Matt, are there any quality free safties available in FA at this point? And do the Niners have any plans to add depth at saftey via FA or do you see them looking to the draft or not at all?

Matt, assuming Alex Smith is still on the team come draft day, do you think the Niners will not draft a qb now? I'm not talking #10, but at all? Would McC consider having more than 3 on the roster?

So now all the GMs know we're definitely looking for a safety in the draft. Is it me or does it seem like the 49ers are too out in the open about what their plans are?

Question: assuming Alex Smith is still on the team come draft day, do you think the Niners will not draft a qb now? I'm not talking #10, but at all? Would McC consider having more than 3 on the roster?

My response: Nothing changes. If they like a quarterback at any point in the draft, they will take him. The club has to take four QBs to training camp. --Matt M.

I was unaware of that. Thanks. How do you feel about Huard's chances? He is just as "servicable" as Hill and Smith right? Can you see a three way competition like last year? If so, the good news is the best man will win. There is no current QB who would have a leg up this year in my opinion.

Get Denver on the Phone. Nolan LOVED Roman....

Too bad NoWin already signed a few 75 year old safeties out in Denver or Roman would be a lock to Denver for a 6th rd pick.

Hiiiiiilllllllaaaaarrrrrriiiiiiooooouuuuuusssss!!

High Five from the OC!!!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/03/04/49ers/index.html?eref=T1

Here is a true non local milk toast scribe story about the niners....

We haven't seen much out of McCloughan as far as his trade talents are concerned, but my guess is he'll try to trade Roman to the Cardinals for Keith Lewis.

Its time to go to work Albert Elias! If you get anything better than a 7th round pick for Roman your one hell of an agent!! Lol (What scares me is they actually wanted to keep Roman, back up or not) Oh and on the whole Warner situation, im damn proud to be a Niner fan today whether he signed or not. Jed did what I wanted to see out of an owner or future owner if you will and told his staff to pull the trigger on what ever it would take to bring in a top tier freeagent that could make a real differance. (hey Arizonas paying out of there a$$ now right?) Good stuff..... Oh and on Huard, 1 year for an experienced veteran to be the #3 QB. I see ABSOLUTLY nothing wrong with that. Shaun Hill its time to prove your better than a great back up, if not then we'll manage (or should I say you'll manage)

Hi Matt, I have a stupid question. Since Warner signed a 2 yr. contract with Arizona, and since Matt Leinart wont be playing anytime soon in case Warner gets injured. What are the chances of the Niners maybe making a play for Leinart in making a trade for him? I am not saying we should get him or not. It was a curiousity since they have a lot of money invested in Warner now with Leinart on the Bench. Also, I think Leinart would have been the No. 1 pick instead of Alex Smith for the Niners if had come out. So, just curious about it.

It seems that the signing of Huard doesn't bode well for resigning Smith. That 50-50 chance of Alex's return now looks a bit less realistic.

going a different route with that theory....

Matt, what is the chance that Matt Leinart asks out of Arizona?

Gee, Mike. Just what we need...another first round QB bust. Hell, why don't we see if Tim Couch is available? Maybe Akili Smith? Joey Harrington? Bring them all to SF. Andre Ware? Lets go back to the '70s. Pat Sullivan may be available!

Your first sentence was correct. You should have previewed before you posted.

Hey Matt...I have a 49er history question that I cannot remember the answer to... on the NFLN they are replaying the "Catch II" game from the 98-99 season wildcard game...I know that this was the year that BY broke his leg but who was the MLB for the regular season that year? In the playoff game it's Anthony Peterson and I know that he didn't play the regular season as a starter, but I cannot remember if that was G. Plummers last year or not....could you or someone else on the board jog my memory!? thanks!

Permission for What???? A trade to SEVEN-11 as a Store Clerk??? Pay attention to the Unemployment Portion of the Stimulus Plan Mark Roman, You are going to need it! NoWin would probably take you but I'm sure he won't have work for long either in Denver. RENT, don't BUY there Home Slice!

I like this move, Goldston has always looked like more of a playmaker, which is what we need, we need to create turnovers when that pressure does get applied. Good move, i like the honesty, but i wouldn't mind keeping roman around for nickel and a backup.

Question: I have a 49er history question that I cannot remember the answer to... on the NFLN they are replaying the "Catch II" game from the 98-99 season wildcard game...but who was the MLB for the regular season that year?

My response: Gary Plummer's last season was 1997. Winfred Tubbs took over in 1998 and remained there for three seasons. --Matt M.

Matt it time to call for Scott head. I"m sorry he's a terrible GM. We are going in the season with Hill,Smith,and Huard. Are you fricken kidding me!!

Yummy - Who else did you want? We made Warner and offer and he didn't accept. Please enlighten us all with who we should have signed. Last I checked their are no franchise QB's waiting around for an NFL team named the 49ers to sign them. Its also week one of FA period and more than a month before the draft. But I guess you are seeing the future as well.

Mike in SF #2,I rather have a rookie then go in the season with Huard as are Third String. Alex is a bust! Scott is to stupid to see that. If we go in the season with Smith,Hill,and Huard. We will not win more then 6 games. Sorry that's the truth!

So assuming that Roman leaves, I wonder whom the play calling/radio wearing duties would go to? Would Willis try it again or would it fall to Goldson?

FA period is not a week, it's several weeks & I don't believe the 49ers are done with aquisitions. I mentioned in the last article that there is still some quality OT's left. Barnes from the Jags, Brown from the Cards, Wesley from the Pats & Willis from the Seahawks. As for Roman I don't see any team trading from him to be a starter. No way that happens so he stays a 49er.

So - you wanted us to sign a rookie more than a month before the NFL draft? Or do you have a crystal ball showing you the future and it shows you that the Niners will not be drafting a rookie? They have been on the record saying they will look to draft a QB at some point. But you must know more than all of us. Huard's signing is a hedge in case things go South with Smith. We can cut him anytime.

Yummy - we won 7 games last year with Hill, JTO, Martin. But we will now be worse this year with Hill, Smith, Huard? I didn't realize JTO and Martin were that important to this franchise. Also - you really think in year 1 a rookie, even Stafford or Sanchez, would really be more effective than Huard? Likely not in year one.

Matt,

I do not think the media has spoken very highly of Goldson, he only looked good in pre-season last year. So why haven't the 49ers added to this position by brining in a free agent? If they draft someone at that position, it is a big assumption to think that person will challenge for the starting spot. So, like just a fan asked, what's their plans with free agent free safeties.

I am not that excited about Huard, because I don't think he is better than Smith, and Singletary said they would bring in improved competion at that position and free safety (as well as pass-rusher and OT)
Since Peyton Manning and Ed Reed aren't in this years draft, seems that they haven't made any significant progress at these claim. What is your take?

Mike in SF #2,based on signing Huard,Scott is saying that Hill and Smith is good enough. Which is a joke. So yes I think that means no rookie QB in the draft.

I don't care who we have at QB this year as long as Hill is starting. He's earned his shot and he's done it the hard way as well...it's the least he deserves, despite my belief that Smith is the more talented of the two. He can sit this year out...got time on his side.

I'm glad to see Goldson will get his shot, assuming he can stay healthy... He's got a lot of potential and obviously Singletary recognizes this.

Yummy, thank you for inlightning us as well as McCloughan on what the Niners are doing wrong. I find it crazy that your not on an NFL team doing this for a living..... You know for being a bunch 49er faithfuls there sure is alot of negativity from alot of people. Im really not sure what else the Niners can do in 5 days that can change the whole franchise around. Dont forget about the end of last season when we went 5-3 under Sing (5-4 if you count Seattle) and every single player playing there a$$ of for him. So far all we have done is made that unit stronger as a matter of fact, so relax because what happens on the football field is what really matters isnt it?

Don't worry, these haters will all be back under different names on here after we win the West this year acting like they supported the team all along. Talk about some fickle fans...

Randy I'm not fickle. I'm sick of losing and of McClueless and NoWin digging this team further into a hole. Let me repeat this - we will not have a chance with the 3 QB's on our roster. If you think any of them can beat the top NFC team in an NFC Championship, and the top AFC team in the SuperBowl, you are drinking some McClueless flavored Kool-Aid. McClueless liked Smith over Rodgers, and how is that working out for ya?

dude!!! Why dont u keep reading on before u reply. I was just asking Matt a question. I didn't say we should pick Leinart or not.

Yummy -- Bookmark on your computer something like http://www.webgrammar.com/. Although the URL's title just uses the word "grammar", it will also help you with spelling. Proper use of the English language just might make your posts a little more credible.

Don't forget that our host (MM) is a journalist. Reading some of the unintelligible stuff here must remind him of someone pulling their finger nails down a blackboard.

wsmith,thank you. A least thier 1 person around here who see's the same crap I do.

Hi Matt, Good news parting ways with Roman, he did not make plays pure and simple. The signing of Huard is a move that shows no movement up or down. He's 36 and needs a very good team around him to be productive. Scotty seems to make safe moves like a guy who does not want to rock the boat. He was under Nolan's shadow for so long and now a strong personality like coach Singletary keeps him further in the backround. Jed York seems in these early stages as one who's not afraid to make a move. If the team doesn't upgrade bye bye Scotty. I'll bet the Warner move was all Jed York.

Nah, I'm drinking the Singletary Kool-Aid.

But yeah, you're right... We have no chance, just like the Cards had no chance last year. We didn't end the season 5-4, with a 13th ranked D, just two games behind the Cards did we?

Seriously, guy, there's no reason to think we can't win the West. Quit being blinded by your hate... Did you forget? Nolan the trigger man ain't even here anymore...

Matt,
Any truth to this PFT post saying that we signed Demetric Evans?
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

MC Cloughan is a bum.This team is in for another loosiing season.Once again we sign a receiver that wasnt even good enough to start on the poor Tians receiving core.Just like Lelie and Jackson,when will McClueless ever learn?Weve passed up so many offensive players its a joke!We have no quarterback no receivers no tight end,I'm really starting to beleive McClueless is the apple thats rotting the whole bunch....35 players drafted and all we have to show is Willis and Gore.If me or you had a success rate like that at any of our jobs we would be shown the door!McClulesses free agents suck and so do his draftpicks!O'yea our first rounder from last year cant even get on the field cant wait to see what crap they find in the draft this year!Your right jed our season isnt going to end in December this year,its going to end after week 4 like it aways does.

Randy in Santa Rosa,The 49ers went 5 and 4 because they were playing below 500 teams. Just like the other year they went 7 and 9. 49ers always come out 2 and 6 or worse. Then win games when they are already out of the playoffs. This season will be no different based on the offseason so far!

Matt- Has their been any signs of possible extensions for Lawson, Davis, Haralson or Baas? Thanks!

Weren't those Mike Nolan teams?? I guess we'll have to wait and see huh? The question is, will you haters be here to eat your crow when we win the West? Hope so, cause us Faithful will be here to serve it.

Man, some of you guys need razor blades bullets or rope.
What in the world would make people write some of the stuff they do on a football blog?!?! Go for a jog, go hit a punching bag, do 500 push up or something.... the rants are childish to say the least..

Red Blood, don't make the mistake of thinking all folks who post here are 49er fans. There's clearly a couple of children/raider fans who are just having some fun in winding us up. Like the guy that keeps posting the link to that silly SI article over and over again. He's just a troll, ignore him, ignore them all.

Matt, now that the Warner saga is done, Can you do some digging to see if the 49ers are going to bring in a right tackle via free agency, the 49ers need to use that 10th pick an playmaker, there are very good tackles out there, WHY ARE THEY NOT TRYING TO GET ONE?

If that is the case....that is so very tragic. I mean that would have to be the most brain dead thing on the planet to do.
That is beyond pathetic!

Yummy.

Your opinion of Alex Smith is noted.

Now move on.

"Winning the West!" The new battle cry of some niner fans sets the bar pretty low for a once great franchise. The last time I checked, the NFC west was a pathetic division, and winning it seems to be the drug of choice for fans who can't face the reality of a pretty bad franchise that needs a big house cleaning if the niners can ever be champions again.

That SI article isn't silly. It's just hard to take because it's true.

You gotta win the West before you have a chance to win a SB. What rock have you been living under?

So let me get this straight Randy, we will win the West next year? Win the NFC? Win the SuperBowl? Come back at eat YOUR crow when we blow another season numbnuts.

I live in reality. Not the land of "whatever my team does must be right". My point, if you didn't understand it, was that justifying everything your beloved 49er management does by "winning the west", doesn't prove much. If you really believe these guys are making the right moves, and want to challenge those of us who think management sucks, base your proof of their merit a little higher than winning the weakest division in football.
And don't take opposition to your opinions so personally. this is a football blog. we're all just wasting time playing with ourselves!

just heard that t.o. has been released.sure hope we don't sign him

I said we'll win the West this year. Did I say we'd win the SB this year? No, that would be you putting words in my mouth.

BTW, they always say people resort to insults because they lack intelligence. Good job, you confirmed my suspicion.

The same reality that Chicken Little lives in? Gotta at least give the new regime a chance. Winning the West would be a good start, don't you think? Are you saying you'd be disappointed by winning the West? LOL!

And as a die-hard, how can one not be passionate about their team? The constant whining before we've even finished FA, the draft, MC's, TC, preseason and a few regular season games gets old.

Can't wait to see the finished product out on the field after a Singletary training camp while the naysayers on this blog get their checks handed to them that their mouths could'nt cash.

LOL. Amen brother.

I didn't say you were too passionate. That's what fans are (fanatics). I'm passionate too. I said you take this stuff too personally. Like asking me what rock I live under, because I disagreed with your opinion that winning the west justifies the 49er braintrust. Well, I still think management sucks, and that while winning the west is a good thing, in this weak division it doesn't justify many of the moves they've made or not made. It's my opinion. It's just as valid as yours. And it's shared by a lot of other people, including some sports reporters and local on- air radio sports guys. One last thing. This isn't a "new" regime. All 3 of these guys were here with Nolan. Nolan hired the GM and the coach. I've witnessed enough of McCloughan, in both jobs, to know I don't think he's very good.
You're entitled to disagree, but we'll both have to wait awhile longer to see who's right.

Well, considering that Nolan was the "face" of the franchise, I think it's only fair that we give Singletary a chance to continue implementing his vision. So far so good. As you said, good or bad, we'll find out this year.

And if the 49ers lose again, will you eat the crow and humble pie I got for you? I say 6 and 10 this year. I say 1 win in NFC North, 1 win AFC South, 2 Arizona losses, split Seatle, beat Rams, lose Eagles, best Falcons. There's your 6 and 10 season. We will go 1 and 7 on the road. We will lose badly to Seattle whe Housh catches 15 passes, mark my word, and Fitz will catch 12 passes vs us. Warner, like Favre, bombs us with 400 yard games.

I thought you were banned?

Hope Roman goes. That this guy was the starter for so long despite the lack of production (and the aboslute void of playmaking), explains why the Nolan years were so frustrating. I sure hope Goldson is the answer. All four final playoff teams this year had dominant free safeties (Polamalu, Reed, Dawkins, and Wilson). We need to improve here mightly. Remember back in the day when we would win the turnover battle nearly every week (w/ Ronnie, then Merton)? We need to get back there.

This is great news. Good move by Singletary to demote him and be a man about it and let him look at other options.

Roman is just NOT a playmaker and never has been in his time here.

I'd rather see Goldson struggle and learn than sit behind an aging vet who doesn't contribute. Goldson is a heavy hitter and just needs to work on his coverage skills.

Still say we need a FS in the draft though.

I agree! The 49er defense was one of the best when Lot, McDonald and even Hanks were in the secondary! They represented hard hitting and good coverage until they were too old or injured to play their positions well.