The San Francisco 49ers are already going to work to bring back a pair of defensive free agents who proved their value last season in limited action. General manager John Lynch on Tuesday at the NFL combine told reporters the 49ers are in contact with safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw to try and retain both when they hit unrestricted free agency in March.

Charvarius Ward's time with the San Francisco 49ers is likely done, but another star cornerback could be on his way to the Bay Area instead.

That appeared to pave the way for Hufanga’s exit when his rookie contract ran out at the end of the 2024 campaign. The 2022 All-Pro will likely get priced out of what the 49ers are wanting to spend at safety, particularly with two cost-controlled draft picks on the defensive depth chart.

General manager John Lynch said the 49ers must “reset” and “recalibrate” their spending habits, presumably excluding Brock Purdy’s eventual contract extension.

Teams let good players walk out of the building all the time. It’s called free agency and it starts in less than a month on March 12. Two of the 49ers’ toughest decisions are what to do with linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who are scheduled to be made available to the highest bidder.

The 49ers need a defensive tackle who fits their system. Two years ago, they gave a four-year, $84 million contract to Javon Hargrave, who

The Cincinnati Bengals have spent years trying to correct the mistake that was letting Jessie Bates get away. And while the Bengals might just go into next season giving Geno Stone and Jordan Battle a shot under new coordinator Al Golden, they would be wise to look at free agency, too.

General manager John Lynch said the 49ers must "reset" and "recalibrate" their spending habits, presumably excluding Brock Purdy's eventual