CSN Bay Area says Brandon Jacobs is in good shape for a "significant backup role." Through seven practices, Jacobs is on track to secure a roster spot and short-yardage role behind Frank Gore. It's a sign that he's looking fresh after dropping 15 pounds since spring workouts. Still, we wouldn't waste a "handcuff" pick on the 30-year-old Jacobs. Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James are also very much in the mix for carries behind Frank Gore.

Brandon Jacobs is down to 260 pounds after reporting to spring drills at 275. It's a good sign for Jacobs as he enters his age-30 season. He has to maintain some level of burst to win a short-yardage role in the Niners' backfield. "I feel faster, I feel stronger, I feel like I'm playing with better leverage," Jacobs said Thursday. Regardless, there won't be many carries available for the ex-Giant with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James all in the mix.

CSN Bay Area believes Brandon Jacobs is the favorite for short-yardage duties, but "he'll have to earn it with a good camp." The addition of Jacobs as a potential goal-line vulture is one of several reasons Rotoworld is down on Frank Gore's fantasy prospects this season. The 30-year-old isn't guaranteed a roster spot in a crowded backfield, though, so this is a storyline to follow throughout August.

Brandon Jacobs revealed that he would have returned to the Giants in March had the sides not been "a couple hundred thousand [dollars]" apart in contract talks. Jacobs emphasized that money was the only factor that prohibited his return, suggesting he was fine with his role as Ahmad Bradshaw's sidekick. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Giants thought Jacobs return -- "at the right price" -- was still a possibility right up until he signed with the 49ers.

49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman confirmed that he views Brandon Jacobs exclusively as an inside runner. Rathman hinted that Jacobs too often tries to tiptoe to the edge. "He has to understand who he is as a player. We need him to pack it up inside and run over guys and be physical as a ball carrier. If we want to ... run outside, we'll put somebody else in." Jacobs will try to earn a short-yardage role at training camp.

49ers RB Brandon Jacobs ''isn't concerned'' with competing for carries with Frank Gore. ''That part will work itself out,'' Jacobs said. "My role is going to come off how much I earn. I'm going to earn everything I get." The 49ers may enter the year planning to limit Gore's role, but have yet to commit to Jacobs as their short-yardage back. If he falls behind Kendall Hunter on the depth chart, he won't be guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the 49ers have agreed to terms with Brandon Jacobs, formerly of the Giants. Jacobs is joining Randy Moss and former Giants teammate Mario Manningham as offensive additions in San Francisco. The 49ers will remain a run-dominant offense, with Jacobs perhaps handling the majority of the short-yardage and goal-line work, putting a dent in Frank Gore's fantasy value. Should Gore miss time, though, the more explosive Kendall Hunter would remain the back to own. Anthony Dixon appears to be the odd man out of the backfield picture.

According to the New York Daily News, there is still a "chance" free agent Brandon Jacobs will return to the Giants. Jacobs wants to see what else is out there before signing on a lesser deal in New York. With Michael Bush and BenJarvus Green-Ellis off the market, the list of available backs includes Jacobs, Kevin Smith, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai, Ryan Grant, Ronnie Brown, Justin Forsett and Tim Hightower.

Free agent Brandon Jacobs says he'd "love" to play for the Jets. "I would love to do that," Jacobs said Friday. "It would be an opportunity for me to not have to relocate ... whichever team it is, I think is going to be a lucky team. I got a lot left in me, got a lot to offer." Jacobs would have to reconcile with the coach he called "fat boy" in December, but seems keenly aware of the fact he shouldn't rule out playing anywhere. Never a plus as a pass catcher, Jacobs wouldn't be an adequate replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson.

Free agent Brandon Jacobs was reportedly seeking only $2 million per year on a new deal with the Giants before his Friday release. The Giants would only offer $1.5 million annually with a chance to earn more through incentives. Jacobs indicated in a statement after the transaction that he has no plans to return to New York on a lesser deal. "It's been a good ride," he said. "Time to move on. I just want to thank them for the opportunity."