Asked in December about re-signing ultra-reliable, free-agent-to-be placekicker Phil Dawson, Jim Harbaugh memorably bellowed: “Pay the man!”

Based on two transactions today, it appears Dawson could get paid a bit more than $2.25 million – his 2013 salary – in 2014.

The Panthers retained kicker Graham Gano, 26, by signing him to a reported four-year, $12.4 million contract. Meanwhile, the Jets retained Nick Folk, 29, with the franchise tag, which is expected to be about $3.5 million for kickers this season.

Last year, Folk ranked 11th in field-goal percentage (91.7), while Dawson and Gano tied for 14th (88.9).

Based on his debut season with the 49ers, Dawson – and his agent – can make a compelling argument he merits a raise of about $1 million. That would place him in his salary range when he was franchise-tagged by the Browns in back-to-back seasons ($3.25 million in 2011; $3.81 million in 2012).

The franchise tag isn’t an option for the 49ers with Dawson because a third career tag entitles players to the quarterback franchise tender, which will be about $16 million.

So will they pay the man a salary comparable to those of Gano and Folk? The only real argument against doing so: his age.

Dawson turned 39 in January and it’s fair to wonder just how many kicks he has left in his right leg. The counterpoint to that argument, of course, is the past seasons have been the best back-to-back years of Old Man Dawson’s career.

After earning his first Pro Bowl berth with the Browns in 2012, Dawson was brilliant last year. He made a franchise-record 27 straight field-goal tries and drilled 35 of his final 36 attempts, including the playoffs. In all, he made 39 of 43 kicks and his misses were from 48, 53, 71 and 24 yards.

As for any questions about the 39-year-old’s leg strength: He’s made 18 of 21 kicks from 50-plus yards since 2011.

The 49ers don’t need to be reminded about the migraines associated with a unreliable kicker (see: David Roy Akers, 2012) and it appears keeping Dawson is a priority. In December, general manager Trent Baalke said the team had started discussions with Dawson’s agent.

Another reason to believe the 49ers will retain Dawson: The NFL announced today the 2014 salary cap will be $133 million, which is a robust $10 million hike from last year.

In other words, the 49ers should have even more ability to pay the man who was so valuable last year.

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Field-goal percentage since 2012 (minimum 30 attempts):

1. Dan Bailey, Dallas: 93.4 (57 of 61)

2. Shaun Suisham, Steelers: 92.1 (58 of 63)

3. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks: 91.9 (57 of 62)*

4. Justin Tucker, Ravens: 91.9 (68 of 74)

5. Nick Novak, Chargers: 91.2 (52 of 57)

6. Phil Dawson, 49ers: 91.0 (61 of 67)*

17. Graham Gano, Panthers: 86.8 (33 of 38)

19. Nick Folk, Jets: 85.7 (54 of 63)

36. David Akers, Lions: 72.7 (48 of 66)*

* Free agent