Meh.. just another mediocre talent.

On another note, looks like Cassell just got traded to the Chiefs. The top 10 picks of the draft are going to be changing quite a bit. Still I hope we don't bit on either of the 2 top QB's but it could get interesting because they both may be there at 10 especially if DET passes. I am not sold on either.

Doesn't this seem like too much money for a non impact, #2 or #3 receiver? Cut Bruce or Battle and add their salary to this guys new contract and you have enough to sign TJ, then you have TJ, Morgan, Hill, Zeigler, and a draft pick, and sign a very low priced veteran. We still have a bunch of #2/3 receivers.

What a waste of money.

Judging by that salary the team expects B. Jones to be a starter.

Okay. Head scratcher.

I mean the money is a head scratcher, I don't mind the depth. Matt, do you consider this smart?

WHAT THE HELL??!?!??

I agree. Keep in mind guys he's never started. Maybe they think for our offense he can be a starter. I still say we draft a WR. Maybe a Robiske out of Ohio State

This is another bone-headed WR move (among many other moves) by the McCloughan era. How many WR's has this guy missed on? His focus should have been on getting a trade worked out for Matt Cassell. The complete ignorance by this organization to not find a QB that can take them to the Super Bowl is ridiculous. Shaun Hill and Alex Smith should be a #2 and #3 QB period. The Niners will be a marginal team again this year with either of these guys at QB.

How much more money is L Coles going to get? He excelled with a QB (pennington) who is very similar to Shaun Hill. This guy must be a super stud blocker! grrrreat

Wsmith, sorry but Cassel is a Chief.

The Jerm - I know, that was the reasoning behind my post. That should have been #1 on their list for free agency - Cassell, not inking a #3 or #4 WR.

No thanks, not interested in Cassell who will be wanting a 7 year 50 million $ contract.

Plus he had 1 good season with stacked WR's, imagine him with our WR's or the Chiefs. No thanks. Along with Raye @ OC. Would not be a productive signing.

They need to pursue pass rushers! Not 3 down players but 3rd down players. 2nd tier guys who can't do anything but rush the passer well. To specifically replace TBC and Rod Green. And to push Ray McDonald. Our base 1st and 2nd down defense is pretty darn good, but we really fall off with our nickel 3rd down package. We need guys to play the End positions, and tackle positions who can bring the heat!

WTH? Where they thinking...This Guy had in 2008 Tennessee Games Played-16 Rec-41 Yards-449 TD- 1 ..OMG..What a great start to Free-Agency...Another Bust Like A.Snith

Not sure why he should start over Hill, Morgan or even Battle for that matter. He certainly is not any more talented than they are. It's just more of the same with our GM. Poor drafting combined with poor FA planning leaves us with a mediocre team year in and year out.

If we draft one of those QB's at 10 I think I will puke when we could have made a play at Cassell for around the same money without having to have given up the 10 pick (Schefter speculated that the trade did not involve in their #3 so I assume we could have made a similar deal without using the #10).

So Jerm you are basically saying with our WR's and Raye no QB could succeed? Sounds like a plan.

Dwayne Bowe of the Chiefs is light years better then anyone we have at WR... and, I'm sure Pioli isn't done yet. Our track record for WR's under Scott McC is getting even more questionable. The Morgan pick, yes, very good, but you have to wonder how much input Martz had with that evaluation.

Matt Thanks for updating us NinerHolics...

I really don't have a problem with this signing..the team didn't dump too much money on him and obviously Scott must feel that Bruce is leaning towards retirement, otherwise I doubt we would have signed him...

I do agree with the people on this msg board that we should lock up a WR in the draft but think of Jones like this for a moment...he wasn't terrible with the Titans and he has experience...if we didn't pick up a WR in free agency and Bruce retires and B.J leaves we are still hurting at WR depth and talent...with a rookie WR he is most likely going to sit the bench unless he really shines in Camp lol look at sweed.

All and All things could be worse Now if we get Evans to ink a deal that would be pretty nice

GO niners

JG

Matt what is expected to happen to Jay Moore?
Hes been on IR for the 2nd year now i think, but does that mean hes a bust?

I have to admit, I am completly puzzled by this signing. Not because we signed him, but because of the size of the contract??? 5 plus gauranteed? 5 Years? 16 plus Million? Is there even a WR on our team that gets anywhere near that? I do trust that McSing sees or knows something we dont. I am always a little leary of signing guys that have been injured half of their career! Maybe he is a WR version of Gore, hopefully he's not a WR version of Jonas Jennings! Time will tell.

This is almost the exact deal that A. Bryant got when he signed. They must really like this kid. There paying him starter money. Matt, your thoughts.

I never knew there were so many talent experts masquerading as Niner fans. Wow, I'm impressed. So, this guy's no good, eh...hmm...I guess that means McCloughan, Singletary, Raye, and Jed York know nothing about how to evaluate talent. And to think they were all acting like professionals...why, I'm aghast. Would you listen to yourselves...this guy hasn't played a down for us yet and you've condemned not only him, but the whole team leadership for being dimwits, know-nothings. Give this guy a chance...to show what he can do before you proclaim him a wasted acquisition. Or...would you rather just complain because you don't know much about him and so therefore he's trash. Give me a freakin' break.

Its only 5.4 million guarnteed.
Last year he was third on the team in receptions and started only 7 games. The TE and RB only had more. He led his team in 2006 with TD receptions. 2 of 4 seasons have been cut short by injuries and he still has done well on a Titan team with limited air power on limited time.
I'm not excited about this pick up but it is an upgrade.

Jay Moore was a project to begin with. A 4th round flier on a guy they hoped could convert. He wasn't going to push TBC or Rod Green off the roster and was no where near competing with Haralson or Manny. If we don't get someone in who can push Moore off the roster this year, we're in trouble!

So Vrabel and Cassel go to the Chiefs for the #34 pick in the draft? That's what having a Pioli as your GM vs. having a McCloughan as a GM will do for your franchise. Koodos to the Chiefs. Basically in 5 offseason's, McClueless has drafted ONE QB (Smith=bust), and not attempted to sign, trade, or draft Warner, Collins, Brees, Schaub, Cassell, Pennington, Cutler, Rodgers, Ryan, Flacco, etc. This, ladies and gentleman, is the reason we fans suffer year in and year out with pitiful Niner teams.

Everyone re-read Jerden's comment...exactly what I'm saying...just relax and enjoy the Newest Niner.

Hey Frank we know a lot about him and no he is not very good. He is mediocre and we have enough mediocre talent on our team wouldn't you say?

Oh and regarding our teams front office so far they have shown themselves to not be able to put together a winning franchise going on 6 years now. I have no problem calling them out.

Dude, it's all about the money we are giving him. He may be solid, yes. He may lead our team this year with 50 receptions. He may block well. But he's fairly unproven and has produced consistently. We are paying him starters money. What did we give Bryant Johnson last year? I would have to imagine he was a more valuable commodity. He didn't receive anywhere near this.

The Lions have had a taste for first-round receivers.

And they've added another one.

A league source tells PFT that Bryant Johnson has agreed to terms on a three-year, $9 million deal.

Johnson was a first-round selection of the Cardinals in 2003, but he was overshadowed by 2003 second-rounder Anquan Boldin and 2004 first-rounder Larry Fitzgerald.

Johnson joined the 49ers via free agency in 2008, under a one-year deal. He and Isaac Bruce were the starters last season.

Thats why we signed him

Boo-ya

Jones that is

I agree with most ppl here. This signing is a head scratcher. Are the 9ers saying Jason Hill and/or Josh Morgan are not starters in this league?

"Only" 5.4 million guaranteed! I really think the MAIN point is being missed here. You REALLY have to question the mentality of Scott Mc and the people who run the 49ers. Is this guy (Scott Mc) SMART enough to run NFL personnel? You're giving MILLIONS of dollars to a player who has produced virtually nothing. At a position where we hsve some fine young players (Morgan, Hill, Ziegler) and a future Hall of Famer who can still play well if he doesn't retire. Really, I think Jerry Rice would be a better bet at his age than continuing to GIVE away millions of dollars. No, it's not my money, but if you are REALLY gonna have a chance to win big in the NFL, you need some GREAT players (people who read my comments regularly are probably sick of hearing that). In 5 years, Scott has gotten lucky on Willis and Gore....and THAT'S IT. Coaches, schemes, Hill, Alex....yadda yadda yadda. We ain't gonna win until we start getting some GREAT players, at QB, pass rush, etc. Guys who have done NOTHING in the NFL and college won't do it baby, and I'm starting to think that the 49ers will NEVER win with Scott McCloughan in charge. For how to do it, look under "Steelers.....Pittsburgh" and "Patriots...New England." For how NOT to build a winner, check out how the Raiders, Redskins and 49ers operate (and believe me, it HURTS to have to say this).

I like this move!

You get someone who is a natural burner, has experience against NFL corners as well as NFL coaching. He also went toe to toe against Cortland in practice everyday who was a pro bowler this yr.

And to top it off, he won't complain about not getting the ball enough since he's coming from a run-heavy team.

As Skeebers mentioned earlier -FA's are for immediate impact.. does this signing fulfill that requirement ..(he is fast and has played in the league) will his contribution have more immediacy than the available draft prospects -say Bey,Robiskie, K Britt or later round possibles Ramses Barden?How does one factor in the impact of say Pat White who can play WR/QB into the value of this pick ? Hmm.

Jerden is helping our point. 2 of 4 seasons cut short! started only 7 games... team with limited air power. Teams with limited air power = no top flight WR's! His body of work doens't deserve this contract. He should be in a position where he still has to prove himself to earn a contract like this.

They've signed him to be a down field blocker.

Hello to Marty ball. Boooring.

"This is another bone-headed WR move (among many other moves) by the McCloughan era."

By "era" do you mean the one year he has been in charge and drafted Josh Morgan? This is his first FA period.

I would counter by saying this is another bone-headed post by someone who doesn't know who this guy is so concludes he's no good and McC is dumb. LOL. Why don't you do a little research before giving us your knee-jerk speeches. This guy is a big speed burner who tore his ACL and lost his rookie season (2005). We know it takes two years to fully come back from those and he claims he's faster now than he was before. In 2007, he got Tennessee's equivalent of the Len Eshmont award from his teammates, and last year, on a run dominated offense with Kerry Collins at QB, posted numbers similar to Bryant Johnson. In other words, he looks like a possible rising star at WR. Great signing. At the right price. Our stable of young, explosive WRs is growing by the day.

Amen KezarMike

Hey Matt, now that the Chiefs have acquired Cassel to be their QB, do you think that the 49ers would be interested in trading for Tyler Thigpen? He is young, did fairly well last year, and could be that development project that they need. Also, I know the 49ers value their draft picks, so what do you think would be appropriate compensation? Thanks so much.

blah, blah, GREAT, blah, blah, NOTHING, blah, blah, REALLY, blah, blah, THAT'S IT.

Hey, who is "wsmith"? Don't think I've seen his comments before, but he is ONE smart guy! Look, Pioli comes to the Chiefs and BOOM! - he's got a potential great QB - just like that! And an experienced LB AND he doesn't even have to give up his number one pick! And he's JUST started! A monkey throwing darts at a board of players' names could probably do as well as our GM. We were lucky to palm off Vinny Cerrato to the Skins years ago and now we're stuck with THIS guy - GEEZ! Donahue and then McCloughan! Well, one MORE year. Then maybe Scott will get the boot and we'll luck out and get Tebow.

As a long time 9er fan I would love to see them do well. That said, now that everyone is over the Singultary late season euphoria lets remember: Except for the Singultary for Nolan exchange this is the same third rate front office that has kept this team as the standard for mediocrity or below in the NFL for over 4 years now. No coach can over come that and as stated above in less that 2 months Pioli has shown what a good front office can do.

JG You're exactly right.

Anyway, it seems that since the departure of Nolan, it's become all about giving no one a chance at all in 2009.

No chance for Alex Smith to start again.
No chance for Jed York to get a stadium.
No chance for Scot McCloughan to draft well.
No chance for Brandon Jones to play well.
No chance for Jimmy Raye to coach well.
No chance for Moran Norris to block well.

Yet everyone seems to think Shaun Hill's the greatest thing since Jeff Garcia.

Y'all are just plain ODD.

Appropriate compensation for Thigpen? A 7th round pick in 2023.

Tebow? Seriously?

Have you learned anything since 2005?

We just got reminded that McCloughan is the other half of McNolan. We should have learned and fired him too! Matt Cassel to the Chiefs for a 2nd round draft choice?

Then we sign an average wide receiver for big money. One of McNolan's character guys, huh?

Scary start folks.

Let's see, a top GM brings in a young fanchise QB, ie Matt Cassell, our laughing stock organizational structure brings in a #3 WR. McCloughan should call his mentor Ron Wolfe and ask for a few pointers!

Whatever you say...

Yeah, Pioli sure snookered Bill Belichick. Hey goof balls, they both know Cassell's worth. Unlike the ravers here.

Too bad the Chiefs need 4 OL. Cassell is going to get pounded.

Cassell, Bowe, and Albert are a good start to build an offense around though.

I do have to admit that while I have definate opinions about the NFL after 42 years as a fan, I am really an ignoramous on college football. I have only seen Tebow play twice (and with Brady going in the 6th round, and Warner, Garcia, Romo undrafted and how Montana was royally dissed by scouts, how many people in football really know what they're doing re: evaluating QBs?). But.....Tebow looked NOTHING like Alex Smith. He reminded me of Steve Young a bit. A tough minded and tough bodied great athelete, who wins wins wins (and what was wrong with his passing? Arm looked good to me - ball got to the receivers). And clutch clutch clutch.

I wonder how many of the people complaining here have actually seen Brandon Jones play a few times?

This is actually a really sharp signing. This kid has a lot of talent but has been mired in a dead offensive scheme. Yes he has had his troubles, but he is young and has all the tools.

And who might a coach to motivate a kid like this? Yep, Mr. Singletary.

And if this experiment fails, the guaranteed money is minimal.

I think it's a rather shrewd signing with tons of upside and low risk.

Cassell is overrated. Plus, he wants to get paid big time after one year. No thanks.

You whiners crack me up. $5.4 million guaranteed for 5 years ain't nothing, yet you act like we broke the bank for this guy. Might want to wait and see what we look like this year before declaring the new regime a disaster already.

Some of you Chicken Little's need a good dose of common sense.

Exactly. Well said.

To those "contributors" that are delighting in slinging personal insults (skeebers, indiana jim et al), please go away and procreate. This had turned into a pleasant board to exchange a wide variety of opinions without personal attacks. You're spoiling that.

I still believe McC's on the line this year. But I don't have a clue what signing this guy is going to accomplish. Maybe Bruce is going to retire?
Doesn't seem like Mr. Sing was really involved too much in this move. Seems McC, day by day is making the key decisions.
The 49ers have some real good young receivers starting to show flashes. Is this guy a possesion receiver?

The kid is going to be mired in an even worse offensive scheme!

The signing is an upside play, I can agree with that. It'll be interesting if Sullivan and Raye can get the most out of him.

Jones is basically replacing Bryant Johnson.

If Bruce decides to retire before the draft, another WR might be an option. I would draft one anyway even if Bruce is on the team.

I think they want him to stretch the field out of play action because of his 4.38 combine 40 time. I'm pretty confused myself. I think he can be servicable, but does this make him the highest paid receiver on the roster? If so I'm going to be sick. I don't want T.J. or anything, but come on, it's not like we have Tom Brady who can throw to 9 yr. old kids and win the superbowl.

What counts in the NFL is who is calling the plays and who is under center! Our beloved team is sorely lacking at both spots.

Looks like another Ashley Lelie signing....

On the other hand, it has been foreshaddowed that this offense will be mostly run, so whatever. McC is kind of starting to remind me a little bit of Kruger(George's boss in Seinfeld-"I'm not too worried about it.")

Don't ever worry about what Skeebers writes. He's the guy who lives in his own world. He conveniently forgets the years under McC and the Yorks and all the disastrous moves they've made. He still sees the 49ers as a competant organization, the same as when Eddie D. ran the team.
Skeebers is president of the Sing fan club. Anything the team does while Sing's the HC he sees as the greatest thing since air conditioning. But don't worry, when the 9ers finally get rid of Sing he'll think the next HC as the second coming of Christ.

Lelie was faster but Jones is believed to have better hands. Not sure on the route running front but it can't get much worse than Lelie.

I am totally confused by this group, they have a very suspect track record so far. They couldn't get anyone for OC and now the FA period is off with a huge bang. Maybe it is the York's leadership, maybe it is the recession period, maybe it is the inexperience...whatever reason, during the OC search one of you posted "This teams makes me want to kill myself", now that sounds very fitting.

You guys are seriously whining over nothing. the Jones contract has 5.4 mil guaranteed money that is spread out throughout the 5 year deal.the remaining 11.2 mil is not guaranteed and unless he turns out to be a gem will probably not see the back end of the contract. That is by no means a back breaking deal.Its only day 2 of free agency and you guys are trippin' like this?

Skeebers, help me out with my math here (even though I got an "A" in college Algebra): winning seasons in McCloughan era=0; playoff games in McCloughan era=0; pro bowl players drafted in 4 drafts (35 picks) = 2 (6%); number of draft picks no longer on team from 35 picks = 12 (34%); number of FA's signed that made the Pro Bowl = 2 (solid FA signings here! Jesse Palmer, Jamie Martin, JT O'Sullivan, Trent Dilfer, Chris Weinke, Willie Middlebrooks, Chad Williams, Sammy Davis, Chris Hethrington, Tully Banta Cain, Roderick Greene, Hannibal Navies, Trent Smith, Terry Jones, Jonas Jennings, Anthony Clement, Johnnie Morten, Bryan Gilmore, Taylor Jacobs, Jason McAddely, Ashlie Lelie, Bryant Johnson)

Thanks...just a fan and 49ersfan12! I appreciate your comments and they are helping me to see possible answers for this signing!

Did you forget Nolan was the trigger man until last year? With that said, it's pretty hard to fully blame McCloughlan. His first year as GM was only last year... What does your math say about that?

McCloughan "era" = 1 year, 6 draft picks. Two of those picks look like future pro bowlers (Rachal and Morgan). What college did you get your A from? Listing all the players Nolan hauled off the street to fill an empty roster is disingenious. When you need to pad your point with that kind of silliness, you don't have much of a point. Could you give me the NFL average of teams that have FAs who reach the Pro Bowl? Also, the NFL average for pro bowl picks per draft? I'm sure you know that off the top of your head?

Off topic here for a second -the Cassel signing is of interest to the 49ers in how it changes the draft lineup ! Franchise you must be getting excited as the availability of your guy seems to loom large now- and the chances of our getting a top OT may be mitigated -what do you guys think about 10 pick now that K C won't go QB?

Matt, you have to help me out here... The Chefs (I still like to call them that) just got Vrabel AND Cassel for a second round pick? That's it? First of all, don't you have to give up two first rounders to get a franchise guy like Cassel, or is that just if you sign him off the street? The ESPN story said nothing about that. All it said was that the Pats get a second rounder... If that's the case, uh, wouldn't it have made sense for the Niners to have given a second and a third or something like that for these guys? They're ALWAYS looking for LBs, and Cassel would be better than both Smith and Hill... What's the deal? Is it just me, or does a second round pick for those two guys not seem like enough? Am I missing something here?

Exactly right you are Skeebers ! (and all the many others who have rejected the glass is all the way empty mentality ).
He is a very fast WR who can stretch the defense out (if Hill can throw that far .lol ) and he is tall and big and can block . They DID NOT pay him too much money (especially considering how much B. Johnson got ) . He is just the typoe of player Scotty said the team was looking for to compliment what we already have (a speed burner). He said we will pick up one more WR before he is done (FA or draft ) .
So far Scotty McGloughan has done pretty well in his first year of being GM !
He is putting together the team his HC and owner want to bring wins . Wheather or not the vision of the HC and GM provide more wins on the field like the new owner (Jed) is demanding will remian to be seen when they start playing the games.
Until then quit being FortyWhiners and try showing some common sense. (or if you don't want to do that then why not send your resume to the Niners and I am sure they will fire Scotty and hire you right away (Terry,etc ) ,lol ).

Another #3 receiver, How many do you need on one team? If Kansas City is interested in dumping Thigpen the 49ers should get on the phone. Give up a 4th or 5th rounder for him and let Alex WALK!

Pioli is from the Pats family tree and got some home cooking from his buddy Billichick -good on em' K C is on the road to recovery with a very sharp GM!

Check out the interview this morning with Jones before you whine about the signing any more ...

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/

Sounds like we got him fairly cheap(much much cheaper than B. Johnson signed for ) and he was not promised a starting job here. He says he is faster than before his knee problems and says the reason he didn't have great numbers was because his team ran ran ran and then ran some more and then passed as an after thought (what some of you fear Sing and Raye will do but
NOT at all what Sing and Raye have said they will do ).

Sounds like Scotty has done very very well so far in FA ! We now have a FB again and we have that speed burner WR that everyone has been saying we need for a several years now (who is also tall and big and can block !!!) and we have great LBing in the middle and the best kick returner we have had for a very very long time .
Scotty has put 4 pieces of the puzzle together so far ( all things we all know were needed ) .

Now we need pass rush and it looks like there will be two or three pass rushers coming in this week ! We will get a RB and OT either in FA (or more likely the draft) and will pick up another QB (probably in the later rounds of the draft ?).
I like every move so far. Like Scotty and Sing and Jed all said,nothing earth shaking in FA THIS year ,like in the last two years BUT it looks to me like a very thoughtful and professional job is being done by the Niners front office ! And it is ONLY the start of FA !

All you morons wanting to give McCloughan a foot massage, did he do nothing in his 4 years with Nolan? Did he not scout? Did he not watch film? Did he not make recommendations with his scouts on players to sign or draft to NoWin? Apparently he did nothing! Where can I find a job like that as VP of Player Personnel? And another bonus - Morgan and Rachal are already in the Pro Bowl, awesome!!!

Not exactly your big-name signing. But 41 catches playing for the Titans isn't too bad, with more than half of them gaining first downs. 4.38 speed in a guy his size is a nice surprise, plus he's physical "with an F", right Coach? We may find that this works out okay after all.

Now go lock up a decent OT, like Jon Stinchcomb.

Now all the real Niners fans who think first and decide to wait and SEE how these moves actually turn out on the field BEFORE we complain,instead of whining like some few others ,are all "Morons" ???

ISN'T THAT AGAINST THE RULES AROUND HERE MATT ? CALLING FELLOW FANS AND FELLOW MEMBERS OF THIS SITE " MORONS " ???

Grow up guys and calm down ! If these moves (and those to follow don't work out and the team is playing poorly I will certainly be complaining right along with you BUT if these moves do work out (and we all
KNOW we have needed to sign a LBer and KR and WR and FB ), then all of you who give us the reputation for being FortyWhiners will be cheering right along with all of us who have been level headed and shown common sense during this time,won't you ?

I'm not exactly thrilled with the signing. I understand that the guy hasn't exactly participated in a pass-heavy offense, but seriously, this feels like a a risky signing.

They say losers always result to name calling. Good job showing us who you really are!

I could be wrong, but I think the trade for Cassel is going to involve three teams.

a little surprised at the dollar amount for B. Jones. I wonder how they structured the deal. 5.4 for two years is about how I expected it to go. so the garauntee might work in our favor. If he doens't produce over the next two years we cut him. And after this year if he absolutely sucks he only acounts for 2.7 against the cap if we release. (Just guessing on how they structured) Like many of the people on here I really don't know much about the guy. As for the Cassel signing and the non-stop whimpering. The Chiefs still need to pay the man. Cassel is still on the hook for 15 million. They will restructure his deal, but does everyone really think the 49ers were going to pay Cassel 13 Million a year for the next 4 years based on 1 season worth of work? If Cassel turns the cheifs around and is as good as everyone thinks he is then it will be our loss, but if he turns out to be just another average talent overpriced player, we'll be pretty happy we didn't committ to him. If we're just putting people on a wish list I want Haloti Ngata from the Ravens. Trade away a second round pick for him.

Why is this a "risky signing" ? We got him cheap and he is nopt guaranteed to be a starter and Scotty has been telling us for a while now that he wanted to pick up two more WR's .
If he is as fast and sure handed and big and a great blocker then what is the risk at all. I don't see ANY risk at all and NO possible down side to signing this guy. He is at the very worst great for depth and at the best a gem.

Agreed. First let's have our FIRST WINNING SEASON IN SEVEN YEARS before we pat the Management Team of York & McCloughan on the back for their moves.

They deserve no praise until they have their first winning season in 7!

Hey, Jones is an upgrade from Bryant "Skillet Hands" Johnson. Plus, he's a deep threat who can block as well for only $5.4 mill guaranteed? Sounds like a smart signing to me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8163IFbHBlI&feature=related

Did I really spell "Chiefs" wrong twice? I before E except after H.

Matt, they didn't waste much time getting Jones out here and putting ink to paper. I'm curious how he hit the Niners radar, and when. Any idea?

I don't understand why we went after Jones and showed absolutely zero interest in Housh. Maybe Housh wanted too much money but aren't we in jeapordy of losing both starters. Hell, why not go after Jones AND Housh? I don't understand the strategy. I guess we just have to see the product on the field to figure this one out.

Thanks for the youtube clip Randy! Here are a couple more:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80cdd196

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80c8f8ce

Oh My!! Does he wear #81 ?? we're screwed!

Probably because Housh is no better than a #2 WR who wants top dollar? That would be my thinking...

Good links as well, gw2! He definitely looks more athletic than Johnson. Worst case scenario, he's a cheap upgrade over him!

Too much whining by those who want a big splash.

Last I heard, football is a team sport. Big names do not a team make. Ask the Cowgboys.

Obviously, Sing thinks this guy fits his vision. I assume that courage award--voted by real players--might mean something. We won't know anything til September or October, so why all the bitching? Invasion of teenieboppers?

This GM we have is content with signing backup players for a lot more than they are worth and he is unable to draft many impact players which means we will be lucky to be mediocre. The only thing we got going for us is our coach and thats not enough to get us to a championship or even playoffs. This sucks!

The depth cant hurt i guess but I don't see the use in adding another middle of the pack type talent to the receiving corps, especially when you already have a whole group of them.

Comment of the day! Well said sir.

And some 49er fans wonder why we get labeled as Whiner fans...

Hardly a teeniebopper. And, anyone dedicated enough to follow the Niners free agency on this website on a Saturday should be considered a dang loyal fan and should be able to have an opinion. The disapproval comes from many losing seasons in a row, and the current regimes inability to come up with a #1 receiver, and, a player who can bring consistent/dominating pass rush.

We wont know anything untilSeptember or October? This my friend is not the draft where there is not NFL tape of the players. This is a chance to go out and get a guy who is a proven NFL talent, not to take a chance on someone who has averaged 350 yrds + 3 TDs a year and pay him more than he is worth. Stupid move!

I don't get why they need another guy with Morgan, Hill, Zeigler, Battle and possibly Bruce on the roster.

Morgan looks like a solid possession guy, Hill looks like a solid speed guy, Zeigler looked like a good slot guy, Battle is a proven third down target. Which of those do you bench? Why hinder the development of your young talent for a relatively expensive injury-prone speedster?

If you have studied the tapes, let me know. If not, stop whining.

So far I am pretty happy with everything that has happened for the 9ers except the Cassel trade to the Chiefs. That will probably mean no QB taken there and either Curry gets taken off the board or one of the OT's.

Either way I like B Jones and think he can be very productive next year, when given the chance.

The key here is its a 5 year deal. If he becomes a solid contributor, it's a good deal. If he beats out the others and becomes a starter over several years, it's a really good deal. If he can't get on the field, like Lelie, maybe Hill and Morgan and which ever WR we draft this year will make it a non-issue.

Not my job! This guys statistics speak for him. He is a backup wr and if you think different its only because your desperately hopeful and I am sorry for you, but I am for real and this was stupid!

I dont know if Bruce is coming back but it looks now the 49ers signed this guy because they knew there was a good chance of loosing their top 2 WR from last year. Battle has been quiet the last couple years but they should hold on to him, i think if you can get him back into rhythm and find a way to get him open he will do wonders.

Any recent news on Warren? I know the chances are slim,but I take him over are crappy QBs any day of the week. I hate the idea of going in the season with Alex "The Bust" Smith and Hill.

I see Brian Dawkins went to Denver for just a little more than we paid this guy!

MarkW, are you laughing as hard as I am? That was some classic tail-between-the-legs old faithful screeched at you as he stormed out of the press tent.

I'll agree with you about Smith, but Hill is 7-3 as a starter and 5-0 at home. Hardly crappy...

The Lions have traded Kitna to the Cowboys. Can't imagine that their plan is to start the season with Culpepper as the QB. May effect the course of the draft, with Stafford looking a bit more likely as the #1 pick. Maybe one of the top OT's falls to us, maybe one of the better pass-rushing OLB's.

Let's not forget how good Josh Morgan looked last year in the pre-season games.. He got a staph infection early in the year and that just destroyed his season. When you lose 20 pounds in your rookie year due to illness, it's gonna be impossible to pick things up again. He did come back and looked OK, but I have to believe the team thinks he's got solid #1 potential. Not every team is gonna have a Burress or Fitzgerald, but an improved, healthy, staph-free Morgan with a speedy Hill and B. Jones could be pretty decent if things go well. And don't forget about combine hall of famer, #85 Vernon Davis. If he can shed his crappy hands of stone, we could have a decent bunch stretching the field, no?

I think this is a good signing. Young player that could provide the experience if Bruce doesn't come back. He's much cheaper than Housh and is not guaranteed a starting place, allowing other young players a chance to start if they are better. In terms of the price tag, my guess is that it's the market rate. Housh would have been much more expensive and might not be what we need.

Culpepper is the Lions QB for 2009, or at least he'll start the season as it.

This trade just proved that. I don't think they can pass up the top OT's at #1. I could see a QB for them at #20(Freeman) or if one of the top QB's fall, they have the resources to trade up.

Last thought re Jones:

He is obviously a versatile athlete. I suspect that he also has demonstrated a never-quit work ethic, coachability, and a willingness to do whatever it takes (in addition to catching passes) to make a play, and an offense, succeed: block, clear zones, run like hell for misdirection, etc. Things that don't always show up on the stat sheet.

Otherwise, i can't imagine Sing being interested.

I liked this signing. He's cheap and may end up contributing for the Forty Niners. But to change the topic a bit, I hope Jason Hill starts at one end of the field. He's an SF-native that's also got great talent at WR. He's very quick (probably the fastest guy on the team) and has a knack for making guys miss after catching the ball. He only gets stronger as the game goes on. Actually, he reminds me of a young T.O. without the attitude. If the Forty Niners start Hill and Jones and have Morgan as the slot receiver, it'll be deadly. Battle is also a sure-handed guy that can come in and contribute from time to time.

Seems like a lot of money for a guy who hasn't done much.

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Has anyone noticed that Skeebers adds absolutely nothing to the comments here. He must be the loud mouthed drunk that sits about two rows down from me at the 'stick. He doesn't have any idea who's winning by halftime, but he screams and yells anyway.
McC's on the line this year. Outside of bringing in Holmgren to work with McC in a year or two, if McC doesn't produce this year, well, let's just say, he'll be on his way to Youngstown, OH. after next year. And unemployment is around 16% there.

Has anyone noticed that Skeebers adds absolutely nothing to the comments here. He must be the loud mouthed drunk that sits about two rows down from me at the 'stick. He doesn't have any idea who's winning by halftime, but he screams and yells anyway.
McC's on the line this year. Outside of bringing in Holmgren to work with McC in a year or two, if McC doesn't produce this year, well, let's just say, he'll be on his way to Youngstown, OH. after next year. And unemployment is around 16% there.

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Has anyone noticed that Skeebers adds absolutely nothing to the comments here. He must be the loud mouthed drunk that sits about two rows down from me at the 'stick. He doesn't have any idea who's winning by halftime, but he screams and yells anyway.
McC's on the line this year. Outside of bringing in Holmgren to work with McC in a year or two, if McC doesn't produce this year, well, let's just say, he'll be on his way to Youngstown, OH. after next year. And unemployment is around 16% there.

Has anyone noticed that Skeebers adds absolutely nothing to the comments here. He must be the loud mouthed drunk that sits about two rows down from me at the 'stick. He doesn't have any idea who's winning by halftime, but he screams and yells anyway.
McC's on the line this year. Outside of bringing in Holgren to work with McC in a year or two, if McC doesn't produce this year, well, let's just say, he'll be on his way to Youngstown, OH. after next year. And unemployment is around 16% there.

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Has anyone noticed that Skeebers adds absolutely nothing to the comments here. He must be the loud mouthed drunk that sits about two rows down from me at the 'stick. He doesn't have any idea who's winning by halftime, but he screams and yells anyway.
McC's on the line this year. Outside of bringing in Holgren to work with McC in a year or two, if McC doesn't produce this year, well, let's just say, he'll be on his way to Youngstown, OH. after next year. And unemployment is around 16% there.

Once again to ease the mind of some members here is the interview of Jones from this morning...

Sounds like just the speedburner we have been looking for since Lelie went bust for us. He played for an offense that was far more run oriented than what Sing and Raye want to run and he was used to stretch the field etc and mostly on 3rd down I guess BUT he still was 3rd in receptions on the team behind the RB and TE ( very short passing game I guess ,when they rarely passed. Looks like he is 100% healthy and ready to roll !)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020198.html

Well Terry,has anyone noticed that we both just posted the same post about a million times each,lol..
The site said it rejected my post (probably rather wise of the site ,lol ),so I just kept trying to post it (I guess the same goes for you). Somebody anybody around that can clean up this m,ess ? MATT ?

And Terry,Skeebers usually has much more of substance to say than you (and probably more than me,lol) so grow up will you and stop being a pain in the butt.

Well Terry,has anyone noticed that we both just posted the same post about a million times each,lol..
The site said it rejected my post (probably rather wise of the site ,lol ),so I just kept trying to post it (I guess the same goes for you). Somebody anybody around that can clean up this m,ess ? MATT ?

And Terry,Skeebers usually has much more of substance to say than you (and probably more than me,lol) so grow up will you and stop being a pain in the butt.

Skeeber's I agree with you. I think it is a great signing having multiple down field threats that will open up the run game, however I am curious why you think this is "at the right price"

My first instinct is to say he has not justified that type of price tag.

But then again, it is hard to know if it is a good price without knowing the specifics of the contract.

I would be interested in knowing how that 16.5M boils down. If 5.4 is Guaranteed that leaves 11.1 in salary and Bonuses. If it is heavy with bonuses & incentives then yes it is a good deal since if he doesn't perform we can cut him without to much a loss. If not they may have paid a little too much.

But that is info you cant really find out. So I would think we need to leave the benefit of the doubt to the guys who get paid to write the contracts and assume they structured it right and that it is a good price.

Too many people always jump the gun and say "too much for that player" without knowing the specifics of the contract or even a basic understanding of how dollar amounts of contracts are figured.

Good point, Brekkon. Mentioning "the right price" was careless and unnecessary to my post. I read that the $100 million that Haynesworth got was really "only" $48 million for 4 years, since the 5th year base salary was something like 29 or 39 million! I imagine the bulk of Jones' money is in the guarantee with a couple of years of small base salary. But we'll see.

why didnt we get coles

Ok all you Niner Moaners...here is the scoop on
B Jones. The following was taken from Titans website.

PRO: An explosive wideout with big-play ability, Brandon Jones has shown the potential to be among the Titans’ top playmakers during his first three NFL seasons. In 35 career games, including 20 starts, he has 71 receptions for 931 yards and eight touchdowns. Injuries have limited him in two of his three seasons – he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in 2005 and injured his groin in 2007 – but he nevertheless has been an impact player. He contributed 21 catches for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 2007 before landing on injured reserve. In 2006, Jones was voted by his teammates the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to one player from every team for his commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. That year he achieved career highs in games (16), starts (10), receptions (27), receiving yards (384) and touchdowns (four). Prior to his rookie season, Jones’ fastest time in pre-draft workouts was a 4.38 40-yard dash, and he posted a 37-inch vertical jump. He was selected by the Titans in the third round (96th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• An all-around athlete, Jones was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 28th round of the 2001 draft following his senior year in high school. He decided to accept a football scholarship at Oklahoma instead but did play for the Sooner baseball team (centerfield) during his freshman and sophomore years.
There is more information on the website.

What I get is this. He is a clutch receiver on great running teams.
I'm happy.

Here is info taken on B Jones.
Pro: An explosive wideout with big-play ability, Brandon Jones has shown the potential to be among the Titans’ top playmakers during his first three NFL seasons. In 35 career games, including 20 starts, he has 71 receptions for 931 yards and eight touchdowns. Injuries have limited him in two of his three seasons – he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in 2005 and injured his groin in 2007 – but he nevertheless has been an impact player. He contributed 21 catches for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 2007 before landing on injured reserve. In 2006, Jones was voted by his teammates the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to one player from every team for his commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. That year he achieved career highs in games (16), starts (10), receptions (27), receiving yards (384) and touchdowns (four). Prior to his rookie season, Jones’ fastest time in pre-draft workouts was a 4.38 40-yard dash, and he posted a 37-inch vertical jump. He was selected by the Titans in the third round (96th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

• An all-around athlete, Jones was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 28th round of the 2001 draft following his senior year in high school. He decided to accept a football scholarship at Oklahoma instead but did play for the Sooner baseball team (centerfield) during his freshman and sophomore years.

He is a clutch receiver on great running teams.
I'm happy.