November 13, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Parys Haralson (98) looks to run around a block after the ball is snapped by the New York Giants in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Giants 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have announced today, that they have mutually agreed with OLB Parys Haralson on a restructured contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The contract would reduce Haralson’s salary from $2.87 million to $1.3 million in 2013. Haralson missed the entire 2012 campaign, due to a “left-arm injury” suffered in a pre-season game, against the Denver Broncos. The injury remained secretive to the general public, until it was later confirmed that Haralson would be placed on injured reserve due to a torn-triceps.

To date, the seven-year veteran has totaled 202 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The fifth-round draft pick (140th) in 2006, is the second player to take a pay-cut, the first being WR Mario Manningham last week. The reasoning for restructuring current player’s contracts, is partly due to the 49ers having 14 draft picks, in this year’s draft. The NFL announced that 32 compensatory picks were awarded to 16 teams, the 49ers benefiting from this outcome, pick up a fourth-round (131st), and two seventh-round picks (246 and 252).

With the 49ers now loaded on draft picks, look for them to trade quantity for quality. They have the luxury to trade up in this year’s draft, or trade-down and stock pile more picks for next year’s draft, either way they should come out winners.

Saturday January 14th the 49ers will host the Saints in their most important game since 2002.  The Saints bring a high powered offense to town, led by record setting quarterback Drew Brees.  The Niners sport the leagues best defense.   Can Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and the 49ers dominate D contain Brees and Saints high powered offense?

YES THEY WILL!  How and Why after the jump

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In celebration of the 49ers remarkable turnover this season, Niner Noise has reviewed each position and handed out grades.  Today also marks the one year anniversary of the hiring of Jim Harbaugh.  Who would have thought the 49ers would be in the playoffs as a second seed and winners of the NFC West a year ago from today?

The 49ers season of revival in 2011 was engineered by Harbaugh as he brought in the right coaches, kept the rights one from the previous regime, and installed the offense, defense and special teams.  No matter how good the coaches or the system a team sets up, you have to execute everything on the field when it counts.  The 49ers at all positions this season accomplished this.  A perfect storm of the right coaches, players peaking with career seasons that included players already on the roster, along with the free agents signed by the 49ers, came together to catapult them back into the playoffs.  Here is a look back at the 49ers 2011 season:

Quarterbacks season reviewed by Eric Melendez

Wide receivers/tight ends season reviewed by Jason Bertolucci

Offensive line reviewed by Matt Hamm

Defensive backs reviewed by Mike Zamora

Running backs season reviewed by David Estrada

Special teams reviewed by Jared Quan

Click read more to view the Defense Front Seven’s season review:

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