Free agency live blog No. 3: Thursday.

It’s the third day of free agency and the Niner news just keeps pouring in.

First, longtime Niner Shawntae Spencer got cut this morning, freeing up $3 million in cap space, roughly. Spencer was never a favorite of new defensive coaches Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell.

Free agent wide receiver Mario Manningham is scheduled to meet with the team at the Santa Clara facility this afternoon. Perhaps they cut Spencer this morning to free up enough cap space to sign Manningham this evening. That would make sense, wouldn’t it?

Finally, according to an unconfirmed rumor Alex Smith ate breakfast burritos this morning, and they were tasty.

Check back throughout the day for more free agency updates.

11:35 The Niners just signed Rock Cartwright to a one-year deal, per league source.

If Cartwright (32 years old, 5-7, 223 lbs.) is supposed to be Anthony Dixon’s main competition for the big, short-yardage back, Dixon got off easy. Cartwright’s scored six rushing TDs in his career – four in 2003, two in 2005. His last two seasons on the Raiders he got eleven rushing attempts.

12:38 Mario Manningham is in the building, per Maiocco. Will they ask him to work out? They know his body of work. He may opt to become a 49ers’ acquisition.

1:55 Eddie Royal is taking a physical for the Chargers, according to Schefter. It’s looking like the Niners are going to sign Mario Manningham or no one else.

2:54 Manningham has visits scheduled with the Dolphins and Bills, according to Barrows.
Here’s what I think happened today. The Niners tried to convince Manningham to sign for cheap and be a part of “something special,” Manningham said, “I’d like market value, please.”

The Niners said, “We’re not inclined to give that to you,” and he said, “I bet the Dolphins or the Bills are.”

So, I highly doubt the Niners sign Manningham. Baalke will most likely have to find his replacement for Joshua Morgan in the draft.

4:51 Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk just tweeted this: “Wonder if #49ers might end up getting Alex Smith cheaper than initial offer, after FA cools a bit. Not like anyone else wants him. Why pay?”

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