In recent years the 9ers have been in cap trouble they are out of cap problems now.
With free agency set to begin March 2, the 49ers have the wherewithal to be a big player on the market for the first time in many years.
Coach Mike Nolan and personnel chief Scot McCloughan spent their first two seasons with the 49ers making sure to get the team's salary-cap problems under control. Now, they head into free agency in good shape to make a play for some of the league's top players.
Two players the 49ers are certain to pursue are Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas and Bills cornerback Nate Clements.
Thomas is the kind of outside linebacker that Nolan has been looking to plug into his 3-4 defense. Thomas recorded 11 sacks last season, while the 49ers' sack leader was Brandon Moore with 6 1/2.
The 49ers were interested in acquiring Clements at the trade deadline last year. But the Bills were demanding a second-round draft pick and did not allow the 49ers an opportunity to negotiate a new deal with Clements before making the trade, the Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat reported.
The 49ers have more than $36 million in cap room entering free agency, and McCloughan said he would prefer to spread that money around.
"We're not one player away," McCloughan told MediaNews. "We're a handful of players away. We have to remember that when we address free agency. But you also have to get the best football players, too."
Although the 49ers believe they have jockeyed their way into position to be a playoff contender with a strong off-season, the team also wants to avoid using the same philosophy the 49ers used in the past. They want to have a long-term view as they build the team. Therefore, they might be reluctant to pay close to $20 million of guaranteed money for a free agent.
"We're not living for one year," McCloughan said. "We're living for two, three, four years down the line. The overall theme is: get the best players that you can
