The 49ers took their first off-season steps toward preventing a mass exodus, but not without effectively saying goodbye to perhaps their biggest star.
Monday, the team made Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson its exclusive franchise player and agreed to contract terms with running back Kevin Barlow, keeping the budding star from testing the market as a restricted free agent.
Using their franchise tag to bind Peterson means the 49ers won't have it to block wide receiver Terrell Owens' impending departure. The most they will get upon Owens' signing with another team is a third-round compensatory draft pick from the NFL.
``Keeping Julian in the organization, keeping Kevan Barlow in the organization is part of the long-term plan,'' General Manager Terry Donahue said in a conference call. ``These are the kind of players that give us a chance to win and build toward a world's championship.''
Donahue also said he plans to renew negotiations this week with Jeff Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, in hopes of restructuring the quarterback's $10 million salary for 2004 to make it salary-cap-friendly.
As for Owens, agent David Joseph said his client welcomes the freedom.
``This is great news for Terrell, because there's no restriction at all on his ability to go to other teams,'' said Joseph, adding he will exercise the escape clause voiding the last three years of Owens' contract well before the March 2 deadline.
Joseph had feared that the 49ers would use the franchise tag on his client, particularly if they had worked out a long-term contract with Peterson. But Donahue and Joseph said the sides never talked about a new deal for Owens.
``It became apparent recently that Terrell had played his last game for the 49ers,'' Joseph said. ``There's a lot of sadness with that, because he gave his heart and soul to that team for eight years, and now it's over.''
Owens is among a slew of key players the 49ers could lose to free agency. The team has made offers to cornerbacks Ahmed Plummer and Jason Webster, defensive end John Engelberger and long snapper Brian Jennings, but Donahue said he expects all of them to test the market.
Barlow, who rushed for 1,024 yards last season despite making only four starts, agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract that includes $8 million in guaranteed money.
``I'm ready to tackle anything for this team,'' Barlow said. ``I'm just excited and happy that they had the faith and confidence in me to get the deal done.''
Talks are also under way to restructure the contracts of defensive tackle Bryant Young, tackle Derrick Deese, guard Ron Stone and running back Garrison Hearst, Donahue said. A starter last year, Hearst probably would have to accept a reduced role and reduced pay if he is to remain. Hearst's agent, Pat Dye, did not return a phone call.
In Peterson's case, the franchise player tag gives the 49ers sole negotiation rights with their top defensive playmaker. The 49ers must pay Peterson an average of the five highest-paid players at his position. That figure is expected to be between $5.8 million and $7.2 million.
Peterson's agent, Carl Poston, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Donahue said that while the 49ers hope to work out a long-term contract with Peterson -- whom they regard in the same light as standouts LaVar Arrington of Washington and Brian Urlacher of Chicago -- the sides remain far apart.
Donahue expressed confidence the linebacker will accept the team's tender rather than hold out.
``When you use the franchise tag, it isn't like they're not going to be paid handsomely,'' Donahue said. ``He's going to get very well-rewarded for this year.''
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Monday, the team made Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson its exclusive franchise player and agreed to contract terms with running back Kevin Barlow, keeping the budding star from testing the market as a restricted free agent.
Using their franchise tag to bind Peterson means the 49ers won't have it to block wide receiver Terrell Owens' impending departure. The most they will get upon Owens' signing with another team is a third-round compensatory draft pick from the NFL.
``Keeping Julian in the organization, keeping Kevan Barlow in the organization is part of the long-term plan,'' General Manager Terry Donahue said in a conference call. ``These are the kind of players that give us a chance to win and build toward a world's championship.''
Donahue also said he plans to renew negotiations this week with Jeff Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, in hopes of restructuring the quarterback's $10 million salary for 2004 to make it salary-cap-friendly.
As for Owens, agent David Joseph said his client welcomes the freedom.
``This is great news for Terrell, because there's no restriction at all on his ability to go to other teams,'' said Joseph, adding he will exercise the escape clause voiding the last three years of Owens' contract well before the March 2 deadline.
Joseph had feared that the 49ers would use the franchise tag on his client, particularly if they had worked out a long-term contract with Peterson. But Donahue and Joseph said the sides never talked about a new deal for Owens.
``It became apparent recently that Terrell had played his last game for the 49ers,'' Joseph said. ``There's a lot of sadness with that, because he gave his heart and soul to that team for eight years, and now it's over.''
Owens is among a slew of key players the 49ers could lose to free agency. The team has made offers to cornerbacks Ahmed Plummer and Jason Webster, defensive end John Engelberger and long snapper Brian Jennings, but Donahue said he expects all of them to test the market.
Barlow, who rushed for 1,024 yards last season despite making only four starts, agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract that includes $8 million in guaranteed money.
``I'm ready to tackle anything for this team,'' Barlow said. ``I'm just excited and happy that they had the faith and confidence in me to get the deal done.''
Talks are also under way to restructure the contracts of defensive tackle Bryant Young, tackle Derrick Deese, guard Ron Stone and running back Garrison Hearst, Donahue said. A starter last year, Hearst probably would have to accept a reduced role and reduced pay if he is to remain. Hearst's agent, Pat Dye, did not return a phone call.
In Peterson's case, the franchise player tag gives the 49ers sole negotiation rights with their top defensive playmaker. The 49ers must pay Peterson an average of the five highest-paid players at his position. That figure is expected to be between $5.8 million and $7.2 million.
Peterson's agent, Carl Poston, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Donahue said that while the 49ers hope to work out a long-term contract with Peterson -- whom they regard in the same light as standouts LaVar Arrington of Washington and Brian Urlacher of Chicago -- the sides remain far apart.
Donahue expressed confidence the linebacker will accept the team's tender rather than hold out.
``When you use the franchise tag, it isn't like they're not going to be paid handsomely,'' Donahue said. ``He's going to get very well-rewarded for this year.''
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