receiver in Arizona he would hardly become a starter in San Francisco.

Pierre Garcon (25, Indianapolis Colts) missed the 1,000 yard-mark by 53 yards last season and scored 6 touchdowns. The Colts are rebuilding and Garcon will certainly explore the free agency market. Pierre Garcon is an all-around receiver with adequate speed and would be an upgrade for the Niners and pretty much any other team as well. Considering that he earned just $555k last season he will look for a considerable pay rise. The Niners should talk to him, as he might still be affordable regardless.

DeSean Jackson (25, Philadelphia Eagles) scored 4 touchdowns and compiled 961 yards on 58 passes. The Eagles aren’t yet decided on bringing him back. There is no doubt about his talent. He is fast, athletic and has playmaker ability. There are doubts about his attitude, though. Like Garcon he only earned $555k last season and is most definitely after a whole lot of money. It is doubtful that he would fit into Harbaugh’s team-first philosophy. Turning the team into the DeSean 49ers would be the more likely scenario and I don’t think the Niners need another T.O.

Vincent Jackson (29, San Diego Chargers) caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is one of the most athletic wide receivers and is very capable of gaining yardage after the catch. V-Jax and the Chargers have a love-hate relationship and both have indicated that they would like to come to an agreement. Jackson is after a long-term contract and an increase of the $1.14m he was paid in 2011. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in him. Consistency is an issue with Jackson, which makes it doubtful the 49ers would participate in a bidding war.

It is common knowledge that the San Francisco 49ers were one of the best franchises, if not the best in the NFL in the 80s. They went to five NFC Championship games, advanced to four Super Bowls and came home with the Vince Lombardi Trophy on each occasion.

Had it not been for the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers the Niners would have been no less impressive in the 90s. The team reached the NFC Championship game five times, like in the 80s, but managed to reach and win the Super Bowl only once in 1995.

The new millennium turned success into drought. Since the 2003 season the Niners failed to have a winning record, let alone qualify for the postseason. This all changed with the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The expectations were high but I believe that even the most optimistic fans just hoped the team would improve on the 6-10 record of the previous season, compete for a playoff spot in 2012/2013 and have an eye on the Super Bowl in 2013/2014. But things happened much sooner and so changed the fan behavior.

Last Sunday the 49ers were on the verge of making their sixth trip to the Super Bowl, when a fumble from WR Kyle Williams reversed the fortunes and led to New York’s game-winning field goal in overtime. The team did not blame Williams for this miscue. In fact, they showed their support and stressed that they win as a team and lose as a team.

Some fans were not quite as supportive. Williams received death threats, suggesting he should jump from the Golden Gate Bridge or run into a bullet. Those are no fans, those are idiots who vent their anger in the most inappropriate way. Many fans have never witnessed the glorious times of the Niners. Instead they are used to futility and one should think they’d appreciate the amazing season the Niners had under their rookie head coach.

Let’s put one thing into perspective, shall we? Kyle Williams started the season as the number-five wide receiver on the depth chart. Injuries to WR Josh Morgan, WR Ted Ginn Jr. and WR Braylon Edwards, who was later released, increased Williams’ playing time and responsibility. He may not be a number-two receiver yet but he didn’t play like a number-five either.

Kyle Williams is a second-year pro, who had 20 catches in 13 games for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. Remember his touchdown that gave the Niners a 14-0 lead against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2? Or his touchdown that put away the game against the Arizona Cardinals in week 11? What about his 56-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams that sealed the win in week 13?

During the regular season Williams returned two punts for 41 yards. He also had 70 yards on 8 punt returns against the Giants. Kyle Williams did what Jim Harbaugh expected him to do. Williams saw an opportunity to give the offense a better field position and he took it. Unfortunately Williams was tackled 49ers-style and lost the ball.

Do you want to blame LE Ray McDonald because he made “only” 2.5 sacks? Or LCB Carlos Rogers because he had no interception? How about TE Vernon Davis because he could not convert all his catches into touchdowns? Or David Akers who had just one field goal?

Every 49er played hard and wanted to win this ballgame. This includes Kyle Williams. He was just as much a part of San Francisco’s turnaround as every other player who wore the red and gold uniform in 2011/2012. Williams learned a valuable lesson on Sunday and will grow as a player.

Jorge Diaz, former offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and member of the team that lost the NFC Championship to the St. Louis Rams in 1999 put it best:

“In 1999 I was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which went 11-5 and would make it to the NFC Championship game. We eventually lost to the Rams that year 11-6 and had our chances to win that game. As the football world focuses on a play or mistake made by one player by the 49ers it’s not the reason why they lost. One play doesn’t make or break a game as we were being told. As a player you never know when you will get your chance again and that's what makes this week so hard for many guys who almost made a childhood dream a reality. The things I cherish most about my experience are my teammates and the journey we took and how we had changed the perception of the franchise. One day the team will look back and celebrate this achievement and pride not pain is what they will feel when they remember this season.”

As a fan you should support your team no matter what. Appreciate the success the team has and never take it for granted. Do not look for a scapegoat because of one mistake but if you insist on being an idiot do us all a favor: Quit being a so-called 49ers fan and look for something better to do with your life. The 49ers don’t need you and nobody else does either.

The wide receiver tweeted the news early this morning: “I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn’t allowed me to re-sync with the offense....”

The release may be a bit of a surprise, considering the Niners are getting very thin at the receiver positions. They lost WR Josh Morgan (broken leg) to a season-ending injury in week 5, WR Ted Ginn Jr suffers from an ankle injury and WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) sustained injuries in last week’s game at Seattle. WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis and TE Justin Peele are currently the only healthy receivers remaining.

The 49ers have two wideouts on their practice squad, WR Joe Hastings and WR John Matthews, but it looks more likely that the team will look outside the organization to fill the void.

Braylon Edwards came to the Bay Area to challenge Michael Crabtree for the number 1 spot on the roster but injuries and performance in games and practice saw his playing time decrease. The receiver hurt his knee against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2 and missed the next four games. He also suffered a shoulder injury in week 9 at the Washington Redskins and never fully recovered from both injuries. He was inactive against the St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers in week 13 and week 15 respectively.

The former number 3 pick in the 2005 draft played 9 games for the 49ers and started 5 times. He caught 15 passes for 181 yards and no touchdown. Edwards signed a one-year contract this offseason worth $1 million plus $2.5 million incentives, based on receptions and Pro Bowl appearance.

S Reggie Smith (25)

Reggie Smith’s playing time is increasing as the team’s additional defensive back in the dime formation. He recorded 1 interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third game of the season. Smith was a third round pick in 2008 and could well receive another contract offer.

QB Alex Smith (27)

Despite having his best season so far opinions are still split on the former number one draft pick but you should be aware of the alternatives before you call for his replacement. Drew Brees (NO) is going to be a free agent but there is no way that he won’t re-sign with the New Orleans Saints. The next best available free agents are Kyle Orton (KC), Jason Campbell (OAK) and Donovan McNabb (FA). Head coach Jim Harbaugh was an NFL quarterback for 15 years and seems to have gotten into Alex Smith’s head. Rumor has it the 49ers will offer Smith a two to three-year contract worth $8 – 11 million per season.

RG Adam Snyder (29)

Snyder started the season on the bench but once he replaced Chilo Rachal in week 4 San Francisco’s pass protection and rushing game improved considerably. It would be negligent not to re-sign him.

S C.J. Spillman (25)

Spillman is a special teams standout and sometimes plays as part of the goal line defense. If he stays on he will continue to see limited action apart from special teams. He is a restricted free agent, which means he can entertain offers from other teams, though the 49ers can match any offer or receive compensation in form of draft picks. The Niners should try to keep their successful special teams unit together, unless he receives an offer that isn’t worth matching.

WR Brett Swain (26)

The 49ers signed the wide receiver less than two months ago to fill the void left by Josh Morgan’s season-ending leg injury. His game status changes from active to inactive, depending on player injuries. The Niners have no reason to sign Swain beyond this season.

DE Will Tukuafu (27)

The 49ers were hoping that Tukuafu could make an impact on the defensive line but they had to place him on IR in October instead. He is an ERFA, hence it would be a surprise if the Niners didn’t try it again with him next season.

S Madieu Williams (30)

The veteran was brought in to compete for a starting job but finds himself on special teams and has even been a healthy scratch. The 49ers have a few young and promising defensive backs and don’t necessarily need the services of Williams in 2012.