Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

The Super Bowl is over and the 2011 season has officially come to an end.  With the New York Giants now the reigning Super Bowl champions, the San Francisco 49ers begin their march towards unseating them and getting revenge.  Here is a breakdown of important dates for the 49ers during the offseason leading all the way up to the 2012 season opener.

February 20: 49ers can Franchise Tag a player

Starting on the 20th of February, NFL teams can apply the franchise tag to any big name free agents they want to secure for next season. The two players most likely to receive the 49ers franchise tag are Carlos Rogers or Dashon Goldson.  Both are coming off Pro Bowl seasons and led the 49ers defense with six interceptions each.  Goldson is the more likely player to be franchise tagged if only because safeties will be at a lower rate of around $6 million for a one year deal, compared to cornerbacks who should see around $10 million for a one year deal.  The 49ers also have more depth at cornerback than safety so locking up Goldson with a franchise tag is the likely scenario.  The 49ers have said they want to bring back Rogers and Goldson, and the two players have expressed their desire to return.

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