The San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders entered free agency in 2011 each having their fair share of holes. Based on the first couple days of free agency, it sounds like each team will be looking to take a bite out of their Bay Area rival. Although NFL free agents can't officially sign their contracts, they can begin negotiations with any team in the league. Accordingly, the Raiders and 49ers have started chatting with each other's free agents in hopes of solidfying a deal soon.
Reports yesterday indicated the Raiders looked to draw first blood as they started negotiating with safety Dashon Goldson who would slot in to the free safety role if they let Michael Huff walk. The 49ers have indicated a willingness to pay Goldson as much as any of their defensive free agents. Of course, they're starting to let those free agents walks, so maybe they let Goldson walk.
On the other side of the Bay, Michael Lombardi is tweeting that the 49ers have emerged as the main competition of the New York Jets to sign cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The 49ers would likely cut Nate Clements who is schedule to earn $15+ million this season on a back-loaded contract.
For now this is all rumors so it's a long way from any sort of consummation. However, it's not surprising to see the two Bay Area football teams duking it out for free agents.