Day 1: Official list of franchise players

The NFL has announced the official list of players given “franchise” designation by their respective teams. The 49ers did not name a franchise player.

Here is the complete official list:

Arizona: LB Karlos Dansby

Atlanta: P Michael Koenen

Baltimore: LB Terrell Suggs

Carolina: DE Julius Peppers

Cincinnati: K Shayne Graham

Houston: CB Dunta Robinson

New England: QB Matt Cassel

N.Y. Giants: RB Brandon Jacobs

Pittsburgh: OT Max Starks

San Diego: RB Darren Sproles

St. Louis: S Oshiomogho Atogwe

Seattle: LB Leroy Hill

Tampa Bay: WR Antonio Bryant

Tennessee: TE Bo Scaife

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So let’s assume the 49ers are not going to give up the kind of compensation that will be required to acquire one of these franchise players. Who is out there at positions of need?

Here is a quick look at some of the players the 49ers might target at the most obvious positions of need when they become unrestricted free agents at 9:01 p.m. (PT) on Thursday, Feb. 26:

Offensive tackle: Marvel Smith (Pittsburgh), Khalif Barnes (Jacksonville) and Vernon Carey (Miami).

Wide receiver: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati), Devery Henderson (New Orleans) and Nate Washington (Pittsburgh).

Safety: Jermaine Phillips (Tampa Bay), Sean Jones (Cleveland) and Yeremiah Bell (Miami).

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Just had to do it – had to walk back to the hotel this evening. And, yes, it was even colder than it was in the morning. At least there were no near-death experiences.

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On tap for tomorrow . . . Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan will take the podium early in the morning. Singletary arrived in Indianapolis about an hour ago.

Also, quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers will take the stage for the media.

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The only player I heard today who said he has spoken with the 49ers since arriving in Indianapolis is center Max Unger of Oregon. Of course, this means nothing. Every team will try to speak with every player at some point over the next couple months.

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