SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The San Francisco 49ers tendered one-year contracts to three restricted free agents Wednesday: safety Dashon Goldson, linebacker Manny Lawson and defensive end Ray McDonald.
The Niners also tendered a one-year contract to exclusive rights free agent safety C.J. Spillman.
The team needed to offer its potential restricted free agents contracts in order to maintain the right to match an offer from any other club.
Keeping as many of the core players on the roster intact - while also finding a quarterback - is a priority for Harbaugh and recently promoted general manager Trent Baalke.
San Francisco started 0-5 and finished 6-10 last season after entering the year as an NFC West favorite following an unbeaten preseason.
The 26-year-old Goldson, a fourth-round draft pick in 2007 out of Washington, started all 32 games at free safety for the Niners the past two seasons. He had 80 tackles, one sack and one interception last season. He returned the interception for a touchdown.
Lawson is another key member of the Niners' young, talented defense.
Like Goldson, he has started every game the last two years.