GM John Lynch continues his busy ways ahead of this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
The 49ers announced they’ve tendered contract offers to linebacker Carl Bradford and defensive lineman Mike Purcell. Both were the team’s only exclusive rights free agents.
Purcell is the bigger name of the two, having started five games in 2016 at nose tackle. He produced 26 tackles and has appeared in 25 games since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2013. The 49ers allowed a franchise record in rushing yards allowed last season and finished 32nd in the league in total defense.
Bradford was claimed by former GM Trent Baalke on Dec. 19. The former Green Bay Packer is a 24-year-old Arizona State alum who will likely contribute on special teams next season. Ideally, both Bradford and Purcell are reserve players this season, meaning the 49ers have upgraded the roster.
San Francisco is scheduled to have 17 free agents coming into the new NFL year. My list for the five to keep included running back DuJuan Harris, kicker Phil Dawson, quarterback Christian Ponder, defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey and linebacker Gerald Hodges.
Other free agents include Blaine Gabbert, Michael Wilhoite, Tony Jerod-Edie, Shaun Draughn, Jeremy Kerley, Nick Bellore, Rod Streater, Thad Lewis, Jim Dray, Andrew Gardner, Quinton Patton.