If Alex Smith and the 49ers agree to a new contract, he will compete with Shaun Hill for the starting quarterback job, coach Mike Singletary told reporters tonight after the team's first "state of the franchise" address in San Mateo.
Also, Singletary said he has not ruled out the possibility of the team acquiring quarterback Michael Vick, who is serving a prison sentence on federal dog-fighting charges.
"I think right now we really need to look at the two guys we have," Singletary added. "If everything works out with Alex and he's back, we need to look at that and go as far as we can go with that. The whole Michael Vick thing, we have to sit down and talk about that. But for right now, we have enough on our plates."
When asked about the team's possibly going after Vick, team president Jed York said, "That's up to Scot and Mike."
He added that the possibility is probably remote.
"We'd talk about it,"
Singletary said he is focusing on a possible QB competition matching Hill against Smith. He said the competition will not be a drawn-out affair. He said it will also be different than a year ago because Hill and Smith will be on equal footing. Singletary said there was only one QB who knew the system a year ago, and that was J.T. O'Sullivan.
When asked about adding a third quarterback to the mix, Singletary said, "We're certainly hopeful to do that. I think that would make sense for us to develop a younger guy in the draft or in free agency, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there right now."
One possibility is free agent Jeff Garcia, who has been told he will not return to the Buccaneers next season. But Singletary said the question is how much of an improvement Garcia would be over Hill.
"You're always interested in a guy who can win football games and Garcia is that kind of guy," Singletary said. "But I think the most important thing is to look at what makes sense for us. When I look at Shaun Hill, I think he did a great job last year. I'm not sure how much better we get by bring a Jeff Garcia in and adding to the mix when you have a guy like Shaun Hill."
Might the 49ers select a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick? It does not seem too likely.
"That's something we'd have to talk long and hard about, actually," Singletary said.
So who wins a quarterback competition between Hill and Smith?
Smith is seen as a player, when healthy, who has better physical skills. But Hill has appeared to show a better feel for that game. But because Hill can't show everything he has during the course of a routine practice, is he at a disadvantage in an open competition?
"That's a very fair question," Singletary said. "I think the most important thing, there are intangibles that we'll see going into it. We'll measure it in such a way that it will be fair. There's not an exact science to it. We'll pick the right guy."
* * *
How much does JT O'Sullivan count against the cap?
Or is he just learning that he will not be back tonight alla Eddie giving Mark Trestman the heevho during a press conference?
Montana_to_Clark I really hope everything in your life is ok brother, you seem angry all the time. If something hurts you or keeps making you angry and you keep doing it...well it's not a good sign.
Am I the only one concerned about the protester drama that would occur if the 9ers snag Vick. Not to mention, we could probably kiss a stadium in SF goodbye if he comes out here....voters will never forget a move like that.
As proud religous man who goes to church on Sundays, and proud of my religion to me that is just prejudice comment on ur part. Just because u might not agree what Singletary says that does not give you the right and say what you said. Matt, I hope you read that comment, and block him for life from the blog. Too me that is very uncalled for.
I know underclassmen have a bad track record, but drafting Mark Sanchez (if available) seems like a no-brainer. Shaun Hill and/or Alex Smith are obviously not long-term solutions. QB remains the most important position on the field, by far.
I don't care too much about Vick being an idiot off the field, but I do care about his extreme limitations on the field (6.7 YPA, takes a ton of sacks, commits far too many turnovers, a laughable 53.8 completion percentage), which make him an unexciting option even forgetting about the baggage. And that was before he missed two years in the clink.
Question: How much does JT O'Sullivan count against the cap?
My response: Nothing. He signed a one-year deal last year. He is scheduled to be a free agent, and Singletary indicated tonight that the team is ready to move on without him. --Matt M.
Matt,
I think there is something in the works with our uniforms for next season. I work in a sports memorabilia shop and we received a fax this past Saturday telling us to mark all of our 49ers jerseys down by 30%. We happen to carry at least one jersey from each NFL team, and we're located in the Central Valley in an area where there are plenty of 49ers fans. This seems very odd to me that other teams' merchandise is not on sale when 49ers gear was second only to the Cowboys this season in terms of sales, and was easily our best seller in the last few weeks of the season while the two teams headed in different directions. We could sell our 49ers merchandise even if it weren't on sale, while the other merchandise could use markdowns at this point in the year. Granted, we have select items from other teams on sale, but the 49ers jerseys are on sale regardless of the player.
With that bit of insight, could you please look for any hints as to changes coming up for next season's jerseys? Is it possible that uniform changes were submitted to the league in private? or perhaps there will just be a subtle change, such as going from cardinal to normal red that doesn't require the two years notice to the league?
I highly doubt we'll see either Vick or Garcia in a Niner uniform. Vick's issues are well documented. Garcia's in the twilight of his career. He's not an answer at QB...merely a postponement of a long-term solution. Fans who're advocating for him have to remember...Hill's 7-3 as a starter for us, but should be 9-1, were it not for some very questionable coaching in the 'Zona and Miami games. I doubt Garcia could do better...but, even if he could in the near-term, he's not going to be around much longer.
No JTO Jersey on the dais either? Interesting.
The comment from Jed about 'parents' is a little tough to take however.
Jed, if you're wearing a President's title, leave Mom & Dad out of the conversation.
Garcia = Squirrell on the Freeway, please pass on that option (unless he's playing for minimum wage) like Alex.
I'm with you on that comment. Not only is it offensive to most Christians, the comment is elitist and condescending. It's probably not grounds for MM running him off but it does let you know you shouldn't invite this character over for dinner.
Garcia was great for the 49ers back in the day, but his time has past and Hill is a much better option. Vick is very interesting, especially being coached by Singletary and the fact that you could trade for him for almost nothing. I would be for it, he paid his due both financially and lost his freedom for a while.
Vick would be a horrible idea. Even without the off field issues, he wasn't a winner. I hope they are only floating his name out to keep the pressure on A Smith to agree to a reasonable price.
Matt, Is there any chance the NFL would ever put together an offseason developmental league for QB's, WR's, and DB's. In Texas, and probably CA, there is a 7 on 7 league where most high school QB's compete in a passing league. Mack Brown credited the 7 on 7 leagues as the primary reason for so many great college passers in the Big 12. I've often wondered why the NFL doesn't put more time and effort into developing young QB's and it seems like such a no-brainer to put something like this together in the offseason. I'm sure some fans would even pay to see the games.
Vick oh hell no, he is terrible put him at receiver or tail back and thats it but Sanchez from USC yes hes the one bring him in sit behind hill for a year and learn then were on are way ni vick and boot smith he's horrible too.
With any kind of believably contrite attitude, I don't see Vick getting hounded by PETA and the like. If he hadn't been punished, yes. He would be. But the man has been publicly disgraced and paid a severe price for his stupidity. Any outrage now would eventually be seen as over-the-top discrimination against his right to make a living and go on with his life, which would be counter-productive for the people displaying the outrage. Guys like him often become a positive force of awareness for the very abuse they committed. It's America. We love making heroes, breaking them, and then forgiving them. Especially if they win football games. That's the only question about Vick. Can he help win football games? I don't know. Some football team will definitely take a flyer on him, that's for sure.
if we get vick that will put us on top.....he has something to prove and who wouldn't want to watch him play?...the guy is primetime number one.....i am glad the door is opened.....
vick would make sense if our offense is run-focused .....Gore would benefit the most....this will put fear in the defenses in the west...one attribute no one currently on our offensive roster can do alone....
There's NO way the 49ers even think about bringing Vick in, as a matter of fact I don't even know why his name was brought up to begin with? He's never been an NFL QB even when he took the Falcons to the playoffs that 1 year. As for Hill vs. Garcia? Let me ask this 1 question...If the 49ers playoff hopes were decided by the last regular season game who would you want as the 49er starting QB? This is a slam dunk! It's Garcia & it's not even close. You look at both of their NFL experience not to mention Garcia's playoff experience & it's very clear who I would want. Sign Garcia ASAP!
if they bring in Vick and lose 1 or 2 fans, the niners will gain 4-5 fans in return......its just a fact and its good business especially if want a new stadium...
MM - what made you write about A.Smith not coming back....i mean are you going to say something about that?.....i mean no "beef" here but can't you just own up and say maybe you did "jump the gun"......after this press conerence it is obvious A.Smith would get every opportunity to start game one next season.......i mean cmon everyone makes mistakes, its how you deal with......you are pretending like you didn't speculate A.Smith would be released. or are you hiding behind the "media" can't be questioned?
Why NOT go after Mike Vick? Use EVERY avenue possible in the search for the next great 49er QB. Alex hasn't shown me much, BUT if he proves he's the better man, than he gets the job. And draft Sanchez if he's available and he looks like HE may become great. Shaun Hill has done just fine, but if there's someone BETTER, than the better guy gets the job, right????? And I thought Jeff Garcia did a wonderful job succeeding Steve Young. But why the heck would you build a team around a QB who is almost 40 years old? Kinda silly. (And don't bring up Warner - entirely different matter.)
Dude! Are you on your .? Everything you write is simply an effort to be inflammatory. It's childish and simple minded. Give it a rest. Anyone in their right mind knows Smith will either restructure or be released. This is the guy you want as the starter next year? A guy who no one thinks is worth top tier money. A #1 pick who can't beat out 2 3rd stringers. Let me state this perfectly clear so you can understand it: Alex Smith is a draft bust. He will NEVER be a good starter but he might make a decent backup for a real QB. That's why the 9ers want to resign him.
Matt-About the quarterback situation...Does anyone have any comments about Mark Grieb from the Sabercats. He had a great record with the Cats. Any thoughts?
Calm down. Differing opinions won't hurt you, buddy.
why do you sound mad?....its ok i know you feel it also...and you are getting pissed A.Smith will be our starter.....ha ha ha.....i told you so...didnt I.....it does not matter how much you call him a bust ...he his our QB like it or not.....lol......all this talk about "never" shows how slow your are.....better get on the bus and accept the fact.
i just want to know why MM was set on A.Smith not coming back....maybe he got it from a "source"....is something wrong with the question?
Question: MM - what made you write about A.Smith not coming back....i mean are you going to say something about that?.....
My response: What made me write about it? Perhaps I felt compelled to report that the team's general manager said Smith would not be back on the team if he did not solidify himself as the starter in 2008. I've written about it numerous times since as the mood within the team has changed, but apparently somebody is not reading.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2258249
--Matt M.
like i care what you think about A.Smith......dude clean the cob-webs ....nobody cares if you think he his a bust....dude is getting paid and will be the starting QB for the niners in 09......why can't you just be happy for us?....:)
Matt, great insight as always. Thank you for your work. With Shaun Hill a proven player (and winner) now, Alex Smith's abilities and Singletary making the decision, I feel good about our QB situation. All we need is a good 3rd QB to develop from the mid-rounds of the draft.
As a dedicated reader of your blog, I am offended by Montana_to_Clark's derogatory remarks and ask that you remove them from this blog. That has no place here. I understand if he disagrees with Singletary's assessment of Hill vs. Garcia, but to attack his faith and that of many of your readers is unacceptable. Please do not allow HATE speech on your blog. Thank you.
My guess is they will lraft a QB late, and hope he is a diamond in the rough. I would be happy to have Vick on the team. He would make the offense a lot more exciting. I doubt this would happen, but I would support it. If it translates into exciting victories, then everyone would support it. If it does nothing for the team, cut him. It would be a cheap experiment. I think Vick is awsome(on the field, of course). And he has paid his dues. What have we got to lose? Bring it on.
cmon...MM you know i read it all......McGM also stated he was not going to give up on A.Smith....and there were other factors you could have considered..like he drafted him and kept saying A.Smith would be a good QB someday......and looking back he really didn't solidify himself as a starter in 2008........i believe McGM was more concern about the contract not that he could be a starter......
TB Buccaneers fans would completely disagree with you! Garcia doesn't run like he used to, gets skittish in the pocket, doesn't run the offense and makes terrible decisions in the clutch. They are moving on and so should we. I think you're thinking of Garcia 6 seasons ago when he had T.O. as his safety blanket. Hill today is clearly an upgrade over Garcia.
Singletary on drafting a quarteback: "That's something we'd have to talk long and hard about, actually."
Nice Coach. Keep all options open. Because you never know what gifts may show up on your doorstep at 10 on draft day.
Garcia would be a lateral move at this point with Hill and the Helm, as well as being a very expensive backup. Garcia, thanks for the memories, but you're better off with a team who really needs you.
Anyone who thinks Jeff Garcia is going to be an upgrade at this point over Hill and become the savior of the 49ers has ZERO football intelligence. Look at Tampa's QB situation, if Garcia had a lot left to give he would be starting there in 2009, but he doesn't, and they are banking on a bunch of unprovens instead. IT SUCKS TO GET OLD and Garcia is OLD! Vick on the other hand is in the prime of his athletic career with incredible GOD given ability that nobody has been able to put completely together yet, his potential upside is HUGE and if you miss you aren't out anything except some PETA public relations that will be overblown anyway.
A. Smith has a CHANCE to be the starter...just like Hill and the other QB they bring in. It's not plain as day. I hope A. Smith can turn it around too, but bro, relax. We'll see what happens. It's early to label him a bust, AND it's early to label him even mediocre. He has been dealt a tough hand and we will see if he has the mojo in him or not. He isn't quite Ryan Leaf. He isn't Peyton. Right now, he is David Carr part 2. He is lucky to get another chance at all. I welcome him as the starter if he is the clear cut best on the team. But I honestly think you might be the only one singing his praises(not that there's anything wrong with that. Everyone gets their own opinion). I hope he turns out to be what we all thought he would be that draft day. It isn't impossible. But it also isn't probable. That's how I feel.
One Niner you really need to find something better to do than annoy everyone here on this BLOG... seriously man it is just getting old... it is obvious that everytime you post it is just something very stupid about Alex Smith being our starter (right....), I think you should just do everyone a favor and go away... Thank you.
P.S. No one likes you.
you don't like me?..you gonna make me cry...i am giving you none of my cake.....whine, whine, whine..:
)
Setting aside the personal Vick issues for a moment, he is a very gifted athlete, though a questionable passer. I think he needs a very gifted OC to really design an offense that optimizes his skills...someone like Walsh. I do not think that the current group has that creative quality to a high enough degree.
The 9ers won't sign Vick. They can't afford to alienate fans much more than they already have. Keep in mind, every other team in the league and all the fans are having the same debate with the exception perhaps being Atlanta. Strike that, alot of fans in Atlanta would welcome Vick back believe it or not. He's a superstar in Atl.
if your issue is fans - you are wrong....everybody would be watching the niners because of vick....for every fan the niners lose they will gain 3 more.....as much as you hate to believe it - it is true and it is AERICAN.......good example is KOBE (who i am not a fan of)...HE RAPED A GIRL and his jersey is still number one.....just face the facts
Matt, this reporting on the 49ers is all good and well, but the 800 pound gorilla in the room that everyone seems to be ignoring is this:
Why has the link to your blog been moved to the center of the page with Padecky taking over the top corner?
errrrr... because it's not football season right now?
Sign Vick? So much for having "quality" people. That's a deal breaker for me. I am very surprised they would even consider bringing in such an evil person. Mike, you wear a cross, do you think Jesus would bring in a guy who hangs dogs as a hobby?
Is Oneniner really channeling George Costanza? The Niners should do the exact opposite of whatever he says. If ignorance had savants, Oneniner would be "Rain Man".
M.Vick may have paid for his actions with time in jail and should have a chance to contribute to society-not as a multimillion dollar football player!He had his chance and acted dispicably!I'm thinking maybe a job cleaning dog cages at the local SPCA might be fitting!In the meantime let one of the many aspirants to a NFL QB position have a chance-perhaps they will comport themself with dignity.
Your lack of judgement gets worse and worse and worse EVERYTIME you comment! To think Vick would not be a liability to the franchise is literally a joke and an out of touch statement from a BLIND person! I'd say fan, but even a diehard 49er fan or any fan for that matter wouldn't want their team to touch that felon!
Forget PETA! Any decent human being would see even the mentioning of Vick being brought to a team would turn into NEGATIVE NATIONAL NEWS story!
The NFL wants this felon to go away but for legal reasons they don't know how to deal with this hack! Atlanta even hates to talk about this criminal, but they have to if only to say they don't want him in the community!
And as for winning being the bottom line for a player, signing this felon would show the team as being a loser no matter what happened on the field! We don't need another Mike Tyson! Vick really proved he cared about winning with the Falcons, Huh? The only thing he proved was that Mike Vick came first by committing crimes for his benefit and the team was used for the money they paid him to commit the crimes! Real teammate?
For criminals to have a second chance I'm for that! But to have a multimillionaire committing felonies when the guy has it made shows that he will commit a crime without a thought! The whole Vick family has been arrested over and over again! Look at his younger brother. When he was at Virginia Tech he committed crimes and broke team rules so many times he was thrown off the team!
But what is worst of all is that Mr. Sing, Boy Jed and McC would even consider and worse mention the guys name as being "thought over" makes me want to take about 3 showers to get the slime off!!
The season hasn't even started yet and I'm already disgusted by the Yorks... again! Mike Vick!! How putrid! And your worse for taking any positive out of his name!
The same goes for you!!
SIGN VICK! OR EVEN TALK ABOUT HIM!! I thought Mr. Sing was for the upstanding players who are team players!! If he thought VD was hard to break...Wait and see what happens if he has to deal with this prima donna who cares about Mike Vick first and the team is used for his betting money on dog fights!!
But look at the bright side! San Quentin is only a few miles away! Maybe they could use a QB??
Why would they want Vick back? They have the Rookie of the Year in Ryan!! And he doesn't watch dogs kill each other for sport!!
The 49ers should not sign Michael Vick, I don't care if he's paid his time, the niners may not have been very good the past five years but at least they had players who had strong character. Michael Vick does not deserve another chance I'm sure there is thousands of guys who deserve a first chance long before him. The niners are above signing a animal murderer.
i think if we don't adress it in FA, the 9ers def need a pass rusher first and a T second when that #10 pick rolls around. We still have got to see what we have with alex smith. He had a good "06 season, '07 and '08 he was injured. Under rayes O i think he can continue his development. Nolan was the worst coach for a young qb in the history of the game. Good riddance! Sean Hill can be good in this O as well. We still need that big play reciever though as well.
Hey matt, long time reader first time commenter. i was just curious, what did singeltary mean by physicl with an f???
Question: i was just curious, what did singeltary mean by physicl with an f?
My response: I have no freakin' idea, but his delivery made it a pretty funny line. --Matt M.
One day while having my fishing pole in one hand and my shot gun in the other just a few 100 yards from the mouth of battle creek on the sacr-a-tamato river..
I KILLED 20 DUCKS and YANKED OUT 14 SALMON!! A major FELONY...I shot those poor innocent ducks and sunk a huge hook into the mouths of those giant poor fish and drag them out of the water and they died from lack of oxygen. Then we took them home and SMOKED ALL OF IT!! Can you imagine that!! And You know what, my friend that day shot 11 ducks and caught 8 Salmon! I won the bet!! Yep we were drinking and shooting and gambling all at the same time!! It was one of the best days of my life as a young man! Here is my point, I shot them cooked them and ate them...and didn't cross the state line doing it. Vick was railroaded because being cruel to animals is just wrong!! On his land!! Somebody needs to do something!!! Are you not sick of this. The story has been played. All Vick has to do is buy a gorilla for the SF Zoo and peoplw will say "What a great guy!" If the public can for give Bill Clinton for lying ot our faces...Talk about cruel..Janet Reno murdering 150 people...Oh well, but M. Vick kills a couple of dogs meant to kill and...I knew I shouldn't have touched this really stupid subject. The kid has every right to pursue his profession, I could careless as long as the 49ers get to 10 rings first. Screw the pit bulls and people who like to watch them fight. Who frigin cares!! By the way I belong to PETA "People Eating Tasty Animals"
RYAN LEAF ........SORRY ALEX SMITH IS CRAP...SIGN GARCIA TO BACK UP HILL OR EVEN START HIM,HE HAS MAD SKILLS ....DUMP THAT SORRY ASS QB....BUST...WASTE OF MONEY ..I WATCHED EVERY GAME AND WENT TO 4 GAMES LIVE INCLUDING COLD ASS BUFFALO....LET HILL DO HIS THING ...HELL YOU LET JT O'SUCKAGAINS START TOO MANY GAMES....SMITH IS A DEAD END..SIGN..MCCALISTER FROM THE RAVENS AND DRAFT BRIAN CUSHING AND OUR DEFENSE WOULD BE NASTY ...WE CAN PUT UP POINTS, WE JUST NEED TO NOT GIVE UP 24 POINTS A GAME .....AND SIGN PEPPERS....I HATE ALEX SMITH SO MUCH...HE SUCKS....IM OUT ....
RYAN LEAF ........SORRY ALEX SMITH IS CRAP...SIGN GARCIA TO BACK UP HILL OR EVEN START HIM,HE HAS MAD SKILLS ....DUMP THAT SORRY ASS QB....BUST...WASTE OF MONEY ..I WATCHED EVERY GAME AND WENT TO 4 GAMES LIVE INCLUDING COLD ASS BUFFALO....LET HILL DO HIS THING ...HELL YOU LET JT O'SUCKAGAINS START TOO MANY GAMES....SMITH IS A DEAD END..SIGN..MCCALISTER FROM THE RAVENS AND DRAFT BRIAN CUSHING AND OUR DEFENSE WOULD BE NASTY ...WE CAN PUT UP POINTS, WE JUST NEED TO NOT GIVE UP 24 POINTS A GAME .....AND SIGN PEPPERS....I HATE ALEX SMITH SO MUCH...HE SUCKS....IM OUT ....
The Falcons organization definitely wouldn't want Vick back. The fans are a different story. Vick is still loved by many in Atlanta. I was in Atlanta last year during the season. It was shocking how much fans supported Vick even with Ryan doing so well. The local talk radio was full of people saying Vick would be better than Ryan if he ever had a back like Turner.
That's funny! I have a cousin who has season tickets with the the Falcs! He says the fans can't wait to get rid of this guy! The Sports talk shows were asking if the team kept Vick what would they think! Over 90% said they couldn't wait to get his name disconnected and gone from the team! Many said just release him whether the team loses money or not! And these people aren't exactly caring animal people like California'a are!
Don't know "what fans supported" your dog killer buddy?
But it sure isn't Falc fans! My cousing is praying along with the 90% that the team can dump this felon on any body including the 49ers!
Read the conviction of Vick Mr. big time hunter! Did you and your buddies "bet" on the stuff you killed and caught? Did you set up the place where people could bet on the hunting and fishing!? Then with the money you made hide it from being taxed by the IRS? Didn't think so! Did you commit perjury? Do you know what perjury is? Didn't think so Mr. big time hunter!!!
You also sound like the guy who turns his 6 inch fish into a 4 foot fish! And tells everybody who will listen he killed a hundred pheasants! And then doesn't know EVERYBODY is LAUGHING at the stooge (YOU)!By the way do you eat dog after you kill them?
You just wrote a comment that proved your 65 IQ!
John HB, it's hard to follow your train of thought, but I can follow your path because your knuckles are dragging on the ground. Straighten up and at least try to walk erect. And if I may suggest, stay away from that gorilla cage at the SF zoo, that you seem so fond of,for your own good. They may try to recapture your hairy as*.
Let me see if I can slow this down fast enough for you to understand: hanging, drowning and electrocuting defenseless canines is not a moral equivalent to lying about oral sex. I'm sure you are familiar with the former and confused about the later but there is no comparison between the two. And besides the Vick conviction didn't cost the American public $60 million.
Repeat after me John, "Ugh, fire good).
Thank you John in HB for your excellent profile in sociopathy.The only plus with Vick is that a retired Brett Favre would no longer get more press in a week than the niners in five years.
Thank you John in HB for your excellent profile in sociopathy.
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