Matt Maiocco's Instant 49ers

Do the 49ers have the goods to acquire Cutler?

By Matt.Maiocco on March 31, 2009 7:50 PM 128 COMMENTS

If the 49ers are interested in Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler - and there's no reason for them to sit this one out - they can now officially get into the ballgame.

Continue reading Do the 49ers have the goods to acquire Cutler?>>>

Sanchez to 49ers? Niners will be watching USC pro day

By Matt.Maiocco on March 31, 2009 3:48 PM 41 COMMENTS

The board is wide open for the 49ers with the No. 10 overall pick. The 49ers are likely to choose whomever they deem to be the best player on the board after the first nine selections are made. And it should not matter which position he plays.

Continue reading Sanchez to 49ers? Niners will be watching USC pro day>>>

Veteran Marvel Smith not afraid to compete for starting job

By Matt.Maiocco on March 30, 2009 1:24 PM 33 COMMENTS

Veteran Marvel Smith officially signed a two-year contract with the 49ers. Does that eliminate the need for the team to draft an offensive lineman with the No. 10 overall pick?

Continue reading Veteran Marvel Smith not afraid to compete for starting job>>>

Correction: Oher has not yet visited

By Matt.Maiocco on March 30, 2009 10:56 AM 19 COMMENTS

We (I) jumped the gun on the Michael Oher visit.

Continue reading Correction: Oher has not yet visited>>>

League announces exhibition schedules

By Matt.Maiocco on March 30, 2009 10:08 AM 17 COMMENTS

Former 49ers coach Mike Nolan will make his defensive coordinator debut with the Broncos at Candlestick, and the 49ers will visit the new Cowboys stadium during the exhibition season.

Continue reading League announces exhibition schedules>>>

Niners visit with potential No. 10 pick

By Matt.Maiocco on March 29, 2009 2:55 PM 24 COMMENTS

UPDATE: Michael Oher has not yet visited the 49ers. He is scheduled to visit.

* * *

Each NFL team is allowed 30 visits from draft-eligible players leading up to the draft. The 49ers ~~got the process started two days ago~~ (will get the process started in the near future).

Continue reading Niners visit with potential No. 10 pick>>>

Jennings out; Smith in at right tackle

By Matt.Maiocco on March 27, 2009 12:31 PM 102 COMMENTS

The 49ers added a fourth Smith to the roster today, as they agreed to terms on a two-year contract with veteran offensive tackle Marvel Smith, a league source said.

Continue reading Jennings out; Smith in at right tackle>>>

Niners to unveil new threads at April 25 draft party

By Matt.Maiocco on March 27, 2009 10:12 AM 20 COMMENTS

The 49ers will unveil their new uniforms at the team's draft party Saturday, April 25, at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

Continue reading Niners to unveil new threads at April 25 draft party>>>

Plenty of needs for 49ers as draft approaches

By Matt.Maiocco on March 26, 2009 4:14 PM 63 COMMENTS

Free agency has slowed to a crawl and the draft is a month away.

Continue reading Plenty of needs for 49ers as draft approaches>>>

49ers talks with Marvel Smith heat up

By Matt.Maiocco on March 25, 2009 10:44 AM 69 COMMENTS

Talks are heating up between the 49ers and free-agent offensive tackle Marvel Smith, as both sides are getting more excited about the possibilities of a contract agreement.

Continue reading 49ers talks with Marvel Smith heat up>>>

Singletary: There's not one coach I wouldn't keep

By Matt.Maiocco on March 25, 2009 10:04 AM 14 COMMENTS

Mike Singletary is at the NFL owners' meetings, where today ESPN's Mike Sando caught up with him during the breakfast session with NFC coaches.

Continue reading Singletary: There's not one coach I wouldn't keep>>>

2009 NFL draft order

By Matt.Maiocco on March 24, 2009 2:52 PM 28 COMMENTS

The NFL today announced the official order for the 2009 draft:

Continue reading 2009 NFL draft order>>>

Niners' comp picks in the fifth and seventh rounds

By Matt.Maiocco on March 23, 2009 5:48 PM 51 COMMENTS

The NFL announced the distribution of 32 compensatory picks, including two to the 49ers.

* * *

Niners 2009 draft picks:

First round, No. 10 (10 overall)

Second round, No. 11 (43)

Third round, No. 10 (74)

Fourth Round, No. 11 (111)

Fifth round, No. 10 (146)

*Fifth round, No. 35 (171)

Sixth round, No. 11 (~~194~~)(184)

Seventh round, No. 10 (219)

*Seventh round, No. 35 (244)

(*compensatory picks can't be traded.)

* * *

Continue reading Niners' comp picks in the fifth and seventh rounds>>>

First minicamp: It's a wrap

By Matt.Maiocco on March 21, 2009 3:37 PM 64 COMMENTS

Click here to view a photo gallery from the 49ers' minicamp in Santa Clara.

* * *

The 49ers' two-day minicamp just wrapped up with today's practice taking part mostly in the rain here in Santa Clara.

Continue reading First minicamp: It's a wrap>>>

Coach likes to see leaders leading way at minicamp

By Matt.Maiocco on March 21, 2009 1:46 PM 6 COMMENTS

Coach Mike Singletary said he wanted to create a certain "mindset" with the first minicamp, and that he did on the first day with the circuit drills.

Continue reading Coach likes to see leaders leading way at minicamp>>>

Singletary muzzles 49ers assistant coaches

By Matt.Maiocco on March 21, 2009 12:52 PM 38 COMMENTS

For the first time in decades -- perhaps in the history of the organization - 49ers assistant coaches have been ruled off-limits to the media.

Continue reading Singletary muzzles 49ers assistant coaches>>>

The hard work begins

By Matt.Maiocco on March 20, 2009 3:53 PM 39 COMMENTS

This is no country club. That was apparent today at 49ers minicamp.

Continue reading The hard work begins>>>

Hill prefers Raye's system over Martz's

By Matt.Maiocco on March 20, 2009 1:05 PM 26 COMMENTS

The question was sort of vague and pretty innocuous, but Shaun Hill turned it into the quote of the day.

Continue reading Hill prefers Raye's system over Martz's>>>

Singletary addresses pre-minicamp issues

By Matt.Maiocco on March 20, 2009 12:38 PM 6 COMMENTS

Coach Mike Singletary said he wants receiver Isaac Bruce to play for the 49ers this season, but they are giving him plenty of time to make a decision. Singletary said he hopes to have his answer by the first of April.

Continue reading Singletary addresses pre-minicamp issues>>>

Niners hit the field for first time in '09

By Matt.Maiocco on March 19, 2009 11:45 PM 69 COMMENTS

The 49ers hit the practice field Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. for their first "voluntary" minicamp.

Continue reading Niners hit the field for first time in '09>>>

Marvel Smith arrives for visit with 49ers

By Matt.Maiocco on March 18, 2009 12:54 PM 78 COMMENTS

Steelers free-agent offensive tackle Marvel Smith has arrived at the 49ers facility. He will go through the usual routine of meeting with coaches and taking a physical.

Continue reading Marvel Smith arrives for visit with 49ers>>>

Niners finally looking at offensive tackle

By Matt.Maiocco on March 17, 2009 6:43 PM 83 COMMENTS

One of the more pressing needs for the 49ers when free agency began was offensive tackle. The 49ers took a wait-and-see approach at that position through nearly three weeks. Now, they're making a move.

Continue reading Niners finally looking at offensive tackle>>>

If 49ers wanted Warner, why wouldn't they be interested in Cutler?

By Matt.Maiocco on March 16, 2009 12:57 PM 216 COMMENTS

Now that it appears as if the relationship between the Broncos and quarterback Jay Cutler is irreparably damaged and Cutler has reportedly asked for a trade, does it make sense for the 49ers to get involved?

Continue reading If 49ers wanted Warner, why wouldn't they be interested in Cutler?>>>

Jennings, Roman, Bruce not expected at minicamp

By Matt.Maiocco on March 14, 2009 9:20 AM 91 COMMENTS

The 49ers are scheduled to take part in their first minicamp at the end of next week, but at least three notable veteran players are not expected to be at the team's practice facility in Santa Clara.

Continue reading Jennings, Roman, Bruce not expected at minicamp>>>

Scouting the 49ers' scouts

By Matt.Maiocco on March 13, 2009 10:33 AM 71 COMMENTS

When Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith had his pro day this week, the 49ers did not send a contingent of executives to watch him perform. Instead, GM Scot McCloughan relied on his area scout for the full report.

Continue reading Scouting the 49ers' scouts>>>

Why don't the 49ers go out and get . . . ?

By Matt.Maiocco on March 11, 2009 2:27 PM 132 COMMENTS

I know I'm covering old ground here, but I still get a ton of emails from 49ers fans about quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Jay Cutler.

Continue reading Why don't the 49ers go out and get . . . ?>>>

Paymah in for a visit

By Matt.Maiocco on March 11, 2009 10:07 AM 31 COMMENTS

Denver Broncos free-agent cornerback Karl Paymah is visiting the 49ers today. As is typical, he is meeting with coaches and will undergo a routine physical.

Continue reading Paymah in for a visit>>>

Paymah in for a visit

By Matt.Maiocco on March 11, 2009 10:07 AM 6 COMMENTS

Denver Broncos free-agent cornerback Karl Paymah is visiting the 49ers today. As is typical, he is meeting with coaches and will undergo a routine physical.

Continue reading Paymah in for a visit>>>

Searching for the real Alex Smith

By Matt.Maiocco on March 10, 2009 8:41 PM 99 COMMENTS

We haven't really seen the real Alex Smith since the end of the 2006 season - and the first three games of 2007. But at this stage, we have no idea who the real Alex Smith is.

Continue reading Searching for the real Alex Smith>>>

Smith 'excited' to be competing against good friend Hill

By Matt.Maiocco on March 10, 2009 1:07 PM 100 COMMENTS

Quarterback Alex Smith said he feels like he has unfinished business.

Continue reading Smith 'excited' to be competing against good friend Hill>>>

Smith agrees to pay cut to remain with 49ers

By Matt.Maiocco on March 10, 2009 10:08 AM 100 COMMENTS

The 49ers announced this morning that the club has agreed with quarterback Alex Smith on a pay reduction as part of a new two-year contract.

Continue reading Smith agrees to pay cut to remain with 49ers>>>

Regularly scheduled updates, thoughts throughout the day

By Matt.Maiocco on March 6, 2009 7:44 AM 232 COMMENTS

I'm heading out of town for the weekend - going to Vegas to watch the WCC hoops tournament - so there's a chance this will be my last blog for several days. Therefore, I wanted to go out in style (or, at least, with a well-intentioned experiment).

Continue reading Regularly scheduled updates, thoughts throughout the day>>>

T.O. back to Niners? Uh, not a great fit

By Matt.Maiocco on March 5, 2009 7:32 AM 172 COMMENTS

The Cowboys cut receiver Terrell Owens last night - the third time in his career his inability to get along with people forced a team to dump the talented player. Owens is still ultra-productive, but which team is going to give him another chance?

Continue reading T.O. back to Niners? Uh, not a great fit>>>

Niners add free-agent defensive end Evans

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 6:56 PM 105 COMMENTS

The 49ers have agreed to terms with free-agent defensive end Demetric Evans, formerly of the Washington Redskins. It is a two-year deal worth $3.8 million.

Continue reading Niners add free-agent defensive end Evans>>>

Roman given permission to seek trade

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 3:59 PM 66 COMMENTS

The 49ers envision safety Mark Roman as a backup in 2009, so they have given him permission to seek a trade, his agent confirmed.

Continue reading Roman given permission to seek trade>>>

Update: Huard signs one-year deal with 49ers

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 3:43 PM 52 COMMENTS

Veteran quarterback Damon Huard signed a contract with the 49ers on Wednesday after he threw a few passes for the 49ers' brass to prove his right thumb has healed sufficiently.

Continue reading Update: Huard signs one-year deal with 49ers>>>

Warner knew early in visit he had to return to Cardinals

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 3:10 PM 35 COMMENTS

With an uneasy smile on his face, Kurt Warner mouthed the words, "I'm not talking" from behind a rolled-up car window during his free-agent visit to the 49ers on Monday.

Continue reading Warner knew early in visit he had to return to Cardinals>>>

Niners on verge of signing veteran quarterback

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 1:00 PM 79 COMMENTS

It looks as if the 49ers are going to sign a veteran quarterback today, after all.

Continue reading Niners on verge of signing veteran quarterback>>>

Warner agrees to contract with . . . the Cardinals

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 10:41 AM 102 COMMENTS

Quarterback Kurt Warner has reached a contract agreement to remain with the Cardinals, it was learned just moments ago.

Continue reading Warner agrees to contract with . . . the Cardinals>>>

Evans leaves town without a deal

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 9:44 AM 34 COMMENTS

Redskins free-agent defensive end Demetric Evans has left the Bay Area without a contract. He returned home to the East Coast to consider his two main options after visiting the 49ers on Tuesday.

Continue reading Evans leaves town without a deal>>>

Agent: Niners still in play, as decision expected today

By Matt.Maiocco on March 4, 2009 8:02 AM 69 COMMENTS

In Arizona, the saga has played out for a full year. The 49ers have only been involved since the first day of free agency on Friday, but it seems like a year. Anyway, the episode should come to an end in a matter of hours.

Continue reading Agent: Niners still in play, as decision expected today>>>

It's late, and I'm wondering if the 49ers have any shot at Warner

By Matt.Maiocco on March 3, 2009 11:23 PM 43 COMMENTS

Be prepared to read pure lunacy.

Continue reading It's late, and I'm wondering if the 49ers have any shot at Warner>>>

2009 tentative NFL draft order

By Matt.Maiocco on March 3, 2009 2:13 PM 56 COMMENTS

The NFL today announced the full round-by-round order for the draft.

Continue reading 2009 tentative NFL draft order>>>

No guarantee Cardinals will agree to Warner's counter-proposal

By Matt.Maiocco on March 3, 2009 11:59 AM 169 COMMENTS

This might not be such a slam dunk for the Cardinals, after all.

Continue reading No guarantee Cardinals will agree to Warner's counter-proposal>>>

Warner lowers his demand to Cardinals

By Matt.Maiocco on March 3, 2009 11:17 AM 79 COMMENTS

As expected, Kurt Warner has taken the 49ers' offer back to Arizona.

Continue reading Warner lowers his demand to Cardinals>>>

Warners return home on nighttime flight

By Matt.Maiocco on March 2, 2009 10:02 PM 99 COMMENTS

Free-agent quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife, Brenda, returned home to Arizona this evening. Now, the waiting begins.

Continue reading Warners return home on nighttime flight>>>

McCloughan: 'It's still up in the air'

By Matt.Maiocco on March 2, 2009 6:03 PM 68 COMMENTS

Kurt Warner just left the 49ers' team facility in a stretch Range Rover. He did not stop on his way out, but 49ers GM Scot McCloughan did.

Continue reading McCloughan: 'It's still up in the air'>>>

Agent: Nothing will be decided today

By Matt.Maiocco on March 2, 2009 3:48 PM 65 COMMENTS

UPDATED with exclusive Warner interview (well, kind of).

UPDATE II: The 49ers lose a player.

See bottom of this post for details.

* * *

The Kurt Warner Watch continues at 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara, site of the 49ers' team offices.

Continue reading Agent: Nothing will be decided today>>>

Signing is official: Norris back in the fold

By Matt.Maiocco on March 2, 2009 2:53 PM 39 COMMENTS

Fullback Moran Norris, late of the 0-16 Detroit Lions, is back with the 49ers. He officially signed his three-year, $5 million contract today in Santa Clara.

Continue reading Signing is official: Norris back in the fold>>>

Signing is official: Norris back in the fold

By Matt.Maiocco on March 2, 2009 2:53 PM 3 COMMENTS

Fullback Moran Norris, late of the 0-16 Detroit Lions, is back with the 49ers. He officially signed his three-year, $5 million contract today in Santa Clara.