10:39 a.m.: The kids are at school, and I've arrived in
10:44 a.m.: Certainly no surprise that fullback Moran Norris appears to be back with the 49ers. Pro Football Talk, which obviously has a pretty good handle on all the Drew Rosenhaus clients, is reporting the 49ers and Norris have agreed to a three-year, $5 million contract with $1.5 million guaranteed. Rosenhaus also represents Demetric Evans and Ronald Fields.
10:46 a.m.: The deals for Rossum and Norris might be agreed upon, but they're not yet signed. When pen meets paper that's when the 49ers will confirm.
10:51 a.m.: The Rossum stuff was reported earlier this morning by Bee-rows.
11:25 a.m.: When Brandon Jones meets with the 49ers today, I wonder if this subject will be addressed. Jones was arrested for possession of an unlawful firearm at the airport. Then, Jones was fined $15,000 for a touchdown celebration he called "take me to jail."
11:32 a.m.: The 49ers have not gotten involved in talks with free-agent tackles Khalif Barnes (Jaguars) or Marvel Smith (Steelers). Barnes is getting attention from the Raiders, Saints and Buccaneers, while Smith is being courted by the Raiders and Ravens.
11:45 a.m.: There is no buzz about the 49ers going after quarterbacks. (They tried unsuccessfully to claim Bruce Gradkowski off waivers a couple weeks ago.) It seems pretty clear that Alex Smith will be back. The 49ers want him back, and the sides have talked parameters of a reduced deal. If Smith and his agent, Tom Condon, had any doubt about his future, they would have screamed loudly for the 49ers to release him several days ago before the start of free agency. That is the best evidence - along with new O.C. Jimmy Raye faxing Smith the introduction to the 49ers' playbook - that Smith will return. At this point, if Smith is not back with the 49ers, his agent will have failed him miserably.
11:45 a.m.: In 2004, the 49ers had a chance to get receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Then-coach Dennis Erickson pushed hard for the team to acquire Houshmandzadeh as a restricted free agent. He visited the 49ers, and made it known he really wanted to reunite with Erickson, for whom he played at Oregon State. But GM Terry Donahue decided against signing him to an offer sheet. Houshmandzadeh did not catch a pass the previous season because of a torn hamstring. He returned to the Bengals, and caught 73, 78, 90, 112 and 92 passes in the seasons since. At the start of free agency, the 49ers have devoted their attention to receiver Brandon Jones, while Houshmandzadeh is visiting with the Seahawks today.
12:06 p.m.: Still no Jones appearance here at the 49ers' team offices in Santa Clara. He's expected to arrive a little later in the afternoon. GM Scot McCloughan said yesterday that the club would not sign a player without first meeting with him. "We have to put our hands on them from the medical standpoint because that's a huge part of this thing - that we have to know that they're healthy," McCloughan said.
12:12 p.m.: So why aren't the 49ers interested in quarterback Byron Leftwich? I haven't heard one way or the other. It would seem to make sense. But, here's something to consider: Leftwich's agent is Tom Condon, the same man who represents Alex Smith. Just thought you'd want to know.
12:26 p.m.: I'm checking out Mel Kiper's Free Agent Data Sheet. (Yes, I'm a loyal Kiper guy.) He has Jones ranked as the fifth-best receiver available in free agency behind Houshmandzadeh, Michael Clayton (Bucs), Devery Henderson (Saints) and Nate Washington (Steelers). Says Kiper, "This is a tough call. What makes it so is that you never know what you're going to get from him on a weekly/yearly basis."
1:04 p.m.: Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty does not have a visit scheduled with the 49ers. He is scheduled to meet with the Giants on Saturday/Sunday, then is slated to travel cross country to meet with the Seahawks on Sunday/Monday. If necessary, he will have additional visits scheduled, agent Brad Blank said.
1:50 p.m.: On March 5, 2007, the 49ers signed Moran Norris to a three-year, $3 million extension with a $600,000 signing bonus. Norris played just one season for the 49ers and was cut last summer. He latched on with the Lions and played eight games. Now, the 49ers have reportedly agreed to terms with Norris on a three-year, $5 million deal with a $1.5 million signing bonus. Apparently, the 49ers did not realize how valuable Norris was until he was gone.
3:27 p.m.: Takeo Spikes said he wanted to be back, and the 49ers said they wanted him back. So . . . apparently he's coming back. Agent Todd France has not responded to my inquiries today, but Foxsports.com is reporting the sides have struck an agreement on a two-year deal.
3:35 p.m.: The 49ers have reached agreements (but still no official signings) so far today with starting inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, return specialist Allen Rossum and fullback Moran Norris (Lions). They also have receiver Brandon Jones coming in for a visit. Since 2005, the 49ers have signed every one of their first-day visits. As reported earlier this week, the 49ers have no interest at this time in re-signing receiver Bryant Johnson or running back DeShaun Foster.
4:01 p.m.: Brandon Jones is scheduled to arrive in the Bay Area in about an hour. He'll do all of his medical stuff this evening. Then, he's scheduled to meet with coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot McCloughan tomorrow morning. So, if signs, it'll probably happen tomorrow morning.
4:12 p.m.: There's no reason to stick around here this evening. Titans receiver Brandon Jones is the only free agent who has yet scheduled a visit, and he's not even going to visit 49ers headquarters until tomorrow. So I'm getting out of here.
Just to recap, the 49ers are very serious about Jones. Since '05, the 49ers have signed every first-day free-agent visitor.
And the 49ers have reached contract terms (but have yet to officially sign):
LB Takeo Spikes
RS Allen Rossum
FB Moran Norris (Lions)
That's it for now. Have a nice evening.
* * *
Welcome back MM - Can you confirm the PFT report that Morris is signed? Also of note: Baltimore cut defensive end Marques Douglas. Perhapse he lands with Nolan in Denver??
Anyone know where I can find a video about Orakpo? I hear he's pretty awesome
I've heard from multiple sources that Morris is a done deal and Rossum is also done. Do we have any idea of which guys are lined up to visit Santa Clara in the upcoming days?
Reports state that Orakpo may be too stiff to stand up and play OLB... not sure the 9ers take on that.
In the NFL, the proven way to success is to build through the draft and supplement wisely through free agency and trades. Too many top-dollar free-agent moves end up being counterproductive because the whole never winds up being equal to -- let alone greater than -- the sum of its parts. Cohesiveness and chemistry generally seem to be victims of a team that's over-active in free agency, and nobody should know that lesson better than the Redskins, from 2000 on.
just in case any of you paranoid and unrealistic peoples missed my other post, here ya go........
jeesh what a defunct organazation. i mean completely failing to address the needs of having the top rated guys who will be overpaid and under-motivated. i mean we should have been able to close at least a dozen deals by now right?
i mean i think we all have simulated on madden 09 what would happen to the niners if we signed guys like housh, hansworth, thomas, dawkins, and warner. plus we could have hocked away this years draft picks for peppers, and our 2010 & 2011 picks for jacobs and asomwaga.
i mean after all we all have WATCHED football and played the VIDEO GAMES for years now so we totally know whats best for this franchise........
how dare they do EXACTLY what they said they were gonna do...
thats what some of these posts sound like. i couldnt imagine be trapped in a foxhole with some of you. last year at this time there were like 20 free agents already inked deal league wide. this year there has been about half that. the whole league is taking this approach save a few number of teams known for spending way too much and yeilding little results {redskins and jets}. i trust the team, coach sing and scotty know just a tad more than we do.
With buzz reguarding Chris Canty coming to visit SF does that hint at an ending to Manny Lawson? Would Canty be more productive with Willis lined up by his side. His pass rushing hasn't been steller but it seems like that its a 60/40 chance for him to live up to his hype. And would the niners make a go for Tra Thomas and release Jennings?
I can't believe Snyder forked over that much for Haynesworth for 7 years. I gotta believe he started slacking off as soon as he signed. Not a fan
Why are no one talking about Brian Dawkins? He's a FS isnt he? I hear he's visiting vith the Broncos... why not make a run for him?
Hey 123456789, go to YouTube and search for "Draft Party," they have 5-7 minute videos of like the top 90 players in the draft. It's a great resource.
Texas U players always seem to underachieve at the NFL level. Vince Young, Cedric Benson, Ricky Williams, Michael Huff, Roy Williams. Stay away from Orakpo
Chris Canty is a DE. What would he have to do with Lawson?
This is all you need to see/know about Orakpo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGUc3UL64f0
Rak won't be there at #10 anyways.
Sweet we're going to sign Brandon Jones from Canadian Idol: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20050616/idolbio_BrandonJones/20060619?s_name=idol2006
On a real note what's the differance in signing the WR Brandon Jones & the Canadian Idol Brandon Jones? The WR is a young guy, in the league for 3 years and hasn't done much of everything. Don't we already have 3 guys that have done that same thing in J. Hill, D. Ziegler & J. Morgan
Brandon Jones is depth...we're not bringing back BJ and Bruce's status is up in the air. We need 5 WR's on the roster.
I suspect Brandon Jones comes at a cheaper price than Bryant Johnson does. For some reason I think Johnson's agent is asking for more than he's worth, while Jones gives us a big, sure handed guy that gives us the depth while not coming with an ingrained need for playing time.
our 1st round pick will be one of the top four tackle prospects or we trade down....no orakpo or crabtree or sanchez or jenkins... why not orakpo...kentwan balmer, why not crabtree....josh morgan....why not jemkins....reggie smith....why not sanchez....becuase of the problems with alex smith...
as far as brandon jones why is everyone so down on this guy? he is the same size and style of josh morgan and he has been stuck in tennesee his whole career. can anyone name me a tennesee reciever who as of any real talent besides derrick mason?{whom is now with the ravens}. we don't even know what kind of deal this guy may or may not get. if he signs a smaller contract, he COULD be a great "under the radar" pick-up...
Jones' problem is he can't stay healthy.
Tank Johnson could be available at a reasonable priced offer who cares if he rolls around strapped as long as his run stopping is more productive than sopoaga and get put on my back franklin why not give him a shot
I know we need a FS, so why not sign Dawkins, he would be a great player plus he could mentor Goldson for a coulpe of years before he retires? Or I'm I way out there? :D
MM...sorry this is a bit off topic but I get the feeling the niners are going to take one of the OT's with the 10th pick. If that happens is there any chance we could pick up Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech in the 2nd, if so how do you think he projects as an olb/pass rusher?
Just so 'NO!' everybody to Brandon Jones!
We have had two WRs in the recent past with the first name Brandon, which did not work out: Brandon Lloyd and Brandon Williams.
Boo to both! :)
Come on Matt, don't hurt our feelings with that DE and TD talk about TJ. :P That was our worse of times, this is our best of times! Jk.
Didn't we like Drew Bennett before he went to the Rams? No interest now ?
McCloughlan must be blowing smoke. He said he was going to act as if Smith wasn't going to be with the team until a new contract was signed. There's no way a team that considers themselves to only have one QB on contract doesn't try to get a QB on the 1st day of FA.
Is this serious?
"So why aren't the 49ers interested in quarterback Byron Leftwich? I haven't heard one way or the other. It would seem to make sense."
This is a trick question, right, Matt? A test? My answer is McCloughan: "We're not bringing in anyone to compete with Hill and Smith."
To paraphrase.
Do I win a prize? Please say I win a prize!
Brandon Jones....are you kidding me......WR is one position the 49ers have struggled trying to find a #1....T.J. is in Seattle....get him to Santa Clara now and get him signed....its a no brainer.
Who are you Karha?A hack who works for the organization whose task is defending the niners and their cheap,sad-sack draft?Sctty knows best?please.Cody wallace before Nicks was real expertise We are the only team seeking a downgrade at receiver.At least the niners admitted to being too cheap to pursue a second-tier tackle. Scotty just said he was sure we wer going to be great.That is as pitiful as your posts c
Sportingnews.com has a working version of PFT on their site. Towards the bottom of the page under the Our Partners header.
I can't take Mel Kiper seriously. He is wrong more often than he is right, but makes himself out to be the end-all authority about everything he talks about. I'd love it if somebody were to compile a Mel Kiper collection of video clips where he declares "CANT MISS" prospects, guys who can't play, perfect matches, etc.
"But GM Terry Donahue decided against signing him to an offer sheet." - didn't really need be reminded of that era. but thanks.
Alex lacks common quartback sense. Im not sure why no coach on the 49ers roster can see it. 1. he has poor footwork 2. He has a long release, he brings the ball way back before he throws (not ok in NFL) 3. He stares down recievers
4. He throws his long ball off his front foot increasing inaccuracy. 5. His long ball is flat and ugly. 6. His playaction is easily readable 6. He cant get the ball in the endzone 7. He is injury prone, i cant thing of one good attribute on Alex Smith - RELEASE HIM.... The Patriots drafted two qbs last year with Brady and Cassel on the roster but we are content with the worst qb tandem in football and expect a different result.
Hey Matt,
Couldn't you argue that Brandon Jones getting 41 catches is like getting 65-70 catches in another offense since the Titans run a heavy run offense? Now, it can be argued that the Niners will employ a run heavy offense, but 41 catches is probably reasonable to expect for the 2nd receiver in a Raye offense to go along with Josh Morgan at 1, Jason Hill at 3, and Vernon Davis.
Canty made no sense anyway...
Donahue dropped the ball on Housh, more evidence that this guy is a complete boob
#3 and #6 are the only ones you got right.
This is what it says on ESPN's profile of Brandon Jones and this is before his underwhelming 2008 season. . . Jones has size, speed, precision, hands and guts. What he doesn't have is a body that can take the pounding of an NFL season. In '07, he missed time with a knee problem, a concussion and a groin injury. In '06 it was a chest injury, and in '05 it was a torn ACL. The Titans have confidence that he can be the team's No. 1 receiver when healthy, but waiting for that to happen is fool's gold.
That just screams Super Bowl here we come doesn't it?
Matt, Does it bother you that Matt Sando only reports on other writers reports?
Comment: Does it bother you that Matt Sando only reports on other writers reports?
My response: Heck, no. It's his job as ESPN's NFC West blogger. He fully credits everybody's work and links to it. It would bother me if he passed off the work of others as his own. But he helps raise the profile of reporters around the division. Sando does a very professional job. --Matt M.
Cannot play with them
Cannot win with them
Cannot coah with them
Can't do it
I want winners!
Brandon Jones...
Was it the same off-season that Erickson wanted Housh that he also told Donahue to draft Steven Jackson or was it the next season? I don't remember, but of course Donahue decided to trade down for Rashaun Woods.
Anyone think Kurt Warner would be a good fit in SF? Yes, he is aging but he is a precision passer. And he can actually throw the ball down the field. Took the Cardinals....ya I still can't beliebe it either...to the Super Bowl. Think Housh would want to come play with Kurt as his QB? It worked well for Fitz. Then we have our solution for QB for the next few years. After that it's
I tend to agree with many of your criticisms of Alex Smith, but I think you've considerably underrated Shaun Hill by calling ours the worst QB tandem in football. Hill has won 7 of his first 10 NFL starts. He's got a 2:1 TD to Int ratio for his career and a QB rating of 90.5. All this despite all 10 starts being with non-playoff teams (the 2007 and 2008 49ers), with different first-year OCs, and sub-par receivers. It's obvious that Hill's style isn't pretty, but it's also apparent that he's a winner. The guys respect him, and he gets it done. Cut him some slack. Shaun Hill has earned the right to open next season as our starter.
Why hasn't Michael Clayton been mentioned? Or Kelley Washington for that matter? Both players should come cheap in comarision to Houshmandzadeh.
Brandon Jones worries me that he will always be injuried.
I agree Better than Paraag . . . and that is on a team that has hardly sniffed .500 for an overall record.
I agree Better than Paraag . . . and that is on a team that has hardly sniffed .500 for an overall record.
49er Empire,
Doesn't this make sense..It's impossible to perdict what the 49ers are going to do in the draft until FA has come & gone. That being said as I posted before If the 49ers are able to address the OT (Barnes or Smith) & the Pass Rusher (Canty) then that really opens the door for alot of different possibilities for the 49ers including getting out of the #10 pick to get multiple picks.
1st truth peddler at least getting spelling of name right. it's 5 letters so it shouldnt be that hard.
2nd although i commend your passion for our team, i have to question your motives. so lets take this one a time : your complaining about a 4th round pick of cody wallace at CENTER to carl nicks at TACKLE. now as i remember it nicks stock due to off the feild issue's and wallace who won one or two awards coming out.
wallace has not gotten the chance to get in a game because heitman did a fantastic job at center. so we do not know how good or how bad wallace is? right?
3rd downgrade at reciever? how so? bruce is still under contract { he MAY retire } and johnson was giving a 1 year prove it deal and he didnt prove anything, as a matter of fact he got beat out by our 6th round pick josh morgan. so where exactly is the downgrade?
4th a hack that works for the niners? i am just a fan that isn't ready to proclaim that my favorite sports team has screwed the pooch 20 hours into the new season.
5th niners being cheap. number one although they do not spend like the redskins or jets, the past three offseasons that got the number free agent prospects at the thier posistions {jennings,clements and smith} all to very large deals. because this ONE year they haven't gotten a big name they are cheap? i disagree terry d was cheap.
6th the niners have 29 mill in cap space right now. just because you can do something doesn't mean its to be done, i can drive a car with my feet, that doesn't make it a good idea {thank you chris rock}.
7th this is not madden football on your ps3 or fake money on poker stars. get a grip on that sitution and try not flail your cheeto stained forearms in the air cuz the team did not do what YOU think is best. now there is some truth for ya.....peddler.
lol that's funny!
if you ask me... bring in Favre out of retirement... he will instill passion and a love for the game to the team and all of a sudden Alex Smith will resurface as comeback player from oblivion and take us back to the big one....
on a serious note, I like Hill cause more often than not I see my team win when he plays.
Glad to hear we're not pursuing Canty after all...that one made no sense to me with Smith and Ray Mac already at RDE.
Thanks for the info about Leftwich. But it would seem odd that the team wouldn't pursue him anyway if they thought he could improve the team. I guess we'll never know.
Thanks for the info on Leftwich. It just seems odd that having the same agent as Alex Smith would enter into the 49ers minds. After all, if Leftwich could improve the team, why wouldn't they pursue him. I guess we'll never know.
if you ask me... bring in Favre out of retirement... he will instill passion and a love for the game to the team and all of a sudden Alex Smith will resurface as comeback player from oblivion and take us back to the big one....
on a serious note, I like Hill cause more often than not I see my team win when he plays.
nfl network said Moran Norris signed with seatle.
yawn
Question: It just seems odd that having the same agent as Alex Smith would enter into the 49ers minds. After all, if Leftwich could improve the team, why wouldn't they pursue him.
My response: I was thinking more about if from the other angle. If the agent knew Smith was coming back and was in line to compete for the starting job, he would want to direct Leftwich somewhere else. --Matt M.
scratch my last post... wrong guy...names were just similar..
nvm last post...wrong guy...names were similar...lol
I think Norris is valuable. I saw once that Frank Gore said he was his best friend. I think Gore will be more confident than ever.
Hey Matt,
Love your blog, but what are the 49ers waiting for? I know they did not want to make a splash, but do the 49ers really have a plan? Brandon Jones are you kidding me? Can't they do any better? I am a season ticket holder and I must say that so far I am truely disapoointed? Any word on a DE or a saftey or a OT? Moran Norris should have never been cut?
Matt- Wouldn't it make more sense for the Niners to go after a potential LDE or NT in free agency? Isn't Evans a bit small to work at LDE in the Niners scheme? Tank Johnson is still available and could team up with Franklin to play the Nose. Then we can keep Sope and Balmer at LDE with Ray Mac and Justin Smith playing RDE.
"If the agent knew Smith was coming back and was in line to compete for the starting job, he would want to direct Leftwich somewhere else."
Not to mention Condon is smart enough to know the 49ers said they aren't pursuing any high-priced big-name Free Agents.
I think there's a lot of value in a big FA signing apart from just solidifying a position of need, it also excites the fan base. I, for one, am not excited.
I am not excited either. I was at the State of the Franchise a few weeks back and i must tell you, all I heard was trust us and be patient. How patient can we (the fan base)really be?
What worries me is that the Niners haven't filled any real needs. Sure, they'll sign a FB(Norris), DE(Evans), and WR(Jones). But I still see ILB, OLB, NT, FS, CB, RT, WR, and obviously QB as postions that need to be addressed. I suppose if Alex Smith and Shaun Hill battle it out, than QB is addressed. If Takeo Spikes and Issac Bruce are brought back, than i suppose WR and ILB are all set. But again, still have holes at CB, RT, FS, and NT. If they choose to go with what is currently there at NT, CB and FS, than the our first round choice is easy- either Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Oher would be a reach at #10, which is why they should trade down if that happens. Andre Smith? I'd trade down too. Only player worth selecting there is Raji or Orakpo, IMO.
So far i like what we've done or attempted to do so far. Norris enough said. Rossum keeps us with a KR/PR. B. Jones I hear if he can stay healthy he has really good potential!
What I don't like.... If Housh,Canty,McFadden and, R.Fields go to Seattle let alone if they draft a decent RB in the draft, we're in trouble. That leaves us with one offensive star in Gore! Seattle will have quite a few ecspecially if they stay healthy we're looking at maybe 3rd in our division next year. Ecspecially because it doesn't look like Arizona is losing anyone. I don't think we should go blow the bank but I don't know if we have enough tier 1 talent to go after all tier 2!!! I'm a little scared from what I see. Not from what we are doing or not doing but, on what our divisional opponents are doing!!!!
Denver has signed 4 players today, these players are second tier at best, but they are being active. WHAT ARE THE 49ERS DOING??
The other day I was trying to figure out why people call us the "40-Whinner" fans... I don't need to wonder any longer. GUYS - We are day #1 into the new league year. DAY ONE. RELAX.
Exactly! The top tier guys don't have to be the only guys to sign today. Target the guys you want and go get them. There are too many teams moving to a 3-4 D, they are going to be gobbling up all the 2nd tier guys the 9ers are waiting for.
Thanks to McGM's recent press briefings and our sitting on the sidelines approach to FA signing, the stars are now in alignment for April 25th – the constellation reads "B.J.". Let's hope he's available, because I think McGM is putting in all of his chips for this kid.
Sadly Sanchez is a distant galaxy at this point. Nate Davis could be a steal at round 3 if he's there at our pick.
You guys need to chill out. I guess you've gotten used to an instant fix the last couple years. Norris and Rossum is a great start, and I like the other guys they are looking at. Be patient, there is not a lot of first tier talent this year, and players like TJ Hoshmawatchacallit are going to get paid way too much because of it. I hope Seattle does blow a giant load of money on him. He's just not that good.
I can't say I've extensively watched Peterson or Evans play, but I know both off the Redskins and Broncos d-lines left a lot to be desired.
Mike #2, all these hysterics probably think FA only lasts one day and by tomorrow they'll be off losing their marbles over some other facet of life. It's a phenomenon. I checked some other blogs and they're all in full out yahoo mode today.
Why are the 49ers shopping in the bargain bins?
Bobby Boucher, my concern arises from the impression that we weren't even attempting to get the top tier talent. Put that together with the OC hiring stumbles and I think you have to be concerned with how this offseason is starting.
Gio - When our GM said we were not going to make a "big splash" in free agency did you think he was talking about doing a big cannon ball into the pool at 49ers headquarters. What top tier guys are you referring to that we should have gone after? I see NONE. Haynsworth wasn’t worth the money, don’t get me started on Dante Hall being the most over rated Corner to EVER land back to back $50 million contact, we don’t need a Bart Scott as we have Willis. So what? You want to pay $8 million a year for a possession receiver in TJ Hoosh? I would rather see Morgan, Zeigler, and Hill get some seasoning and start producing! Anyone else I’m missing?
Gio - When our GM said we were not going to make a "big splash" in free agency did you think he was talking about doing a big cannon ball into the pool at 49ers headquarters. What top tier guys are you referring to that we should have gone after? I see NONE. Haynsworth wasn’t worth the money, don’t get me started on Dante Hall being the most over rated Corner to EVER land back to back $50 million contact, we don’t need a Bart Scott as we have Willis. So what? You want to pay $8 million a year for a possession receiver in TJ Hoosh? I would rather see Morgan, Zeigler, and Hill get some seasoning and start producing! Anyone else I’m missing?
Shawn Springs is available...released by Washington. Please McC...PLEASE!
Exciting the fan base is minimally important compared to cultivating a winning franchise. Winning will bring fan excitement. Nate Clements and Justin Smith were great pickups, but they weren't able to make us a playoff team. Also, big signings like Tully Banta-Cain and Jonas Jennings proved unwise over the long run. Lets make good long-term decisions, and not break the bank on a name just for the sake of a little off-season rah rah. I like bringing Moran Norris back. But I don't see the basis for the Brandon Jones signing. Both Josh Morgan and Jason Hill played well when given the opportunity last year, and we still don't know what the team's plans are for Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, both of whom I prefer to Jones, based on past performance.
well...I read that Spikes signed a 2 year contract
at least that's something
I keep reading that both Josh Morgan and Jason Hill did such a good job last year, therefore we need not look for a WR out there. And they did do a great job. Just like Hill.
The truth is that just like Hill MAY not be the real QB we need for various reasons, the aforementioned receivers MAY not be ready yet for the pressure of focused expectation. Let's be honest, last year, no one had a real expectation that any of the two had to carry the team on their shoulders. So they played without THAT pressure and they played well. Are they ready to have the full responsability? I don't think so, not yet. They need that to be with someone else to keep on polishing their skills without the feeling of frsutration.
Now, I still don't think Jones will help them or the team big time. I want Boldin! hehehe
SB
Great news on Spikes!!! I'm guessing the Bart Scott comp with the Jets will be the basis for the Patrick Willis extention talks. Here are the details:
Scott's deal is worth about $48 million over six years, with $27 million coming in the first three years of the contract, and approximately $22 million of it is guaranteed.
Moran Norris? Is this really news? A guy who the winless Detriot Lions doesnt even want and some of u are all excited? The demise of this franchise sinks to new lows day by day.
Indiana if you don't think Alex Smith doesn't have a long release and take too long to get rid of the ball you just don't know football or blind one of the two. Let me also say he is the most inaccurate qb in the league the guy can't even throw an accurate screen pass lol he got Delanie Walker hurt against the Saints because he made him have to jump up in the air to catch a screen pass and got him lit up, he also got Vernon Davis hurt against the Pittsburgh Steelers because he took FOREVER to get rid of the ball when Vernon was open for 10 seconds that's what he always does he has no confidence so he takes so long by the time he gets rid of it the db or lb is already there to knock it down or hit the wr as soon as he catches it.
You have nerve indiana cowboy jim to dare argue with anybody that knows football anytime I read a post of yours what you say is wrong... Now I challenge your knowledge, name one thing that Alex Smith does well on the football field???? Name one?????
Gore rushed for +1,600 yards behind Norris in 2006 and is one of his best friends. I think its a GREAT signing and he fits perfectly into our system under Raye and Sing. The only reason we let him go is because he didn't fit into Martz offense. What is your problem with him? Back up that post!
RealityCheck is in need of a reality check. The 49ers were 5-3 in their last 8, and the loss to the NFC Champion Cards--those 3 words just don't belong together!--should've been a win. For the first time in a long time, we've got a well-respected head coach with a winning track record. You may not have realized it yet, but things have turned in the right direction for the 49ers. Have faith in Coach Sing and ye shall be rewarded.
Love the Spikes signing. Best news of the day.
Hey Karma.sorry about the spelling,I just didn/t see such a cosmic name and a company man being associated.I spelling your pretend name is a sensitive issue,why not make you Felix Unger of the blog.Nicks had no issues compared to that Titans nobody you were defending.That you thought Scotty made good moves with Reggie smith and a 4th string center,no guard potetial,then you have a lot to learn lad.I said a second-tjer tackle,ithere is a huge difference between being small-time cheap and extravagant.
Here's a hypothetical question: would you guys give the 10th pick for Boldin?
I incline for a NO, but have my doubts.
Naked Bootleg in the driving rain ......... ahhh, that's about it.
Sorry, trying to reply to ReggieMcGrew.
Naked Bootleg in the driving rain ....... ahh, that's about it.
Seems to me that we have done pretty well for ourselves so far in FA.
-We got out LBer spot secured with Spikes (who was great last year after he learned the system and played a few weeks).
- We got our smash mouth FB back (Norris)so that Gore (and any new RB's we pick up) will actually have a lead blocker this year under an offensive system we Niner's fans will recognize a bit more).
-Looks like we might get a big and fast WR who can stretch the field a bit and will be great for depth ( Jones coming in to SC today and might not leave without signing).
- we resigned the best return guy we have had in about a decade (Rossum)!
And all that in less than one day of free agency ! A good start,with more FA's and then the draft still to come.
It sounds like McGloughan has been very very busy indeed !
Thanks for the updates MM
Matt --- There are a couple of folks here who probably need each other’s email addresses so we can concentrate on Niner football, not name calling. Meanwhile, I have a Niner football question – maybe a dumb one – but it’s a football question. Why are the Niners not seriously considering Jon Stinchcomb for the RT slot? He’s stayed healthy; he’s good at both run and pass blocking; he apparently is willing to leave the deep South. Does Scot McC not believe in paying big bucks for RTs? What am I missing? Like others on this board, I’m a believer that for success you start by being strong in the trenches. Also cast my vote NO on Brandon Jones. Give the young kids another year to prove themselves.
again truth peddler i wasn't defending the wr, i was simply saying , lets not freak out til we know exactly what kinda deal we offer him.
2nd. i never compared nicks problems with with jones problems. i compared nicks problems to wallace's awards and lack of problems.
3rd scotty HAS made good pick ups, {gore,willis,staley,clements,j smith,morgan,lewis,rachel, and oh yeah singletary} and he HAS made some bad pick-ups too {a smith, baas, banta cain,jto,keasey, and the damane duckett exxperance}.......so i try to keep an open mind til the details come out.
4th you REALLY do not want to start taking shots at our screen names do you "truth peddler". besides this si the 2nd screen name i have had on this blog. before matt went over to this new format my screen name was "ninerindallas".
5th i will be the 1st one to tell you i could always learn more about the game. you see unlike yourself, i am not the kinda guy who thinks i know everything about everything. i am still undecided as whether you are arrogant or ignorant.
Great info M-Flava, thanks for all your hard work. Welcome back M. Norris, you were missed!
Question: Why are the Niners not seriously considering Jon Stinchcomb for the RT slot?
My response: I don't know that they're not. It has been nearly impossible to get information from the team, and Stinchcomb's agent isn't exactly working in a way that publicizes his client. (Pat Dye Jr., the agent, isn't much for returning phone calls.) That's why you hear a lot about some players and not much about others. --Matt M.
49ers need to go after Ray Willis of the seahawks. He was a very good RT for them in 10 starts(1 sack allowed).
WB mr. Norris. I'm really going to look forward to seeing gore bouncing off people and getting through that second level like before instead of having to push the pile by his lonesome and sprain an ankle.
Hey Matt, I commend you for putting in serious time today keeping your eye on what our Niners do in FA. I've been glued to the NFL Network just the same. I just saw where the Ravens released DE Marques Douglas. Do you think we'll be in the running to land him just one year after he left (hmmmm... like Mr. Norris)?
Matt,
I read an article today(I believe it was RotoWire) that said the Raiders are looking to trade RB Michael Bush. Is there any truth to that? Will the 49ers be interested? Bush is young, has good size, and he and Coach Rathman have worked together in Oakland.
hey Karma,what i have decided is that your ego demands you get the last word.That you spent this much time on me says Ireally got to you ,Maybe from now on your posts will focus on what you think,not try to tell others what to think.Thats arrogance and ignorance.Now I will take the moral high ground,and give you the last word.
Matt, it seems like Khalif Barnes isn't demanding an insane amount of attention. And with only two other definite interviews lined up (Jones & Evans), I don't see why we can't afford Barnes, who is an absolute perfect fit for Singletary's scheme; a stout run blocker who can make a big difference in "imposing OUR will" on the defense.
whatever man, i was debating the points, then taking a shot. and you singled me out, mr. moral high ground.
so as it turns out T.J. whosyourmomma was playing shenagins in phily and that could turn off alot of teams. now if his price drops enough it would make sense to make a run at him.
and everyone should be happy some of these guys hasn't been snapped up yet. someone might get nervous and accept a lower deal, or maybe teams really try to wait them out giving us a day or two jump on them.
so says the cosmic company man having his ego stroked, on the 1st day of the new season.....
DOH! Now i kinda wish we woulda struck the deal the jets did to get lito sheppard from phily, that woulda been a nice pick up...
mike in sf #2 i'm lovin your comments LOL. Your #1 in my book!
Anyways to all of the haters all of the free agents we were looking at got franchised. I hate that stupid franchise tag. Anyways Brandon Jones could be a good deep threat, but he has Lelie written all over him. I love the signing of M.Norris, he's good in pass protection, a good run blocker, and what people forget is he's a good 3rd and 1 threat, which we did not have last year. With all of our needs, we need to turn to the draft as it is as deep as i've seen it. We should do a Bill Walsh in '86 and trade until we have like 13 picks. Champions have a vision, a system, and draft players that fit it. let's start building through the draft like the steelers, giants, and Pats, and like we used to under Walsh. Go 9ers!
thanks for all your updates MM
Well, ESPN is reporting (citing unnamed sources) that Kurt Warner's agent has had "in depth" talks with San Francisco. No word on whether he's visiting with any teams.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3941094
seems like an odd fit to me. But I guess could be a stopgap measure until they make up their minds what to do with Hill, Smith or whether to draft and groom another QB for the future.
"Not to mention Condon is smart enough to know the 49ers said they aren't pursuing any high-priced big-name Free Agents."
Yeah... then they're talking to Warner. So what do I know?
You're the best MM, nice work. As for the whimpering fans that are dissapointed with our activity thus far, Get a clue. IMO there wasn't any tier 1 players available that was good value and fit. We did the right thing with norris especially once t. Richardson re-signed with the jets. Norris has more upside anyway. The best news of the day for SF is Spikes coming back. Looking at what's out there it looks like Raji is making more and more sense in the draft. Hey matt, can rocky Bernard play the NT in a 3/4? I watched a lot of SEA. Games this year (girlfriends team) and he seemed to always be around the ball.
I don't know that you'd call OT Khalif Barnes a tier 1 player, but he is a great run blocker and a perfect fit on the right side, to clear the way for Gore & whoever our #2 is.
I agree 2007 Kahlif Barnes is a great addition to the OL, but 2008 Barnes might not be any better than Barry Sims (and I don't really care for sims). It all depends on the money. Some people on here are already complaining that Brandon Jones is not the solution at WR, well maybe he's not supposed to be. If they sign him and for how much will tell you his expected role in the offense. Maybe they're bringing him in to create competition and that's it. Hill, Ziegler and Morgan is a nice place to start for a WR corp. Back to RT I wanna know more about this guy from SEA, willis. Is he the real thing? At the very least Jon Stinchcomb can come in and take Sims role as the backup RT. No one has mentioned the possibility of re-structuring Jonas Jennings contract. He knows he's been hurt and that he doesn't deserve his salary. We don't have to get rid of him, especially if there isn't anyone better to replace him .I think a lot of people will agree, he is a good RT WHEN he is healthy. Bottom line for me is I'm optimistic and looking forward to what happens in the draft and at camp. Let's give clayton a chance, try and get a thumper like Andre Brown in the 4th, work out Reggie Smith at FS not corner, get BJ Raji at #10 (the good 3/4 NT's are hard to find) and go from there. One last thing and I'm done, I liked the idea of Nate Washington. A pure spead guy to open up the under neath for Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. Nate had a couple good games last year when Santonio was out. Let a couple days go by and see if the price tags drop.