During an appearance with Mark Madden of 105.9 The X on Tuesday, Ben Roethlisberger said he had conversation with the San Francisco 49ers about coming out of retirement during the 2022 season.

The 49ers lost Trey Lance in Week 2, then later in the year Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury and rookie Brock Purdy was thrust into a starting role.

"They were, I think, reaching out maybe just to gauge my interest," Roethlisberger said. "I had discussions. ... I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a small part of me that was intrigued. I could still do it and prove to people that I could still play. At the end of the day, I just can't see myself in anything other than black and gold."

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with Sam Darnold, according to a report.

Darnold is expected to serve as insurance at quarterback behind Trey Lance and Brock Purdy.

The Denver Broncos are working to improve their offensive line.

Denver will sign right tackle Mike McGlinchey to a five-year deal worth $87.5 million with $50 million guaranteed, according to sources. McGlinchey started every game for the San Francisco 49ers this past season.

The Broncos will also sign guard Ben Powers to a four-year contract worth $52 million, including $28.5 million guaranteed, according to sources.

The 26-year-old led the Ravens with 1,096 snaps, becoming the team's only player to participate in every offensive play.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a four-year, $84 million deal with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, per reports.

Hargrave's new deal includes $40 million in guaranteed money.

He had spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a career-high 11 sacks in 2022.

The Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are expected to pursue Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Garoppolo is expected to finally leave the San Francisco 49ers this offseason as they pivot to Trey Lance and Brock Purdy.

The New York Jets could also pursue Garoppolo if they are unable to trade for Aaron Rodgers. 

Tashaun Gipson has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.9 million with the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source.

Gipson started all 20 games (including playoffs) for the Niners at safety in 2022, posting five interceptions, which tied for second most in the NFL.

The NFL has announced the compensatory picks for the 2023 NFL draft, with the San Francisco 49ers leading with way with seven selections.

The league issued 37 compensatory picks.

San Francisco's picks came following the departures of head coaches Robert Saleh (New York Jets), Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins) and DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), as well as general managers Martin Mayhew (Washington Commanders) and Ran Carthon (Tennessee Titans) in recent years.

Sixteen teams received compensatory picks.

The Niners and Los Angeles Rams picked up the maximum allowable four additional picks under the compensatory free agent formula. 

For the first time in the Kyle Shanahan era, the San Francisco 49ers will be without beloved kicker Robbie Gould.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Gould “will test free agency later this month and be kicking elsewhere in 2023.” 

Gould came to the 49ers in 2017, the same year as Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, after 10 years with the Chicago Bears and one with the New York Giants. In the ensuing years, Gould started nearly every game, including three NFC title games and a Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been waiting for swelling in his right elbow to reduce so he can have the torn ulnar collateral ligament in it repaired.

That procedure was supposed to happen Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. But, after Purdy met with Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday, the surgery will be delayed further, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their dramatic comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday night, already have been installed as the favorites to win next season's Super Bowl.

Caesars Sportsbook has the Chiefs as the favorites to win Super Bowl LVIII at +550, followed by the San Francisco 49ers at +600 and Buffalo Bills at +650. The Eagles are next at +800 in the sportsbook's early Super Bowl odds.