Curious that the 49ers sat out last week’s free-agent opening, while other teams, like the Raiders, signed needed talent. In fact, the Raiders hired three players at positions where the 49ers have deep needs – guard, pass rusher, and cornerback.

Oakland doled out $57.9 million in signing bonuses to guard Kelechi Osmele (Baltimore), linebacker Bruce Irvin (Seattle) and cornerback Sean Smith (Kansas City), who are all in their primes. The 49ers signed 28-year-old, third-string quarterback Thad Lewis, who has been with five teams and hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2013.

From the outside, it seems the 49ers have needs at every position except safety and punter. Even with 12 draft picks, the 49ers can’t address all those positions adequately.

The 49ers are also about $50 million under the cap, which is about $10 million less than the Raiders had at the start of free agency. The 49ers are also one of the top revenue teams in the league, while the Raiders are often the lowest.

The 49ers also have an image problem. Talking with several former coaches and players during Super Bowl week, they all had the same question, “What’s going on in Santa Clara?”

What’s next for Colin Kaepernick? See 10 things below:









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Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Image 2 of 13 9. It means the 49ers are 55 million under the salary gap, so paying Kaepernick his $11.9 million doesn’t really matter. 9. It means the 49ers are 55 million under the salary gap, so paying Kaepernick his $11.9 million doesn’t really matter. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Image 3 of 13 8. It means the 49ers might want Chip Kelly to see Kaepernick perform in an off-season program or even a training camp before making a judgment on him. 8. It means the 49ers might want Chip Kelly to see Kaepernick perform in an off-season program or even a training camp before making a judgment on him. Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images Image 4 of 13 7. It means there’s little interest from other teams in trading for Kaepernick. Apparently, he wanted to go to the Jets, but the Jets were not interested. The 49ers might be stuck with him. 7. It means there’s little interest from other teams in trading for Kaepernick. Apparently, he wanted to go to the Jets, but the Jets were not interested. The 49ers might be stuck with him. Photo: Bryan Thomas / For the Chronicle Image 5 of 13 Image 6 of 13 6. It means the 49ers really do want to see if Kelly can turn Kaepernick back into the talk of the NFL again. 6. It means the 49ers really do want to see if Kelly can turn Kaepernick back into the talk of the NFL again. Photo: Rob Tringali / Getty Images Image 7 of 13 5. It means Kelly wants Kaepernick. Rumors to that effect persisted in Kelly’s three-year tenure in Philadelphia. While Kelly appeared tepid about Kaepernick during his introductory news conference, he didn’t deny that he wanted to trade for Kaepernick. He just said not believe everything you hear. less 5. It means Kelly wants Kaepernick. Rumors to that effect persisted in Kelly’s three-year tenure in Philadelphia. While Kelly appeared tepid about Kaepernick during his introductory news conference, he ... more Photo: Michael Perez / Associated Press Image 8 of 13 4. It means Kaepernick has talked with new coach Chip Kelly and he believes Kelly can revive his floundering career. CSN Bay Area recently quoted a source close to Kaepernick saying that he had no chance developing under Jim Tomsula’s coaching staff. less 4. It means Kaepernick has talked with new coach Chip Kelly and he believes Kelly can revive his floundering career. CSN Bay Area recently quoted a source close to Kaepernick saying that he had no chance ... more Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press Image 9 of 13 3. It means the 49ers are stuck with Kaepernick for 2016. If Kaepernick cannot pass a physical on April 1, then his near $12 mil for the year is guaranteed. And with his recovery from three surgeries, the chances he’ll be healthy on April Fools Day are nil. less 3. It means the 49ers are stuck with Kaepernick for 2016. If Kaepernick cannot pass a physical on April 1, then his near $12 mil for the year is guaranteed. And with his recovery from three surgeries, the ... more Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images Image 10 of 13 Image 11 of 13 2. It means if the 49ers are excited about Kaepernick, maybe other teams will be also. If Trent Baalke balked even slightly on Kaepernick then it might lessen his potential trade value. 2. It means if the 49ers are excited about Kaepernick, maybe other teams will be also. If Trent Baalke balked even slightly on Kaepernick then it might lessen his potential trade value. Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Image 12 of 13 1. Baalke has to say “absolutely” that he wants Kaepernick, because he doesn’t want a malcontent on the team if the 49ers have no other option to retain Kaepernick for the 2016 season. 1. Baalke has to say “absolutely” that he wants Kaepernick, because he doesn’t want a malcontent on the team if the 49ers have no other option to retain Kaepernick for the 2016 season. Photo: Darron Cummings / Associated Press Image 13 of 13 Are the 49ers smart to stay out of the free-agent frenzy? 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

Many remain baffled at Jim Harbaugh’s departure and why he was replaced by the overmatched Jim Tomsula, and why the team dropped so quickly from the playoff picture.

Now with cap space, abundant cash and wide spread needs, the 49ers chose to watch while the top free agents signed elsewhere. They also allowed guard Alex Boone to flee to Minnesota and have yet to sign a replacement. The aforementioned events will undoubtedly contribute to the NFL community’s curiosity about what’s happening with this once promising team.

There are a couple of reasons why the 49ers might not be signing players.

First, they might still be clinging to the strategy of presenting “rolling” contract offers packed with playing time and performance incentives instead of deals with large signing bonuses. Other teams offer upfront cash. The 49ers’ contract approach allows them to ditch bad contracts quickly, but it also makes them an unattractive suitor.

Also, general manager Trent Baalke might have salvaged his job after the season by convincing the brass that the roster is more talented than it showed last season, thus blaming the 49ers’ poor showing on coaching.

The 49ers could still sign players, however, by not spending top free-agent dollars, they are putting more pressure on new coach Chip Kelly. He and his staff must now develop a young roster fast. Either that, or face another dreadful season.

There’s also another explanation. The 49ers might be being smart by staying away from spendy free-agent contracts that so often turn sour. And maybe Kelly is in favor of a young roster that he can mold in his own way, like he successfully did at the University of Oregon.

So are the 49ers being smart by staying out of the initial free-agent fray, or are they simply missing an opportunity to improve their talent?

Twitter: @klynch49