Dashon

Goldson

Goldson is one of the top safeties on the market and would be wise to let a bidding war ensue. The Niners are already on the record saying re-signing him is their No. 1 priority and the Raiders are may be ready to let free agent Michael Huff walk. Look for Goldson to land with the highest bidder.

Entering his age-32 season, Goldson said he reached out to the teams because he wants to finish his career on the West Coast. The Rams badly need safety help after losing FS Rodney McLeod in free agency and following SS T.J. McDonald’s recent DUI arrest. L.A. has also been linked to Donte Whitner.

Goldson recently hired the player agency CAA, which has a long history of succeeding in contract talks with the 49ers. While Goldson remains likely to be tagged, his new representation may increase the chances the sides reach a long-term accord. Goldson is likely aiming for Eric Weddle or Antrel Rolle money.

Goldson is believed to be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of Antrel Rolle’s five-year, $37 million contract. The 49ers will keep him on the roster for the reasonable $6.2 franchise tag cost instead. While Goldson and QB Alex Smith are certain to return for 2012, free agent CB Carlos Rogers’ future is up in the air.

Goldson wanted Antrel Rolle money (five years, $37 million) last offseason and may be sticking to that demand after a strong season. He recently fired agent Drew Rosenhaus and is in search of a long-term contract. With the safety franchise number at a reasonable $6.2M, though, the 49ers have more leverage.

As are 49ers FS Dashon Goldson and Cowboys OLB Anthony Spencer. They’re joining fellow franchise players Drew Brees, Matt Forte, Wes Welker, Dwayne Bowe, Ray Rice, Cliff Avril and Calais Campbell in sitting out. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff hinted at the time of Grimes’ franchising he anticipated reaching a long-term accord, but the sides haven’t made any public progress. The deadline to sign franchise players to long-term deals is July 16.

Goldson was ejected after throwing four haymakers at Doucet, so that will serve as his suspension. Both he and Doucet are likely facing hefty fines.

Per Maiocco, the 49ers “obviously” would like to lock up both defensive backs for the long term, but the safety tag is $6.2 million compared to $10.6 million for a corner, and San Francisco has no in-house replacement for Goldson. They have Chris Culliver, Tarell Brown, and Tramaine Brock at cornerback. Rogers appears headed for the open market if no deal is reached before March 13.

“I think those guys are excited about me being there and I’m sure they want me back,” Goldson said. “They’ve expressed how much they want me back. I want to be back there.” Goldson is coming off his first Pro Bowl season at age 27. He should be back in San Francisco via the franchise tag or a long-term deal.

Goldson was forced to play under a one-year, $2 million contract in 2011 after turning down a five-year offer. The Niners could submit a similar multi-year offer this year and hope Goldson accepts this time around. The franchise number for safeties is $6.2 million. Goldson (ankle) and CB Carlos Rogers (knee) will sit out the Pro Bowl to rest nagging injuries.