With the 2014 NFL free agency period beginning on March 11th, 49ers rumors are going to be focused on signings, departures, and the looming uncertainty of the franchise tag.
One of the major names that has been rumored by several NFL sources to receive the San Francisco 49ers' 2014 franchise tag is 2-time NFL Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner.
The San Francisco 49ers worked out a reduction in salary for backup safety Craig Dahl earlier this week, leading many NFL analysts to believe that the 49ers are going to go all-in on trying to resign Donte Whitner.
However, the market price for a top-five safety is not extremely high, leading to speculation the San Francisco 49ers could utilize the franchise tag on Donte Whitner in order to free up space for a run at re-signing wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
Widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the NFL, Donte Whitner had another stellar season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. He had a career-high 15 passes defensed in the regular season, adding 63 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.