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With nearly half those on the 49ers roster unsigned for next season, running back Kevan Barlow couldn't help but think this week about the turnover that might take place.
"I joked about it out there at practice, looking around and seeing guys
who might not be together," Barlow said earlier this week.
Today's season finale against the Seattle Seahawks (9-6) at Candlestick Park promises to be the swan song for several 49ers (7-8).
"I'd like to see a lot of guys come back and keep us together as a team,"
added Barlow, who'll become a restricted free agent and one that the 49ers assuredly
will at least tender a one-year contract to retain his rights.
Because the 49ers kept all but two starters from last year's club that reached
the NFC divisional playoffs, a third consecutive trip to the playoffs was expected.
But those playoff dreams fell apart as the 49ers went 1-7 on the road and 1-5
in games decided by three or fewer points.
Don't expect a rebuilding effort similar to that of a few years back. The 49ers,
however, likely will have a fair amount of turnover considering that 26 players
are unsigned for 2004.
Linebacker Julian Peterson, arguably the 49ers' MVP this season, is among 14
players slated to become unrestricted free agents in March. Although the 49ers
are expected to make a strong effort to retain Peterson by either re-signing
him or designating him their "franchise player," today's game still
could be his last as a 49er.
"It hasn't crossed my mind yet, but it might later on," Peterson said.
"I'm just going to go out, enjoy myself and try to represent the guys that
couldn't make it out there, like (linebacker) Jamie (Winborn) and (safety) Zack
(Bronson)."
Neck injuries prematurely ended both Winborn's and Bronson's seasons. Winborn
learned Nov. 13 of a ruptured disk in his neck, requiring career-threatening
surgery Dec. 4. Bronson will miss his second straight game today because of
a bulging disk that also sidelined him two months ago.
With only one interception this season and a costly $1.7 million base salary
for 2004, Bronson could be among those not returning to the club. Other high-priced
veterans who may be on the bubble are running back Garrison Hearst ($2.5 million
salary in 2004), defensive tackle Bryant Young ($2.25 million) and left tackle
Derrick Deese ($2.3 million).
Starters among projected unrestricted free agents are Peterson, wide receivers
Terrell Owens and Tai Streets, tight end Jed Weaver, cornerbacks Ahmed Plummer
and Jason Webster, defensive tackle Travis Kirschke, defensive end John Engelberger,
kicker Todd Peterson and long snapper Brian Jennings.
The biggest departure would be that of Owens, who is expected to void his contract
and become an unrestricted free agent. Owens broke his left collarbone in Sunday's
31-28 overtime win at Philadelphia, ending his season and likely his eight-year
career with the 49ers.
Coach Dennis Erickson is anxious to see how Owens' absence will affect today's
game. Streets and Cedrick Wilson will be today's starting wide receivers, but
rookie Brandon Lloyd is expected to see as much playing time as them, Erickson
said.
"Our receivers are playing without T.O., so it'll be interesting to see
what (the Seahawks) do defensively," Erickson said. "It's one thing
to make a play when (Owens) is getting double (covered). Now, without him for
the first time, it'll be interesting to see how we react."
The only other announced change to the starting lineup for today's finale will
mark the debut of Dwaine Carpenter at Bronson's free safety spot. Carpenter
made his first career start Sunday at left cornerback and received praise from
Erickson despite committing two pass-interference penalties.
NOTES: Linebacker Derek Smith, who's set a single-season team record with 179
tackles, has won the team's Matt Hazeltine Award, given annually to the most
courageous and tenacious 49ers defensive player. Hazeltine was a 49ers linebacker
from 1955-68 who died of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) at age 53.