49ers look to add running back in free agency

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The 49ers are in the market to add a versatile running back through free agency.

The 49ers are scheduled to meet with Dallas Cowboys free-agent running back Lance Dunbar on Thursday, a league source told CSNBayArea.com. Dunbar has other visits scheduled, the source said.

And the 49ers are one of four teams to show interest in potentially working out a multi-year contract with Denver restricted free agent running back C.J. Anderson. New England, Chicago and Miami are also interested, reports Pro Football Talk. Anderson is scheduled to visit the Dolphins on Thursday, ESPN reported.

Anderson, a product of Cal, received the low qualifying offer from the Broncos of one-year, $1.671 million. Another team can sign Anderson to an offer sheet and the Broncos would have the right to match the terms within one week. However, if the Broncos do not match the offer sheet, they would receive no compensation for losing Anderson.

Anderson, 25, started 13 games the past two seasons with Denver. He rushed for 720 yards last season after gaining 849 yards in 2014. His rushing average in both seasons was 4.7 yards per attempt, while scoring 13 touchdowns. In the past two years, he also has 59 receptions for 507 yards with two receiving touchdowns.

In the Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Anderson gained 90 yards and a touchdown on 23 rushing attempts. Carlos Hyde figures to be the 49ers’ featured back, but the club does not have a proven backup. Shaun Draughn was recently re-signed to a one-year contract. DuJuan Harris, Mike Davis, Kendall Gaskins and Jarryd Hayne are also on the roster.

Dunbar, 26, is an unrestricted free agent. In four seasons with the Cowboys, Dunbar appeared in 41 games and rushed for 391 yards on 85 attempts (4.6-yard average). He also has 52 receptions for 524 yards. Dunbar had 39 catches for 432 yards the past two seasons.

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Dunbar appeared in just four games last season before sustaining a torn ACL in his left knee.

The 49ers are also reportedly scheduled to meet Thursday with Arizona Cardinals free-agent guard Ted Larsen, 28, who has 57 starts in six NFL seasons. After four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Larsen started 26 games the past two years with the Cardinals.

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