Matt, Chain him to a post

GET A DEAL DONE SCOTTY!

Where is his agent?

Sign him!!!

Play by play...fantastic! Nobody else could do this!

Fire up the chopper!

Where is Joe and Ronnie!! Don't let them out of the building!! Give him a check for 15mill now and have another 15 mill waiting for him in a swiss bank account and have him sign on the dotted line

I'm speechless.

Ok fellas, keep your fingers crossed that we have him healthy for three years. That's how long it took to take his Cards to the promised land.

#10, we're now signing an OT if Oher falls. So long Sanchez. {sniff}.

Or get Crabtree with the 10 as he will fall that far now

If Warner falls into our lap I think we need still need to sign Alex Smith. This will give Alex the opportunity he never received, and that was to learn from a veteran. Hill was exciting to watch, and before this activity took place, I was well prepared for Hill to start the season. But, now we may have Warner, which is QB that can bring us IMMEDIATELY to the next level, and help our other QB's grow. We need the experience and I feel we are not done yet.

Also, remember what Jed said..."This is the last time our season ends in December". I think he is trying his best to hold that statement.

Matt , you must have mastered ubiquity. "Star of the Week" plus moment by moment updates, all at one. You da man.

Words cannot describe how desperate and idiotic you people are for wanting the Niners to sign Warner. Instead of wasting their time, energy and money with Warner, the Niners should be calling up Denver and doing whatever it takes to trade for Jay Cutler.

If they can sign Warner. Then cut Smith. Draft someone like Josh Freeman in the second round or Pat White in the 3nd. I would call this offseason a success.

Agree. It's not my money. So SPEND IT, already...

loco101,No Thank you. Smith must be cut if we sign Warner. I want a rookie learning under Warner. Not an already proven bust!

Fire up the chopper!

Can we get a quote from the kindergarden kids Matt. I'd like to know what they think of all of this.

Lock all the doors! Don't let him leave.

LOL!

Smith is so screwed if he gets cut. As Matt reported his agent did him a disfavor if he gets cut mid free agency. I hope he stays on and learns if we sign Warner.

I still don't really believe all this.

I have GOT to stop smokin' that stuff.

Take a deep breath Brass – the Cutler deal was only a carrot to get Cassell from the Pats. Who do you think the niners have to dangle as trade bait?

#10 pick from this year's draft? Not likely.

Matt,

Isn't this the day that the 9ers have to get a restructured deal done with Smith too? Does this mean that they might not be as pressed to restructure and just cut him?

.......

Kurt, turn you head and cough already. Lets get down to dollars and cents.

You really don't understand. Just GETTING the Cards to the SB pretty much gets him a ticket to Canton.

This is a team that hasn't won a championship in 61 years. this is a team with TWO, count'em TWO winning seasons in their 20 years in the desert.

Think about that. They got here in 1988. In 1998 and in 2008 they were above 500. The other 18 years? 500 or below (usually far, far BELOW).

If the 49ers really decided to pay Warner that much cash for a year or 2 while they are in absolute rebuilding mode is laughable. I can see if we were a QB away from the playoffs but we are team that has been rebuilding for half a decade, I would hope we use our money on long term solutions and a real vision to build on. We don't have the offensive weapons or philosophy in place for Warner to truly play to his strengths so why spend that much money and waste this much time? And don't compare our situation with the Card's when Warner took over. We have so many holes to fill it's unreal. You are going to take a 38 year old immobile QB and pay him that much to play maybe two years at most behind our line and hand the ball of to Gore or occasionally throw it to Hill and Morgan? We have lost our minds folks. How does this help us get where we need to be to become contenders again? We are way off track right now.

Warner + Gore = deep into the playoffs, book it!

If we can pound the ball, you can't just blitz. If you can't just blitz, Warner will find and open man. We haven't had a QB of Warners caliber since Young retired.

Loco101,

Well put bud! Alex can come back and be the #3 (let Hill backup Warner so Alex can concentrate on learning) and have a year or two to learn instead of his permanent position his first 4 years...under the bus where Mike Nolan kept throwing him! I still believe Alex can be a great QB if given a chance to learn a system and play in it two years or more in a row. What is he 24-25 yrs old still? Plenty of time to turn his talent around for us instead of letting someone else bring him in for his "fresh start" and become an all pro player like we Bay Area fans have seen happen to us time and time again. Let stop the talent train before it leaves our station again. Sign Warner for two years, let Hill be the #2 and teach Smith to play football here in the Bay instead of N.Y. or Tampa. Then, once Warner is gone, draft another youngster and let him carry the clipboard until Alex is done.

SF was 2 plays away from the playoffs last year. How much closer can they get without actually doing it?

They will hit a homerun if they can bring him on. I am getting pretty excited.

Someone should start a betting pool: how many hours/minutes will Warner be inside?

Seems to me the longer it is, the more likely this deal actually goes somewhere.

You're preaching to the choir here at this stage. I just didn't imagine that the Bay Area would be Warner's final stop before Canton.

Boy oh boy, we better protect him in the pocket. I think Vernon will really propser from this deal if it were to go through.

Loco101,

Well put bud! Alex can come back and be the #3 (let Hill backup Warner so Alex can concentrate on learning) and have a year or two to learn instead of his permanent position his first 4 years...under the bus where Mike Nolan kept throwing him! I still believe Alex can be a great QB if given a chance to learn a system and play in it two years or more in a row. What is he 24-25 yrs old still? Plenty of time to turn his talent around for us instead of letting someone else bring him in for his "fresh start" and become an all pro player like we Bay Area fans have seen happen to us time and time again. Let stop the talent train before it leaves our station again. Sign Warner for two years, let Hill be the #2 and teach Smith to play football here in the Bay instead of N.Y. or Tampa. Then, once Warner is gone, draft another youngster and let him carry the clipboard until Alex is done.

Does anyone recall how long it took to get J. Smith and Nate Clemments done? They wre done on the first day right? I hope this happens. This is a win, win situation. The powers will truly shift.

PHX49er, build a winning philosophy with what we have now and groom more players. I am tired of losing seasons.

Hope the sky clears long enough for that chopper ride.

I realize that Denver made Cutler available based on the possibility of acquiring Cassel. However, the relationship between Cutler and McDaniels is strained to the point where Cutler has to be moved. Minnesota's calling. Detroit's calling. Why isn't San Francisco in the conversation? Because they have no idea what they're doing at 4949 Centennial. That's why.

Think about how long it took for them to bring in an offensive coordinator and ultimately settled for... wait for it... Jimmy Raye. WTF???

Besides, just take a look at the Q&A with the new QB coach, Mike Johnson - http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5171§ion=PR%20News

All he talks about is "managing the game," "playing efficiently," and "taking care of the ball." You know what that translates into? Running the ball on 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd downs. We're turning back the offense to 2007 boys.

Fire up the chopper!

my take from germany,

not much high value left in the free agency market except for TJH......the DE/DT on the market are mid-value.....

so i am OK with bringing in Warner for a couple of expensive years keeping in mind next year is capless, right?

this years free agency money is not roll-over money and i think the re-structuring of our own team keepers will get their bonuses in next years capless year, after all this is jed's team now and he appears he will spend money at a chance to splash.

also waiting to develop smith(moderately high ROI risk) or hill (doubtful ROI will ever be more than just managing the game) closes the windows of opportunity for getting any ROI on N. Clemets or J. Smith....I don't want to wait till the end of their contracts to make a run at the playoffs....lets go ahead and give it a shot now and if we pick up a 4th rounder QB in Freeman then i think we still have a chance to keep the window open longer.

also about Warner's worth....isn't there bubble talk going on about if he is hall of fame material....well this is incentive and honestly for the next two years do u think smith or hill can every claim that.....even garcia for that matter

Make the deal and if it blows, well it blows....what else is there really to do in this case when it is a division opponent u are working against?

PHX49er, you really have no idea what you're talking about. This team would have easily been in the playoffs last season had we had a good QB. I believe if Singletary and Hill had been starting since Week 1 we would have made it. I don't know what you're talking about. Every team has holes but you don't need to have a Patrick Willis at every spot to make the playoffs.

For all yopu pessimistic fans that say Warner wont be an improvement, You've got to be kididng me. Hill did a wonderful job with his lack of talent. Warner spreads the field so much more. Just look at last seasons games. SF hung in there with the likes of the Eagles(SF was up the entire game until O'Fumblin gave it away), Cards, Dolphins, Saints, and Patriots. What was the missing factor in most of these losses? A QB that can spread the field. There is no way in hell with Warner we would lose to the Dolphins 14-9. Look at the Dolphins for example. Last year they got a washed up Chad Pennington and what happened with them. You can't tell me for a second Chad Pennington is better than Kurt Warner right now! Kurt Warner will make the offense so much better.

Matt, can you please ban anyone who is not on board with the signing for the next 24 hours? I will give you $100. Thank you.

Well said man. After all Alex has been through and seen( 4 OCs) there is no way we should cut ties with him now. Now that he can learn from Warner and be coached by a champion(not a weasel.. Nolan) he may actually prosper here. If he does go elsewhere, you know he's going to do good, and we're never going to live down the fact that we let our #1 overall pick go before a coach that knew what he was doing, got a shot to turn him into a NFL quality QB.

This league is so even. With few exceptions(like the Steelers, Patriots who are almost consistently good) most teams fluctuate year after year and yet are far, far closer to making the playoffs than not.

A change in attitude from a new HC (ala MS). A 'Home-Run or even Grand Slam in the draft (like the Bears hit with Devin Hester in 2006, who singlehandedly propelled them to the SB), a new FA here and there, some luck (few injuries) and most importantly, a team playing with a new sense of confidence.

All of these things can play a big part in turning a 6-10 team into a 10-6 (or better) in one year.

The Cards line has long been a weakness. They played the same five guys in 2008 for the entire year, and O-Line coach Russ Grimm has done a good job coaching them in the past two years. There are no Pro-Bowlers on that line.

I think Vernon Davis will have a breakout year regardless of who the QB is. This is because of his new HC and new OC. Vernon's problem since he was drafted is that he hasn't had the proper kind of coaching.

Franchise, I think you are off track. Drafting a tackle after signing a free agent QB makes sense if the QB you signed is your long term guy, and the tackle is meant to protect that investment. Opening up the wallet to sign a 37 year old first ballot Hall of Famer makes all the sense in the world if you then go out and draft a stud physically gifted (but inexperienced with only 16 starts in college) quarterback with say ... a top 10 draft pick ... Sanchez may very well be in play if we pull off this signing.

The Niners are simply striking the poker while it's hot. Warner has an interest in the Niners (incredibly), the Niners have an interest in Warner... let's put you on our private jet and have a chat.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks were making noises about the SB quebee in the Pacific Northwest. As for Cutler, your assessment is valid, but it's a Plan B at this stage – it will require a #1 pick and a hefty contract which Paraag and our adolescent owner are not willing to spend.

With Warner, I'm beginning to appreciate that it's a great PR move, and leverage to go get a new stadium.

PHX, I have to disagree. The 49ers ARE a QB away from the playoffs. Particularly when they grab the QB of their division rival! That's a quick kick to the jugular. Anyone think Leinart's team is going to beat the Niners with Warner?

Yes, the Niners have other holes, but this is the big one. Grab Warner and our season will NOT end in December anymore! Also look to the future.. take a chance on Sanchez, maybe he will be ready to take over when Warner is done.

Also, this does not screw the Niners cap. $25 million in room right now plus another $10 after they cut loose of Alex and the tub hound. What, you'd rather have the Yorks keep the money in their pocket?

For all the haters out there, Let me break it down for you...

Hill = Little talent = still gets some wins

Warner = a lot more talent = more wins

More wins = happy 9er fans

Speaking for only one of the skeptics, there is no doubt in my mind that KW makes the team better in the short run. But he DOESN'T solve ALL our problems, and questions of money, and where it leaves us in 2 years, are big questions.

That having been said, I am beginning to like it more than I used to--if it isn't all a big charade.

Everyone is entitled their opinion, I feel this would not be the best way to go you think it will, time will tell, but don't tell me I don't know what I am talking about. I don't think Warner signing is even a realistic option anyway but again it's my opinion.

Well you do live in Arizona

Ronnie – please don't get my hopes up. ;) As much as I'd like to see Sanchez wearing the headset next year, and huddling with Warner, Hill, and Jimmy on the sidelines during touchdown drives, it's purely fantasy.

The Niners will divert their attention to OT or NT.

I am leery about the move because of KW's age and the expense. I remain very excited about the possibility, however. They shouldn't let him leave town without a yes or no answer. (Linehan factor) Take it or leave it. Don't be a bargaining chip with AZ.

"managing the game," "playing efficiently," and "taking care of the ball." is what Ben Roethlisberger has done ... with two Super Bowl rings to show for it.

Another angle: if Jed York wants instant credibility, he seems close to getting it.

Matt Leinert is a younger version of Shaun Hill. Who wants a one year USC wonder whose coach doesn't even think he's ready. Please Please Please SF don't draft Leinert. Put Leinert in Smith's position and he will have the same results. Draft a RT 1st round and best available 2nd round.

cmon.....this makes no sense at all.......do we even have anybody to hate any more...last yr it was martz, now warner,....honestly i hav no idea whtz up in ninerland, and MM is not helpin out at all...something fishy is goin on....

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable.

Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team.

This seems like a big reach to reignite new buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a floop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what its doing.

On the other hand, if we're just brining him in to bring attention to the rift between him and the Cards, I think it's a great tactical move. Cards fans must be horrified.

Another angle: if Jed York wants instant credibility, he seems close to getting it.

cmon.....this makes no sense at all.......do we even have anybody to hate any more...last yr it was martz, now warner,....honestly i hav no idea whtz up in ninerland, and MM is not helpin out at all...something fishy is goin on....

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable.

Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team.

This seems like a big reach to reignite the buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a flop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what its doing.

On the other hand, if we're just brining him in to bring attention to the rift between him and the Cards, I think it's a great tactical move. Cards fans must be horrified.

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable.

Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team.

This seems like a big reach to reignite the buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a flop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what its doing.

On the other hand, if we're just brining him in to bring attention to the rift between him and the Cards, I think it's a great tactical move. Cards fans must be horrified.

I second that!

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable.

Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team. This seems like a big reach to reignite the buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a flop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what it's doing.

On the other hand, if we're just brining him in to bring attention to the rift between him and the Cards, I think it's a great tactical move. Cards fans must be horrified.

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable. Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team. This seems like a big reach to reignite the buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a flop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what its doing.

On the other hand, if we're just brining him in to bring attention to the rift between him and the Cards, I think it's a great tactical move. Cards fans must be horrified.

That's a fair assessment I just disagree a bit. I honestly don't think we are just a QB away from being a playoff contender (not interested in a one and done team). A good example of that would be the Vikes. We have a pretty weak interior on both sides of the ball, no real pass rush and a mediocre secondary with mediocre WR's. Not sure Warner is a plug and play solution. Look I have no problem being wrong when second guessing my teams decisions because that means my team is probably doing well. I just have become accustomed to the decisions leading to same mediocre short sighted results.

Just curious though, for those that are totally sold on this not only being a good idea but actually a reality, why do you suppose we are the only team inviting Warner out for a visit? Or are there other teams?

I'm worried about this potential signing. Warner was a has-been before being teamed with Fitzgerald and Boldin. And he could easily revert to that role without such all-world talent to throw to. Our WRs are no where near comparable. Are we about to pay big money for NY Giants version of Warner? Do we have the line to protect him? I thought we were going to be a running team. This seems like a big reach to reignite the buzz about a stadium; the on-field product could easily be a flop. Plus, the dude's nearly 40.

I hope the organization knows what its doing.

WHAT IS WARNER GOING TO DO FOR US WHEN HE HAS NO 1 TO THROW 2??? DOES EVERYONE FORGET THE 5 YEARS WHEN WARNER WAS A BUM AND EVERYONE THOUGHT HE WAS WASHED UP?? WE DONT NEED WARNER HE DOESNT MAKE OUR TEAM BETTER HE HAS NO ONE 2 THROW 2 AND MORE IMPORTANTLY NO OFFENSIVE LINE TO BLOCK FOR HIM!!!! WE NEED A PASS RUSHER A TACKLE, A WIDE OUT AND THE LIST GOES ON...WE DO NOT NEED WARNER!!!!!

I think the 49ers should offer him something like 13 mil for year one and 15.5 for year two, with a little bit more of it guaranteed than the Cards were offering. That way there is a little bit more incentive for him to play out two years. Thoughts?

How does one Blead? By the way, no one is going to read your post when it is in all caps.

Haha I am also excited my friend. It makes so much sense it's scary. Scotty Mac will have pulled off the ultimate dream scenario if he can sign Warner to a two year deal (with an option year for a third) restructure Alex Smith's contract and let him compete for #2 with Shaun Hill this offseason, with a palatable contract for another team to pick him up if he is cut. Draft Mark Sanchez at #10. Having Warner on the team is the protection of the investment that we did not have with Smith. Sanchez can learn from Warner for a couple seasons AS WELL AS FROM SMITH who can teach a physically gifted, accomplished college quarterback plenty about humility and adversity.

What ever happend to "no big spalshes" in free agency this year/using cap space to extend current players? If this goes down, I would be thoroughly confused.

I say again if they sign Warner. Then cut Alex "The Bust" Smith. Then in the 2nd take either Freeman or White. I like the idea of White more though. He can be another weapon on offense for Warner intill Warner leaves.

Warner hasn't proven to be the best keeper of the rock at times. While there's no arguing his accuracy and knowledge of the game, he has, on many occasions, just given the ball to the opposition. I'd be happy to have him, but I'm not gonna crown him the second coming because he's had plenty of J.T. Oh s*** moments.

Get it done scotty

WOW @ yummy, cut Alex and take Pat White in the 2nd??? Please just stop posting, you're embarrassing yourself.

How does one Blead? By the way, no one is going to read your post when it is in all caps.

He doesn't make the team better? He is an instant upgrade from any QB on our team! He didn't have a line in Arizona either. He will also make our WRs better with his quick accurate passes. Keep in mind that we don't need him to throw the ball way down field because well be a power run team-- a kind of team that he has never had.

LMAO at some of you...Yummy, Pat White being a potential NFL starting QB after Warner retired? Really? Ronnie, When has Matt Leinert ever been physically gifted and what has he accomplished at USC? I just don't understand. I don't like him or Stafford but Stafford has way more upside.

I'm almost sure that Smith is gone if this gets done.

Pat White though? I think scouts like him more as a WR. He's going to do WR drills at his pro day. His 40 was around 4.5, so he's got a future there.

would this mess up extending Gore or Willis' contract?

I hope they have a press conference introducing Warner today. Please don't let him leave! Get this done ASAP.

I'm 44 years old, wife & 2 kids, and I'm checking this stupid blog every 10 minutes. Arrggghh!!! Grow up, me!!!!!!!

Remember folks, Warner was in a contract year and pushing for his last big pay day. It's probable that he will not play with the same urgency upon inking this deal.

Jason Taylor to be released... might as well pursue him too.

Jason Taylor to be released... might as well pursue him too.

I imagine they said "no big splashes" before they realized they could pull off a big splash. Either that or those words were said with a poker face.

For me, I will only like getting Warner if we focus on our long term solution as well. Naturally, we're needing to focus on a long term solution even without him, but I'm meaning that I'm hoping that if we get him, that we don't lose sight of the long term situation. This also doesn't mean that I'm suggesting going after a QB at #10 in the draft. That would be too expensive to be a bench warmer for two years. But a QB in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round like I'm hearing some people here say? I want that.

Getting Warner will help the short-term very well (doesn't guarantee playoffs, nothing is ever handed on silver platters) and as long as the long term is tended to, I'll gladly welcome this short-term.

Briefly.....something I don't see mentioned....but aren't better QB's coming out in next year's Draft????

So what's wrong with taking a winner now and starting the transition next year?

Dear Matt, can you please do some sort of update. Anything will do. Rich in San Ramon and I are very frustrated.

i'm not really sure how well he fits the system that singletary wants to set up though. warner likes to work out of the shotgun and that's probably better since his hand/thumb is injury prone. we don't have those good route running WR's that they had in St. louis or in arizona. our o-line isn't the best in terms of pass protection. i just don't get it.

that said, i think warner is a great talent, definitely canton bound. and i'm sure he could bring his leadership and "game management" skills to the mix. but is that all we need? if we pick up an OT at #10 and a wr somewhere in the middle rounds, will that give us a playoff caliber offense?

mjb4988,he's better then alex the bust!

Question: can you please do some sort of update. Anything will do.

My response: After three stops, I have arrived in Santa Clara. I pulled over once to blog, once to do radio on KNBR and once to get a sandwich. Oh, yeah, Warner is getting his physical right now at Stanford. --Matt M.

You couldn't be more WRONG! If you need further clarification as to why, let me know.

Question: What ever happend to "no big spalshes" in free agency this year/using cap space to extend current players?

My response: I don't know how much of a shot at Warner they felt they had until this weekend. But Here's what a wrote several weeks ago: http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/02/with-new-york-in-charge-49ers-will-not-be-passive-in-free-agency.html

--Matt M.

Yo Rich, me too.

Ah well, life needs a bit of diversion now and then. It's harmless... I think.

Yo Rich, me too.

Ah well, life needs a bit of diversion now and then. It's harmless... I think.

This is a HUGE day in this organization's history. HUGE. You cannot win in this league without a top-tier QB. We haven't had that in a decade. I hope this is not a hoax.

Matt, if Warner doesn't patch things up with the Cards, and he is no longer in the NFC West, do you think the Niners are better suited to make a run without a proven QB, than the Warnerless Cardinals would be?

Matt, does Warner taking a medical after long meetings in santa clara mean that they basically agreed on terms ?
I mean if there ewouldnt be interest in both sides a medical wouldnt make any sense, would it ?

You all should be listening to KNBR:
MM came on and said the Niners are dead serious about Warner and the only question is if Warner is serious about us.
B. Fitzgerald compared this negotiation to a baseball power hitter who mistekenly sees a 2-2 fastball belt-high. "If S.F. pulls this off, they've hit one out of the park. They've won the NFC West."
He also said
There's no competition anywhere else. The Cards were offering 20 mil and he wanted at least 28. Give'em 28!

And to anyone thinking that this puts a QB into the mix when we pick at 10.....fuh-get about it. Won't happen. It puts us squarely, and I mean squarely, in position to draft OT- even if Orakpo is still on the board, protecting an older QB that you spent a lot on and solidifying an area that is chiefly responsible for at least 2 losses (MIA, AZ and probably more) is a much higher priority then beefing up the passrush. There will be guys in later rounds.

Matt: heard you on KNBR, good interview and great job w/the blog!

Don’t let Warner leave without signing a contract!!! Great move on the 49ers to pursue a proven QB with leadership and an arm. Getting Warner would help out our existing QBs and young WRs. He'll make them better than what we've had the past few years (ask I. Bruce). Draft an OL to secure the RT position since we'll need protection for sure! Note to Jed and Scott: Look into pursuing Julius Peppers (wants to play in a 3-4 scheme) or Jason Taylor (recently released) to help out the pass rush!

You all should be listening to KNBR:
MM came on and said the Niners are dead serious about Warner and the only question is if Warner is serious about us.
B. Fitzgerald compared this negotiation to a baseball power hitter who mistekenly sees a 2-2 fastball belt-high. "If S.F. pulls this off, they've hit one out of the park. They've won the NFC West."
He also said
There's no competition anywhere else. The Cards were offering 20 mil and he wanted at least 28. Give'em 28!

And to anyone thinking that this puts a QB into the mix when we pick at 10.....fuh-get about it. Won't happen. It puts us squarely in position to draft OT- even if Orakpo is still on the board, protecting an older QB that you spent a lot on and solidifying an area that is chiefly responsible for at least 2 losses (MIA, AZ and probably more) is a much higher priority then beefing up the passrush. There will be guys in later rounds.

Matt: heard you on KNBR, good interview and great job w/the blog!

Matt, does Warner taking a medical after long meetings in santa clara mean that they basically agreed on terms ?
I mean if there ewouldnt be interest in both sides a medical wouldnt make any sense, would it ?

I would LOVE to have Warner.. But matt what about Cassell and Cutler?!!! HELLO!!!! Young QB's who could solve our ongoing QB problems for years to come!!!! A second round draft pick for Cassell????? Are u serious!!! The niners couldn't give that up!!! And Cutler is still on the block!!! GO AND GET HIM!!! Matt what do you think???

Gotta give at least this much credit to the 49er front office: they are doing a pretty good job of making the off-season interesting. . .

anybody who doesnt think this is a good idea is crazy. this is more then just upgrading us at QB, this completely crushes AZ. without Kurt AZ is back where they started, without Kurt AZ is out of the playoffs, and we all know SEA and Stl arent there yet. so that leaves only us. so what im saying is, this hurts AZ more then anything else. which i think is Brilliant!!!

Matt, Matt, Matt,

I'm being to question your dedication to keeping us informed. WHAT KIND of sandwich was it? Cmon man!

Remeber that this would be two fold. Solidifying the niners QB for two seasons AND weakening the division rival Cards.

Warner would fit just fine with Sing's idea of an offense. And Warner would love the play action pass that Gore would give him. When the Cards started on their run in the playoffs it was because they started being committed to running the ball (after looking like garbage for most of the season because they ignored the running game. ).
Sing and Raye have said they want to be balanced with almost a 50-50 pass to run ,with a run first tilt. ( as Sing said,like the Walsh system but run 1st to set up the pass instead of pass 1st to set up the run) .
As I said ,Warner would love this offense and he will love Morgan and Hill and Bruce will probably come back if Warner is here.

I still don't believe this will happen because it is too good to be true.

If Warner does come here it only makes common sense that Smith should be cut. Hill in signed for 2 more years and he would be clearly the best backup between him and smith. A rookie would logically be drafted to take over in about 2 years after Warner retires.

I love Jed !

Wouldn't we be able to extend players as well as sign Warner? I mean, we had 25 million in salaray, then add 4 million that the league provided everyone, then cut Jennings ans cut Smith. There you have it folks. 35 million+ to spend on players. Add Warner, extend Davis and Haralson. Let the season play out for Lawson and Baas. Draft either an OT(Oher or Smith), NT(Raji) or DE/OLB(Orakpo). What is the problem here?

Matt Leinart is terrible. That team won't be much without Warner. Never had a running game, and the o line was always inconsistent.

Signing Warner is a no brainer, if you can.

Also, any chances of signing that young OT Willis from the Seahawks? Sando brought him up as a great fit for the Niners. I have to agree. He is 26 with upside and shouldn't cost that much. Then you could use #10 overall on a NT like Raji or a pass rusher like Orakpo. Both would fill a potential need when Lawson and Franklin leave via free agency.

Question: WHAT KIND of sandwich was it?

My response: Turkey on sesame-seed bagel. --Matt M.

Is there a market for Hill if they sign Warner? Maybe A.Smith can fulfill his potential if he learns from an NFL great like Warner. I still think this is all just a ploy by Warner and he would never really sign with the Niners.

For me the most intriguing thing about this Warner business, is not Warner playing for us but the shrewdness of the move. In one shot you weaken your biggest competitor and make yourself better. Even if you don't get him you force your competitor to use more cap space to keep him. I LOVE IT!! Reminds me of the Eddie days.

Can somebody, one of you guys that think they know everything tell me "exactly" what kind of system Singletary wants? Anyone of you? You don't know, you will never know. But there is one thing I can tell ya which system he didn't want. Mike Martz's system. And that gents is all you know about Coach Sings System.
Coach Sing is no different than any other coach. The system he wants is balanced. And if you some how end up behind by 14 going into the seconded half you want a guy you have you can count on to throw the rock down the field. And if you are a head by 14 you want to be able to run the ball. It's football. Nothing has changed in almost 90 years.

Signing Warner, allowing Smith to battle Hill for #2, then drafting a quarterback (even if you draft a tackle, pash rusher, or wide receiver at #10) to learn from Warner makes the most sense. It's clear that Warner is not the long term answer. If anybody in the building thought that Hill was the long term answer, we wouldn't be jocking the 37 year old Warner so hard right now. Warner becomes very much worth $14-16M per season if you add "MENTOR" to his job description and utilize him to transition the team and a young quarterback into the future.

if we sign Warner, Alex Smith is DONE...i keep seeing these posts..."oh then we can have alex learn to be a winner sitting behind Kurt!"

Oh so now Alex is suddenly going to learn throw the ball harder with more accuracy cuz he's got warner now? come on just stop it and LET IT GO. '

If we somehow get warner, drop smith...draft BPA without drafting a QB, play out the year and let QB be our 1st rounder next year.

Matt,

Do you remember Warner with the Giants -- a "run first" team with WRs not named Fitzgerald or Boldin? Where Kurt was leading an offense not close to what he led for Martz or Haley? When Kurt was several years younger than he is today? He looked "done." In fact, I thought his career was over, and so did a lot of people. So here's the question: is this team rock solid certain Kurt Warner will be Kurt Warner without Fitzgerald going up and acting like Spiderman, or Boldin taking a seven-yard slant and taking it to the house? I love Kurt Warner as a person. I think he's a potential HOF QB. But I can't turn a blind eye to what I saw from him in NY and wonder if the magic is a given in SF. Are you at all concerned about that? Anyone else?

Absolutely. It's win/win for SF.

Living in Phoenix, I can tell you that Kurt is such a quality person, and team leader and QB (even in his rocking chair) that Bay Area people will LOVE this guy.

What have they been saying about Manny in LA? He makes the Dodgers RELEVANT!

That's what KW and MS would do for the 49ers (both on the field and to a national audience).

That's HUGE (after LOL, guys like Nolan and JTO)!

Matt,

National Football Post is reporting that Housh is signing with Seattle. I know you don't cover the 'Hawks, but wouldn't this increase the possibility that they would pass on Crabtree and giving the Niners a greater chance of drafting him? I'd rather face Housh for the next 3 seasons than Crabtree for the next 8-10.

matt another one from over europe:
if they get warner, does that intend that they want to try a serious shot to win the superbowl this or next year ? Meaning maybe to rething about Khalif Barner, maybe even to trade for a RB to free the options for the draft ?

Let's get it done!!!

Yep,even if this doesn't work out (I still don't believe it) it sure puts the lie to those so called fans who have been ripping Jed and Scotty and Sing all the time.

And for those silly fans who have bought into the bogus propaganda that the Yorks are cheap,well,they hired a private jet and limo to bring Warner and his wife in today. Not to mention that they are about to offer him something like $15 million a year for a couple of years (if he passes his physical that is going on now at Stanford Hospital).

Like I said I love Jed and his attitude and Sing's attitude fits perfectly with Jed .

Not to mention that if Warner does actually come here the thing that tips his decision (besides the money and the respect the Niner's are giving him ) would probably be the fact that Sing is a like minded Christian like Warner. They both take their faith very very seriously. Not just your average so called christians that are sometime just rather hypocritical and christian in name only. These two guys have Christ put first over everything in their lives .
That would give Warner a great deal of comfort and confidence in Sing. And right now with the rift between Warner and the front office and HC od the Cards ,that trust and belief in the truthfullness of Sing can not be underestimated.
Of course the Money is the main thing but those other things may put the Niners over the top IF the Cards to not come to their senses.

Yep,even if this doesn't work out (I still don't believe it) it sure puts the lie to those so called fans who have been ripping Jed and Scotty and Sing all the time.

And for those silly fans who have bought into the bogus propaganda that the Yorks are cheap,well,they hired a private jet and limo to bring Warner and his wife in today. Not to mention that they are about to offer him something like $15 million a year for a couple of years (if he passes his physical that is going on now at Stanford Hospital).

Like I said I love Jed and his attitude and Sing's attitude fits perfectly with Jed .

Not to mention that if Warner does actually come here the thing that tips his decision (besides the money and the respect the Niner's are giving him ) would probably be the fact that Sing is a like minded Christian like Warner. They both take their faith very very seriously. Not just your average so called christians that are sometime just rather hypocritical and christian in name only. These two guys have Christ put first over everything in their lives .
That would give Warner a great deal of comfort and confidence in Sing. And right now with the rift between Warner and the front office and HC od the Cards ,that trust and belief in the truthfullness of Sing can not be underestimated.
Of course the Money is the main thing but those other things may put the Niners over the top IF the Cards to not come to their senses.

Dunno about this bagel stuff, Matt. Could be a bad omen: either a zero on the negotiation, or on what we have left of cap $.

Switch to baloney on rye?

Why do people think cutler is on the chopping block? That was just if casell would've somehow been involved, Cutler is not on the trading block. He's a top 5 qb, why would denver be stupid and let him go?

As far as the Warner thing goes, what a great move if we can pull it off. It will weaken our rivals and send them into mediocrity and put us at the top of the west. I love Hill, but he's not a hall of fame qb so sorry, business is business. Go 9ers!

Hey Matt, what is the most comments you've ever had on one post?

I think if Warner gets out of here today without signing then that means he used us as leverage against the Tards.

If he goes, I say he doesn't come back.

While we're waiting for more Warner updates here's a conspiracy theory for you.

KC gives up a 2nd round draft pick for a starting QB and a starting LB with potentially HOF credentials. Why in the world would Belichick who is widely regarded as a football mastermind make such a seemingly idiotic move. Is it possibly a hush money type trade to keep Pioli quiet about the inner workings of the Pats organization? HMMMMM... makes you think.

I'm pretty much in agreement with Brass tacks and PHX. Now of COURSE Warner would be an upgrade at QB. I think he's a future Hall of Famer who just had a great season. BUT....he's 38 yo, and had trouble playing a full season for a number of years when he was YOUNGER. Physically he will probably start to decline rapidly soon. Figure maybe one really good year left....maybe. He'd still be an improvement and if we also drafted a potentially hot young QB....it would all be nice. BUT......if Cutler is in ANY way available. This is the kind of situation Bill Walsh would POUNCE on (like when Fred Dean was having trouble with the Chargers, or when Jack Reynolds was released). Cutler is an absolute stud - the closest thing to a young Bret Favre the league has seen. We'd have out QB for the next ten years - and one who could do the things Big Ben and Tom Brady do. Offer them the #10 pick, maybe a third as well...and make a bold move (if he is indeed available).

matt,
do you think by us making this move this is us trying to hurt AZ more then it is trying to help us. or a little of both, either way its a win win situation for us. what do you think?

matt,
do you think by us making this move this is us trying to hurt AZ more then it is trying to help us. or a little of both, either way its a win win situation for us. what do you think?

Hi Matt,

Knowing the 49ers with history of signing free agents that visited Santa Clara without letting them leave without signning a contract...Do you think the 49ers will ask Kurt to decide right away and not using the 49ers offer to come back to AZ to get counter offer.

matt,
do you think by us making this move this is us trying to hurt AZ more then it is trying to help us. or a little of both, either way its a win win situation for us. what do you think?

just stop with the crabtree crap please...RAIDERS OR JAGS will get him...hell, I think the cheifs are in prime position, i think new coach todd haley will definetly want a WR of crabtrees caliber.

WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU PEOPLE?!! Kurt Warner can't be seriously considering the 49ers, especially after the successful season he just had with Arizona. Also, NOTHING about the system Jimmy Raye and Coach Singletary wants to use plays to Warner's strengths. Singletary wants to limit turnovers, Warner takes too many risks! Even if Warner were to sign with the 49ers, it would only be a temporary fix. I see too many differences, and some are total opposites...I DON'T SEE IT WORKING! HE'S 38! MOVE ON PLEASE!

I still don't believe we have the offensive line that can keep Warner from injury. Even if we add a good LT from the draft, it usually takes time for development.
Shaun Hill seems to be like the relief pitcher who comes through when needed, but is always on the bubble to be let go.
I think the guy is a winner. Not taking anything away from Warner. But I think if the team doesn't get Warner, they come out and say he's the starter going into Camp. Hill has only played with the team, fans and other QB's breathing down his neck. But he carried the pressure well. He seems able to play the passing offense and running first style. If the pressure from the bench is off him, I think he will excel if given the chance. And the players seem to rally around him.

NJM, it doesn't matter who we get, we can never assume that the magic is a given. We can predict the magic will come, but it's never a given. We should learn from the Giants on what not to do with Warner for we're doomed to fail if we don't. I'm not talking about the existence of a big run game. I'm talking about smaller things. Things that I wouldn't know what they are, but know they're there.

Hey Terry, I was wondering why you hadn't chimed in yet. Welcome.

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Patrick: The Cards looked like a garbage team for a lot of last season UNTIL in the playoffs their coaching staff decided to start getting serious about thier running game. With Warner finally having a running game he was able to use the play action pass and had more receivers wide open because of the running game being put ratcheted up.

Sing and Raye have said over and over again that they want to have almost a 50-50 ratio of pass to run ,with the run being first and being what sets up the pass. Sing has said he wants an offense more like the Walsh offense ,except run to set up the pass instead of pass tro set up the run.
Warner would fit in just great with the current Niner offense! He would love to have Gore to set up play action and out O line is one RT away from being a very good pass and run blocking line (although I am not that happy with Heitman at Center).

I still don't believe the Cards will let him go but who knows,the Niners are being very agressive and I guess anything is possible. It's all up to Warner.
Either way,I love how the Niners are jumping on this opportunity and not being shy about pulling the trigger when they see something they like and want and think would work for their team to make us a winning team again !

What are you guys smoking? The Cards were a 9-7 team in the NFC West. They were a horrible away team and Warner is 38 with little mobility playing behind this O Line with no Pro Bowl receivers?

Personally I think he is a real nice man but his best years are long gone.

What are you guys smoking? The Cards were a 9-7 team in the NFC West. They were a horrible away team and Warner is 38 with little mobility playing behind this O Line with no Pro Bowl receivers?

Personally I think he is a real nice man but his best years are long gone.

Patrick: The Cards looked like a garbage team for a lot of last season UNTIL in the playoffs their coaching staff decided to start getting serious about thier running game. With Warner finally having a running game he was able to use the play action pass and had more receivers wide open because of the running game being put ratcheted up.

Sing and Raye have said over and over again that they want to have almost a 50-50 ratio of pass to run ,with the run being first and being what sets up the pass. Sing has said he wants an offense more like the Walsh offense ,except run to set up the pass instead of pass tro set up the run.
Warner would fit in just great with the current Niner offense! He would love to have Gore to set up play action and out O line is one RT away from being a very good pass and run blocking line (although I am not that happy with Heitman at Center).

I still don't believe the Cards will let him go but who knows,the Niners are being very agressive and I guess anything is possible. It's all up to Warner.
Either way,I love how the Niners are jumping on this opportunity and not being shy about pulling the trigger when they see something they like and want and think would work for their team to make us a winning team again !

Patrick: The Cards looked like a garbage team for a lot of last season UNTIL in the playoffs their coaching staff decided to start getting serious about thier running game. With Warner finally having a running game he was able to use the play action pass and had more receivers wide open because of the running game being put ratcheted up.

Sing and Raye have said over and over again that they want to have almost a 50-50 ratio of pass to run ,with the run being first and being what sets up the pass. Sing has said he wants an offense more like the Walsh offense ,except run to set up the pass instead of pass tro set up the run.
Warner would fit in just great with the current Niner offense! He would love to have Gore to set up play action and out O line is one RT away from being a very good pass and run blocking line (although I am not that happy with Heitman at Center).

I still don't believe the Cards will let him go but who knows,the Niners are being very agressive and I guess anything is possible. It's all up to Warner.
Either way,I love how the Niners are jumping on this opportunity and not being shy about pulling the trigger when they see something they like and want and think would work for their team to make us a winning team again !