The San Francisco 49ers announced they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on S Dashon Goldson. Goldson was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

"Dashon has been a 49er since we selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 draft," said 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. "By using the franchise tag on Dashon, it affords us the opportunity to continue to work on a long-term contract with him, while also ensuring he will be a 49er for a sixth season, in 2012."

If Goldson were to receive a contract offer from another club, the 49ers will have the right to match the offer. If they choose not to match the offer, then the team would receive two first-round draft choices as compensation. The franchise tender will provide Goldson with a one-year guaranteed contract equivalent to the average of the top five highest paid players at his position each year, over the last five seasons.

In 2011, Goldson (6-2, 200) earned his first Pro Bowl selection as he recorded a career-high six interceptions, which ranked tied for first on the team and second in the NFL among safeties. He also added 80 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and nine passes defensed.

Goldson was originally selected by the 49ers in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He has played in 65 games (48 starts) for San Francisco, registering 334 tackles, 11 interceptions, three sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 24 passes defensed. Goldson has started all 46 games in which he's appeared over the past three seasons and his 11 interceptions are the most by a 49er since 2007.