Vinny Sutherland was an exclusive rights free agent. That meant that because he was sent a qualifying offer by the 49ers, he could only negotiate with the one team. Sutherland will compete for the returning job again this year. His greatest competition will come from undrafted free agent Ken Simonton, NFL Europe standout, Jamal Robertson, and seventh round pick Teddy Gaines. The team will be happy to award any one of these three with a roster spot, but the sure handed Sutherland isn’t likely to roll over easily.

Chike Okeafor was a restricted free agent, and by signing a contract tender with the team earlier this off-season, the 49ers had right of first refusal, and would be awarded compensation if he signed elsewhere. Okeafor’s position on the roster is much more secure than Sutherland’s but not guaranteed. He will compete with John Engelberger and Sean Moran for a starting position, but if he is out played by some younger players in camp, Okeafor may have a hard time making this years roster.