The 49ers are reportedly interested in Bengals' DE Justin Smith, according to the team's website.   The Bengals opted to place the franchise tag on offensive lineman Stacey Andrews last week, allowing Smith to become an unrestricted free agent. San Francisco is reportedly interested in free agent to be and "were working on the deal last night."

San Fran has also expressed serious interest in the Bears' Lance Briggs and there have been recent talks about the 49ers tampering. Now, comes news of them talking with Justin Smith, tampering once again.

The Bears filed the charge against San Francisco. Chicago claims that the 49ers engaged in contract discussions with Briggs during last season after a trade fell through at the October deadline. If the Niners are found guilty, they could face a fine and/or lose a draft choice. Tampering quietly goes on every year, but new commish Roger Goodell could begin the crackdown now.

With all the talks off the 49ers being interested in both Smith and Briggs you would have to believe the team is seriously considering scrapping the 3-4 altogether and going to the 4-3 defense.

As for the Bengals, they may have to get use to life without Justin Smith. The former first round pick would likely command $10-12 million to in a long-term deal to stay in Cincinnati.