The 49ers signed Yiadom to a one-year, $3 million deal last year to compete for their No. 3 cornerback spot. He eventually was overtaken by rookie Renardo Green, though Ward’s likely departure means the 49ers again will have a need for a No. 3 player at the position. That Yiadom is a reliable punt-return gunner gives him additional value.

Talanoa Hufanga will be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts on March 12 and the 49ers might not be able to re-sign him. That's because he's one of the better free agents available this year.

The San Francisco 49ers have several big names heading for free agency. However, one of the team’s longtime backups was unexpectedly highlighted by Pro Football Focus. In a recent piece by Bradley Locker over at PFF,