San Francisco signs five to future contracts

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Running back Thomas Clayton was among five players signed to future contracts by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.

Clayton, cornerback Markus Curry, and receivers Jerard Rabb and Dominique Zeigler were on the 49ers' practice squad last month. San Francisco also signed tight end Cooper Wallace, who spent last season on practice squads in Tennessee and Cincinnati.

Clayton, a sixth-round pick from Kansas State last spring, was the NFL's leading rusher in the preseason before spending the season on the practice squad. He could compete for a roster spot as Frank Gore's backup next season if Maurice Hicks leaves as an unrestricted free agent.