Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

In exactly one week from today, Monday, July 16, Dashon Goldson faces the deadline to sign his franchise tender.  After July 16, the franchise player can only sign a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the 49ers and cannot negotiate a multi-year deal until after the regular-season.  If Goldson signs his franchise tender before July 16, he can continue negotiating a long-term contact.  Goldson’s other option, if he lets July 16 pass without his signature, would be to sit out the season.

Of course, we all hope Goldson signs his franchise tender or is able to get a long-term deal with the 49ers this week.  Chances are Goldson will end up signing a contract with the 49ers at some point during the weekend.

The 49ers and Goldson are only $1 million apart in negotiations for a yearly salary, with the team offering $7 million and the safety wanting $8 million.  $1 million is a number both sides can sacrifice some money to meet in the middle, like $7.5 million per year, in order to get the safety back on the field in time for training camp. Another encouraging sign is the 49ers and Goldson’s agents have been in constant contact about securing a deal.

Should Goldson refuse to sign his franchise tender and sit out the season, expect C.J. Spillman or rookie Trenton Robinson to take over the starting role at safety.