With Shaun Hill Signed in San Francisco, 49ers Turn to Free Agent Linemen

The 49ers recently agreed to a three-year contract with former third-string quarterback Shaun Hill, who won consecutive starts last season after the ineffectual duo of Alex Smith and Trent Dilfer succumbed to injuries. The contract is believed to be worth $6 million, with incentives that could boost its value to $11.5 million—hardly a blockbuster deal, but one that clearly signals the end of Smith's tenure as San Francisco's undisputed starter. But while some dare to envision a future blissfully divorced from the most visible cog in an offense that ranked last in the league in an assortment of critical categories last season, the team must now address the futures of its remaining free agents, starting with defensive linemen Marques Douglas and Isaac Sopoaga. With the Tennessee Titans having slapped the franchise tag on Albert Haynesworth and the Niners eager to plug the hole created by the retirement of four-time Pro Bowler and 14-year mainstay Bryant Young, the presence of veterans ... (link)