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San Francisco 49ers: An Early Look at the Team’s 2017 Free Agents

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends San Francisco 49ers defensive back L.J. McCray (31) on a punt during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends San Francisco 49ers defensive back L.J. McCray (31) on a punt during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Restricted Free Agents

49ers RFA Players

  • CB Chris Davis
  • S L.J. McCray

Restricted free agents (RFAs) have a little more flexibility than ERFA players, but the sizable majority of their future is still controlled by the team.

Typically, RFAs have a little more pro-level experience and a bit more negotiating power with other clubs. But the initial team is able to match any other offer or, in some cases, will receive draft-pick compensation in return.

Over the Cap tells us more:

"Because of the draft pick compensation it is rare that a RFA signs with another team. Teams have the ability to name as many RFAs as they want and RFAs only have about a month to find a new team. Once that period passes they can only sign a deal with their old team. If they fail to sign by June 15 they may be in a position to see their salary offer reduced while the team still maintains exclusive rights."

San Francisco currently has only two RFAs, per OTC — cornerback Chris Davis and safety L.J. McCray.

Out of the two, McCray has the best shot to stay in San Francisco. At least for the long run. Despite missing eight games last season due to injury, the former Catawba standout is one of the better special teams aces on the Niners roster.

Figure for McCray to have a bona fide role on the team in 2016.

The same can’t be said of Davis though. With the 49ers adding three rookie corners via the 2016 NFL Draft, Davis’ future doesn’t look too good. He could still be stashed over the course of the season, but anything beyond 2017 is anyone’s guess.

Next: Unrestricted Free Agents -- Role/Depth Players