49ers 2019 free agency tracker: Live updates, news and reports
By Chris Wilson
Returning 49ers from 2018
The 49ers’ top internal free-agent concern this offseason was retaining kicker Robbie Gould. San Francisco elected to place the franchise tag on the veteran for approximately $5 million.
Gould and the Niners can still negotiate a long-term deal between now and July 15. If no deal is reached by that point, Gould will play under the one-year, fully guaranteed franchise tag for the remainder of 2019.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco also ensured its offensive line wouldn’t suffer depth attrition, as the team inked versatile offensive lineman Mike Person to a three-year, $9 million deal before free agency began.
After winning the job last preseason, Person ended up starting 16 games at right guard in 2018, and he appears to be the favorite to hold that spot again in 2019.
Pending Free Agents Returning to 49ers
- K Robbie Gould
- OL Mike Person
- LS Kyle Nelson
- RB Raheem Mostert
- LB Mark Nzeocha
- DB Jimmie Ward
- DB Antone Exum
- LB Elijah Lee
The 49ers also brought back long-snapper Kyle Nelson on a four-year extension, as reported by ESPN’s Field Yates. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported linebacker Mark Nzeocha is returning, too.
SiriusXM NFL radio’s Adam Caplan also reported the team is re-signing defensive back Jimmie Ward to a one-year deal, which should add both versatility and depth to a primarily young backfield.
Nelson still has to serve six games of a 10-game suspension for a PED violation from last year.
San Francisco released swing tackle Garry Gilliam and declined the 2019 options for wide receiver Pierre Garçon and nose tackle Earl Mitchell. EDGE Cassius Marsh was also let go.