Niners running back LaMichael James capably handled punt- and kickoff-return duties after he assumed those roles in the latter stages of the 2013 season.

James averaged 10.9 yards per punt return, which ranked 14th in the NFL, and made an even bigger impact returning kickoffs. James averaged 26.8 yards on 12 kickoffs and had two critical late-season runbacks.

In the regular-season finale, his 41-yard return helped set up Phil Dawson’s last-second field goal in a 23-20 win at Arizona. A week later, in a 23-20 wild-card win at Green Bay, his 37-yard runback early in the fourth quarter led to a touchdown three plays later.

James wasn’t flawless – most notably he muffed a punt the 49ers recovered in the NFC Championship Game – but he did enough to ensure he’ll be the Niners’ returner in 2014.

Right?

Answer: Um, maybe?

It’s worth noting the 49ers have expressed interest in a slew of free-agent wide receivers over the past week-and-half and three of those wideouts double as highly accomplished returners.

Consider:

** New England’s Julian Edelman, who visited the 49ers last week, ranks first among active players in yards per punt return (12.3). Edelman, who has 26 career kickoff returns, ranked fourth in the NFL in punt-return yards in 2013.

** Detroit’s Golden Tate, who said the 49ers expressed interested before he signed with Lions, ranks fourth among active players in yards per punt return (11.6). Tate, who only has four career kickoff returns, ranked second in the NFL in punt returns and punt-returns yards in 2013.

** Atlanta’s Devin Hester, who told the Atlanta Journal Constitution the 49ers were among the final five teams he considered, is one of the most prolific punt and kickoff returners in NFL history. Hester ranks first in league history in punt-return touchdowns and fifth in kickoff-return scores.

Now, if, for example, the 49ers had signed Hester – and, yes, Jim Harbaugh really loathes such hypotheticals (apologies, Jim) — he certainly would have handled punts and kickoffs given his decorated resume. If so, James’ role would have been limited to offense, where the 2012 second-round pick has played infrequently in his two NFL seasons.

Last year, James had only 12 carries and the backfield will become more congested in 2014 when Marcus Lattimore joins James, Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

That’s why it came as a shocker when it was reported the 49ers had interest in yet another running back – Minnesota’s Toby Gerhart – before the former Stanford star signed with Jacksonville.

James’ puny offensive role has led to speculation the 49ers could trade him in the offseason. Last month, general manager Trent Baalke was asked about that possibility at the combine and shot it down.

“No discussion,” Baalke said to the Sacramento Bee and CSN Bay Area. “LaMichael’s a 49er, will continue to be a 49er.”