November 11, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) blocks St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers and the Rams tied 24-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco 49ers drafted T Anthony Davis with the 11th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, no one was happier than me. He was a young talent on the rise, and had the athleticism and size to be a cornerstone of the offensive line for years to come. However, as with most things, Davis had a learning curve he needed to develop and has quickly evolved into one of the best right tackles in the game today.

According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Network, the 6’5″ 323 pound tackle agreed to a five-year, $37.295 million extension that will keep him in San Francisco through 2019 a source told Albert Breer. The deal according to Breer includes $17 million in guarantees. This could be a sign of things to come as the 49ers will need to lock up G Mike Iupati, WR Michael Crabtree, OLB Aldon Smith, and of course QB Colin Kaepernick.

Davis’ contract indicates that the 49ers had the option to re-sign departed free-agent FS Dashon Goldson, however they valued right tackle more and thus Davis was given a lucrative contract. Davis is an absolute mauler in the run game, and has improved dramatically in pass protection after being moved to the right side.

With a pay raise comes scrutiny, so Davis better live up to those lofty expectations, otherwise the Forever Faithful will be questioning the move. And if I had to take a guess, I believe he will.

Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) looks at the Dallas Cowboys huddle during the game at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers announced today that they have agreed to a contract with CB Nnamdi Asomugha. The four-time All-Pro made a trip back to the bay area this morning, in hopes of striking a deal with the Niners. Asomugha was one of many cap casualties, that vastly underperformed with the Philadelphia Eagles which abruptly resulted to his release. The signing indicates more of a home coming for Asomugha, as he played college ball at Cal, while also suiting up in silver and black (Oakland Raiders) for his first eight seasons of his career.

Sep 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden (13) is called for offensive pass interference against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) during the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Two years ago, Asomugha was arguably the best cornerback in the league, drawing comparisons to New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis. Through Asomugha’s first 10 seasons in the league, he has registered 15 interceptions and 79 passes defensed. Not great stats, as teams have often shied away from his side of the field, earlier in his career. Now that Asomugha is a Niner, where does he fit? The Niners already have a good nucleus of cornerbacks in CB Carlos Rogers, CB Tarrell Brown, and CB Chris Culliver, raising the question, where is Vic Fangio going to place him? My answer is free safety.

October 30, 2011; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) defends against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When the 49ers lost FS Dashon Goldson to the Tampa Bay Bucs, it left a huge hole in the secondary. Asomugha showing some signs of wear and tear, should slide to free safety, as he would be a natural playmaker in the backend. First of all, Asomugha’s skill-set is tailored to a read and react style of play, evident by his man to man coverage with the Raiders. If Asomugha is allowed to roam and play center field, that will hide his weakness (speed) and turn his strength (ballhawking) into a great asset. Furthermore, it would help regain his Pro-Bowl form of year’s past, making this free-agent look like a bargain.

In addition to being a great player, Asomugha is even a smarter person. The reason why many NFL quarterback have shied away from him, is because of his football smarts. And although Asomugh was dismantled while in Philly, they never really played to his strengths, making it hard for any player to have success.

With the addition of Asomugha, he will not only provide the 49ers with leadership but a Pro Bowl talent in the secondary. The pieces are in place for Asomugha to shine, as I will go out on a limb and say Asomugha will be a Pro Bowler in 2013. In the end, the 49ers get a free-agent steal in Asomugha.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is hit as he makes a catch by San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The dust has finally settled as FS Dashon Goldson has taken his talents to Tampa Bay. The player known as the “Hawk,” has been in talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since free-agency opened up yesterday afternoon, and finally reached an agreement on a five-year deal. The Bucs ranking dead last against the pass, allowing an average of 297.4 yards through the air needed a huge face lift.

Last year, first year head coach Greg Schiano took a chance on first-round pick SS Mark Barron (Alabama). A choice that would eventually pair him with FS Ronde Barber in the back end of their defense. However, despite the investment, the Bucs still struggled against the pass, making Goldson a prime target.

Goldson adds so much talent and immediately upgrades the Bucs defense. He is a fierce hitter and probably the hardest tackler in the game today. In addition, Goldson has the playmaking ability to make plays sideline to sideline. The six-year veteran has racked up 14 interceptions, 34 passes defensed, and five forced fumbles. The signing of Goldson, likely signals the end of Barber’s tenure with the team, as he is too old to be the free-safety the NFL demands.

Goldson will now have to show he is worth the big money contract the 49ers were unwilling to offer.