The 49ers finished the season with Garner's average rush yards dropping substantially, and Hearst just beginning to practice. Meanwhile back up Paul Smith looks to be a solid back, but could probably use another year before really becoming an every down man. With Garner a free agent, and Hearst undergoing yet another surgery, the running back picture is very clouded.

Charlie Garner maintains that the decline in his performance was because the 49ers were not using him in the same manner, and due to offensive line injuries. Bill Walsh believes that the undersized Garner was simply wearing down. Garner will be commanding top dollar this off-season, and the 49ers likely wont be able to give him such a contract, unless they can work miracles with the salary cap.

Garrison Hearst would have to come to an injury settlement with the 49ers for them to let him go. The 49ers would love to see Hearst return to old form but that seems unlikely at best. Hearst set the all-time team record for rushing with the 49ers, and was running strong until he snapped his ankle in the playoffs against Atlanta.

Paul Smith is the only running back guaranteed back with the team as he is still under contract. Smith runs much like Hearst, able to go inside and out, but is still young, and needs development. The 49ers don't want to go into next season without a big name at running back, and thus Paul Smith will have to wait his turn.

The 49ers need to resign Charlie Garner, but the two sides are going to have to establish a contract they can both live with. The 49ers can't afford to mortgage their future on a running back that has yet to prove he will be running strong come playoff time. Meanwhile Garner, with his Pro Bowl nomination will be looking for a large contract. Somehow, a consensus needs to be made.