SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- While most NFL teams are bracing to lose many of their unrestricted free agents or making plans to use franchise or transition tags to keep the players they don't want to lose, the San Francisco 49ers have been proactive in attempting to keep players they value.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Niners have retained defensive end Cassius Marsh, center Daniel Kilgore and, of course, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo by signing them to new contracts. It speaks to the culture the 49ers have already built under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch that such players are signing long-term deals before testing the free-agent market or at least gauging their price during the three-day early negotiating window.

Still, as Lynch is quick to point out, the 49ers have plenty of work to do.

"We've got a long way to go," Lynch said. "We have a long way to go, and we're fully aware of that."

With that in mind, the 49ers still have a few weeks to handle more business before free agency officially begins on March 14. We will lay out some outside possibilities for the Niners in free agency as it gets closer (and when we have a better idea of who will actually hit the market).

For now, here's a look at where things stand with some other forthcoming 49ers free agents:

LB Brock Coyle -- The Niners weren't exactly teeming with depth before but with Reuben Foster's future in question after his arrest on charges related to domestic violence, criminal threats and possession of an assault weapon, linebacker has moved up the list of needs. Coyle filled in last season after the team released NaVorro Bowman and was a solid special teams contributor. San Francisco would presumably like to bring him back, as having some experienced depth would be helpful. Coyle is unlikely to be too costly but a torn labrum in his shoulder complicates matters a bit. Even if it doesn't happen right away, Coyle returning to the Niners seems a likely outcome.

DE Tank Carradine -- Carradine finally found the position that best suits him after moving around relentlessly his first three seasons in the league. As a "big" end in the Niners' 4-3 scheme, Carradine was a solid run stopper who makes sense as part of the Niners' defensive line rotation. Carradine shouldn't cost much, but he might want to explore the market first in search of the best deal and situation possible.

RB Carlos Hyde -- At this point, it seems unlikely that the Niners re-sign Hyde before free agency, as he will almost certainly want to test the market. If Pittsburgh retains Le'Veon Bell, either through the tag or by re-signing, Hyde could be viewed as the best running back available. If he doesn't draw a big offer, it's possible he will be back because the Niners do like him. Still, the bet here is that he will land elsewhere, perhaps on a team that better fits his running style as the Niners seek a better pass-catcher in his place.

OT Garry Gilliam -- A knee injury landed Gilliam on injured reserve, but before that he offered some dependability as the team's swing tackle. Gilliam is suited for the Niners' outside zone running scheme and can play either side. With right tackle Trent Brown working his way back from a shoulder injury, Gilliam might make sense as a cheaper option capable of holding a spot down while the Niners add more competition for depth in Brown's absence.

S Eric Reid -- Reid's pending free agency will be one of the more interesting storylines as the market opens. The Niners seem content with the idea of having Jaquiski Tartt take over as the starting strong safety on a permanent basis but Reid played well for the 49ers in 2017. Reid has already said he wouldn't be surprised if his participation in protests during the national anthem prevent a robust market for his services from materializing. If that happens and his price drops, perhaps he could return.