SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After taking big first-day plunges each of the past two years, the 49ers on Friday cautiously dipped their big toe into the free-agency waters, welcoming back three players who previously played with the team.

The 49ers agreed to terms with linebacker Takeo Spikes, return man Allen Rossum and fullback Moran Norris, who spent 2008 with the Detroit Lions after spending the previous two seasons as Frank Gore's lead blocker.

Spikes' return is not a surprise. The veteran linebacker teamed well with Patrick Willis at inside linebacker and finished second on the team in tackles. Immediately after the season, Spikes, 32, spoke glowingly of Willis and said he wanted to return in 2009. Spikes agreed to a two-year deal according to FoxSports.com.

On offense, new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye is seeking a powerful fullback, and the 250-pound Norris fits that profile. Norris, 30, helped Gore rush for a franchise-record 1,695 yards in 2006. Former offensive coordinator Mike Martz wanted a more fleet-footed fullback in 2008, and Norris was released in favor of Zak Keasey.

Rossum, meanwhile, led the NFC in punt-return average and he also had one of the league's best kick-return averages. He returned the opening kick of the 49ers' game in Arizona 104 yards for a touchdown. Rossum, 33, Spikes and Norris had not signed their contracts as of Friday night.

The 49ers also had wide receiver Brandon Jones take a physical in the Bay Area. Jones is expected to meet this morning with coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan.

Jones, 26, was a third-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2005. He had a reputation in Tennessee as a big-play receiver, and the 49ers see him as someone who can stretch the field and create running room for Gore and the team's other rushers.

Jones caught 41 passes for 449 yards last season. He tore a knee ligament in 2005 and was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury in 2007.

The 49ers also are eyeing three defensive ends. The team has tentative plans to meet with 6-foot-7, 304-pound Cowboys free agent Chris Canty next week, although he is first visiting the Giants and Seahawks.

The 49ers also have made inquiries about free-agent defensive linemen Demetric Evans of the Redskins and Kenny Peterson of the Broncos.