Well, this is interesting.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Oakland Raiders are in a bidding war with Bay Area rival San Francisco over 49ers’ safety Dashon Goldson.

Goldson The 49ers want the talented Goldson back and he will not be cheap. The Raiders’ pursuit of him means a few things.

First, it means the Raiders are not afraid of being a player in free agency despite a pre-lockout signing flurry of their own players, a tight salary-cap situation and several in-house priorities.

It also likely means they don’t want to pursue free-agent safety Michael Huff. Or , at least, they are looking at adding Goldson first. It could also be another indication that cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will be going elsewhere.

Goldson would likely team with Tyvon Branch if he signs with Oakland. Goldson is a good athletic player. He had a solid, not great season in 2010.

The Raiders’ salary-cap situation is not debilitating, but I’d be surprise if the Raiders have room to do a ton of work. I have no idea how Goldson’s pursuit affects the Raiders’ ability to keep tight end Zach Miller.

But whether or not the Raiders land Goldson, the pursuit means the Raiders are playing the free-agent game.

If the 49ers lose Goldson (they already lost linebacker Takeo Spikes to San Diego and are expected to lose defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin), they could ramp up an effort to snare Asomugha.

Meanwhile, the Bengals and Seahawks are bidding for Oakland guard Robert Gallery. He has already said he won’t come back to Oakland. Former Oakland head coach Tom Cable is Seattle’s offensive line coach. Also, Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is talking to Cincinnati. He is not expected back in Oakland.