Q&A: Are you sick of Crabtree?
Two weeks ago, I wrote a blog post that I figured would hold up for a while to explain the whole Michael Crabtree-49ers contract stalemate.
As it turns out, I was actually correct.
The only thing I'd add to that Aug. 13 post is that the 49ers' contract proposal has been narrowed down to a smaller plus-minus margin of error. I've deduced that the 49ers have offered Crabtree a contract that fits in line with what the No. 10 overall pick would've normally expected to receive this year, if this were a normal No. 10 pick in a normal year.
The deal the 49ers are offering is in the neighborhood of five years, $20 million base, $26.5 million maximum, with $16 million guaranteed. Crabtree and his agent, Eugene Parker, know the 49ers offer, and the 49ers are not willing to move from a deal commensurate with the No. 10 slot.
Here is a sampling of the questions I received this morning:
Q: Are you getting sick of all the Crabtree questions? (Russ S)
A: Actually, no, I'm not. I find it fascinating.
Well, at least I'm not tired of answering good questions or questions that I haven't already answered many, many times in previous posts. (No, the 49ers do not receive any compensation if they fail to sign him before next year's draft.) There has been no movement since late June. I cannot guarantee you that I'll have the news immediately after either side begins to cave in, but I can assure you that when I hear there's been a change, I will report it.
So I do get sick of the same ol' "Is there anything new with Crabtree?" And I really get sick of questions that are in All-CAPs.
Q: ANY NEWS ON CRABTREE? (Jimmy K)
A: Next question.
Q: Why is Crabtree's agent throwing him under the bus? (Brandon C-T)
A: You're referring to a ProFootballTalk.com post in its "Latest News & Rumors" section yesterday that read, "we're hearing that (agent Eugene) Parker is dealing with the Crabtree conundrum on the recruiting trail by blaming the holdout on the player."
This goes in line with what I wrote about two weeks ago that many believe Crabtree is "driving the bus." Ultimately, the player is responsible. The agent works for the player. If the player wanted to sign the contract and report to training camp, he would've done it long ago.
I've also heard that Parker has privately told the 49ers that their offer is fair. (Coach Mike Singletary is also on record as saying he believes the offer is fair.) Parker clearly does not want this negotiation to work against him, as far as attracting future clients. Most players, I assume, would like to have their contracts settled fairly so they can report to training camp on time. This could end up being ugly for Crabtree and his agent. If the 49ers do not budge - and I don't think they will - I do not see how Crabtree and Parker can emerge united out of this ordeal.
Q: Can you confirm that Scotty (McCloughan) was speaking with the Crab camp yesterday? (Tim C)
A: You're referring to Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area's report in which 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said there was communication Tuesday. McCloughan did not say he talked to the Crabtree camp, only that there was some form of communication between somebody representing the 49ers and somebody representing Crabtree. I've never reported that the sides have not spoken. In fact, I've heard they communicate regularly. But I have reported - and confirmed again this morning - that the sides are not in active negotiations.
Q: With all the hype that went around the past two weeks about WR's having great camps, I failed to see what they hype is all about the first two games. (Alvin K)
A: The 49ers' starting quarterback has attempted nine passes in two games. Their No. 1 receiver, Isaac Bruce, did not suit up for the first game and played one series in the other. Their most dynamic receiver from the first week of camp, Brandon Jones, is out through September with a broken shoulder. Maybe you've also heard that Michael Crabtree is nowhere to be seen . . .
I agree, the 49ers' receiving corps has been less-than spectacular in two exhibition games. I still believe the wideouts are going to be better this season than they've been in a while. If the receiving corps is not much-improved, it will be a major, major disappointment for the organization.
* * *
I'm not in Santa Clara today, but there's some news emerging. Shaun Hill sustained a back strain yesterday, and threw just one practice in team drills today, according to reports from practice. And here. He is iffy for Saturday's exhibition game against the Cowboys. Alex Smith is expected to sit out this week with a right thumb sprain. If neither Hill nor Smith plays, veteran Damon Huard and rookie Nate Davis will be the available quarterbacks.
* * *
..hmm....if there is one injury in sports you don't want - it is a Back injury....FYI look at the seagrlz
But Matt doesnt this take away from being excited about the draft in April? I mean how about if he sit's out the whole season? What does that do to fan's like me that were really excited wen we drafed him and go out and buy there jersey? If he does hold out the whole year then I will not be interested in any future NFL drafts cause wats the point will they just pull the same CASHTREE STUFF?
...this old guy gets hurt without being touched from an injury he complained about last yr...
..the chances of our QB going sackless in the 1 game is = 0
what happens when he does gets sacked ?
...And did someone say playoffs....this is a joke
....Coach Sing is trying to act tough - someone needs to inform Coach "we have been there done that" i bet he ditches the cross after 4 games....
I can't fathom that anybody in Crabtree's position would re-enter the draft. And, if he does, it will serve as a cautionary tale for every player through the end of time to "Don't pull a Crabtree." --Matt M.
...i will tell you what i am sick off....its a rookie coach talking tough
I was thrilled when the 49ers drafted crabtree (and I laughed openly at my Raider fan friends) but I should have seen all this drama coming when the man listed "fashion" as one of his top hobbies. Michael, it's time put down the latest issue of "Us Weekly", leave the manicure shop and get to work. You're a #10 draft pick--deal with it. Nobody cares about your fragile teenage girl ego.
oneniner,
What the hell is wrong with you? Where's all this belly aiking about Sing all of a sudden coming from? Just because Alex wasn't name the starter now you want be a cry baby? Don't be that way other wise you're not a True 49er Fan.
Really? You think Sing needs to establish his toughness credentials in the NFL? I think he may have that one already checked off on his resume. My opinion is that whether he fails or succeeds as a coach, a lack of toughness won't be the problem. I'm just saying........
As opposed to what, oneniner? A rookie head coach talking about his weight loss (Rex Ryan)? Now go ahead and punch yourself in the face.
dude...relax - am just saying - all this tough talk is doing nothing - we heard the same thing from nolan....
....and of course i am pissed...
..we have 2 QB's who we thought were going to start and both are HURT already...wtf - and to make matters worse they both havn't had that much reps and not to mention reps for the WR's....
...its obvious we are going to start the season with a QB who hasnt built a chemistry with the rest of the offense...
...all this tough talk from coach is just to distract from the main issue...
Hey Matt, great coverage!
I have two more Crabtree questions for you:
1. What are the 49ers options if the holdout drags on? I know you mentioned they missed the opportunity to trade Crabtree. Can they sign and trade him, if another team is willing to accept the terms of the contract?
2. Since Crabtree has missed all of training camp and essentially nuked his rookie season, would the 49ers be inclined (rightfully so) to begin to lower their offer as the the season approaches? Or even revoke the offer if things get ugly?
Thanks!
Hey Matt, great coverage!
I have two more Crabtree questions for you:
1. What are the 49ers options if the holdout drags on? I know you mentioned they missed the opportunity to trade Crabtree. Can they sign and trade him, if another team is willing to accept the terms of the contract?
2. Since Crabtree has missed all of training camp and essentially nuked his rookie season, would the 49ers be inclined (rightfully so) to begin to lower their offer as the the season approaches? Or even revoke the offer if things get ugly?
Thanks!
I mean, its football; players get hurt. Lucky for us, its the preseason.
What, exactly, should Coach be saying? Maybe, "We are going down here to play some Madden on the new giant screen!"?
As an avid Niner fan, I just hopes he signs as soon as possible. I certainly do not want him to sit out and have us lose a first round pick from this year. ...Didn't Russell sit out until well into his rookie season with the Raiders?
Well, if that source is true about Parker believing the offer is fair, then yes, Crabtree wears the badge of stupid all by his lonesome. Stupid for waiting this long when he is not going to get another dime.
I still believe he will sign by the first game. If he doesn't, then his epic dumbness is probably something we don't want on our team anyway.
I mean, if he possibly believes that he could come out of the draft next year with more money, well, gosh, he's a true moron.
And if it is all about pride, and saving face, well, I wish I could lose some face and get 16 million guaranteed. Geesh.
I'm as big of a Smith fan as anyone, short of oneniner, but to say Hill will get hurt on a sack, based on a slight strain of his back is ludicrous.
If you hadn't noticed, he's been sacked 2 seperate times this preseason and multiple times at the end of last season and had no "concern" before this strain.
With a little rest, Hill will be fine.
Conincidentally, our WR's will look a lot better when we actually open up the game plan, which is completely opposite of what we've done this preseason.
Nothing against Hill but what do you think of Nate Davis? I'm actually sort of happy that he can get more of a look at!! I hope he gets a chance to play with starters
oneniner: you're obviosly slow. What chemistry r u talking about when N Davis had all the chemistry, that A Smith never had in his career here. And thats after what, 1 camp?
You seem like a child. Stay away from the subject u dont understand.
Crabtree won't miss a game. He'll lose minimum $250,000, and since he's all about the money why sit around and just give up the money (since his contract won't get bigger, and the later he signs the less he gets). And sit out? Nope, because he could drop down to 2nd/3rd round or worse, and if he sat out for more money he'd only do that if he could go in the top 5 in the first round to make up the money he lost, which won't happen.
So from a pure numbers perspective (which is the entire reason for holding out), his only best self-interested option is to sign the day before the season starts. Which leaves everyone to wonder if he's even worth what he'll get. Personally I've never thought any receiver was worth a top 10, its one of the easiest positions to fill in the first 3 rounds.
Woeb - Yes they can sign/trade him if any other team would actually meet his demands (again - no team will as it still breaks the draft slotting system and will set up a future nightmare for early first round draft picks). And NO, the 49ers will not lower their offer. By your theory, every QB drafted early that is then asked to sit his rookie year (like Carson Palmer) should get a reduced contact since he is not playing a single snap his rookie year, when in fact the exact opposite is true. Palmer got a premium contact as a rookie QB.
HEY MATT ANY NEWS ON CRABTREE AND ALSO DO WE GET ANY COMPENSATION IN NEXT YEAR'S DRAFT IF HE SITS OUT THE WHOLE YEAR?
Sorry, I had to :) . This thing is really dragging out. I was very excited when Crabtree fell to the #10 slot - I thought we were getting a great player at a bit of a bargain. It appears we have not yet gotten either of those things.
am i sick of crabtree? of course! i whould hate anyone that refuses to take like 20 million dollars
If Crabtree reenter the draft, this doesn't seem fair to the 49ers because they had wasted their number 1 draft pick. The 49ers is pressured by the other owners to not to give in but if they don't budge and the player went unsigned then their is nothing to show for for the 49ers side. This almost seems like a no win situation for the 49ers. If the 49ers didn't make a fair slotted offer and the player won't sign then I can see, but in this case the 49ers makes a good solid slotted offer for the value of the 10th pick and the player refused to sign. In this case I think they should create a Crabtree rule that will keep the player from reentering the draft the following year (stay out of the draft for at least 1 year). I think that would make it fair.
Oneniner: You are sounding even more pathetic than usual,and that is really ,really pathetic. First of all,Sing will never ditch the cross because the ONE who died on the Cross for him will never"ditch" him !!!
And for your info,Sing does not ACT tough,he IS tough,unlike you.
Why don't you go to a site that talks about your team,whatever team that is ? Your hate talk is getting very old.
So it used to be that Crabtree firing Parker was going to be read as a sign that Crabtree wanted to blame Parker for the misunderstanding and get something signed.
I'm guessing that Parker getting fired now will instead signal that Crabtree, and his shady bail bondsman cousin David Wells, don't think Parker is seeing reality as they do (or don't).
Basically, Crabtree has to distance himself from Wells...who was unsuccessful in keeping Michael Irvin and Pacman Jones out of trouble and had FBI investigations into his own business practices...and come to grips with reality.
This was all known about Crabtree well before the draft. It takes an amateur to draft an amateur.
...And just for your information Oneniner(because you certainly need much,much more information put into that head of yours,so you can catch up to what a 4 year old knows).
Sing said he wears the Cross because it helps him to act like the Christian he is,when he gets angry or upset on the sidelines. That big Cross hanging around his neck is a contant reminder of his Savior and reminds him to act like a follower of Christ. Obviously,like the rest of us humans,Sing has a temper and anger and the passion of the moment can get the better of him. So,you see,the Cross is not a statement that says Sing thinks he is holier than the average person,but says that he realizes he needs his Savior and needs reminding to not let his normal human emotions get the best of him in public. Smart man,that sing !
Matt, can you see a situation where Parker fires Crabtree?
Matt in SR: We were lucky that Crabtree fell to us and he will probably be a super star for us for the nect 10 years. You and I and all the fans will not care that he held out in his first year,when he is going to the pro bowl every year.
Crabs has not said one word about his contract situation,NOT ONE. So we don't know why he is doing this or if indeed he is even doing this. Perhaps he will fire his agent and get into camp,or perhaps he IS at fault and his agent is helpless to do anything. We don't know.
But as far as GM Scott MsGloughan is concerned. We are very lucky to have a lifetime NFL veteran like him running our team(not at all an amatuer). His father was a player and I believe is still a scout (as I believe is his brother). Scott has worked for the great Ron Wolfe and Mike holmgren,who both say Scott was a great hire for the Niners. Even Bill Parcells said that Scott is an up and coming star executive in the NFL and he tried to hire Scott away from the Niners as the Miami GM. Jed York stopped that and promoted scott to be our GM. Smart move Jed,(as usual!).
Matt, do you think the pass rush is helping us get all those interceptions, or have they mostly been poor QB decisions? Thanks!
Why should anyone make a rule for something that is so, so unlikely to happen?
Think about it dude. You're Michael Crabtree. The offer of 16 million guaranteed is on the table, and that is the final offer. Do you,
a) accept it, before the season starts, and say,"Cool, I'm rich!", or
b) decline it, re-enter the draft, wait a year of not being rich, get chosen in round 3 in 2010, sign for a fraction of the 16 mil and say, " Wow, I guess I'm an idiot."
Steven: There has been pressure on most of the int's. In that last game Balmer tipped the ball that was intercepted,can't get better cause and effect than that !And they have not even unleashed the dogs YET !
But as far as GM Scott MsGloughan is concerned. We are very lucky to have a lifetime NFL veteran like him running our team(not at all an amatuer). His father was a player and I believe is still a scout (as I believe is his brother). Scott has worked for the great Ron Wolfe and Mike holmgren,who both say Scott was a great hire for the Niners. Even Bill Parcells said that Scott is an up and coming star executive in the NFL and he tried to hire Scott away from the Niners as the Miami GM. Jed York stopped that and promoted scott to be our GM. Smart move Jed,(as usual!).
I think I have it figured out. TOP_CAT's secret identity is either Scott McLoughlin or Jed York
And Barley,If I am secretly Jed or Scotty,with my reasoned view of them as being really good at their jobs,does that make you secretly al Davis ?
All I was pointing out in my previous post was that Scotty is certainly not "an amatuer" as one missinformed poster ignorantly said he was.
And if you don't agre that Jed is certainly much better as the President/Owner than his Father was and if you don't agree with the fact that he seems to be pushing all the right buttons ,so far,then I respectfully dissagree with you and think you should step back and take another look .
IMHO the future is more bright now for the Niners,with Jed and Scott and sing running the show,than it has been since we first knew Bill Walsh was the genius !
UMMM! I thought you believed Nate Davis died on the Cross for us?
Crabtree is a punk, and will always be a punk! Wether he becomes a pro bowler or not. So far he's let down his team, his fans, and the game of football. I'll say this me or my kids won't be wearing a number 15 jersey. I'd rather wear a#11 than#15! It kills me to explain to my boys crabtree doesn't want to play because of the money. When it's a privlige to play in the NFL. Yeah I'm tired of egotistical players like crabtree. So when Top Cat says we were lucky to get crabtree, where we? Players like that destroy teams.(Owens) the niners need to let him know either get with it, or it's time to shut the door.
Everyone! Listen to this poster! He clearly is a seasoned expert! Let's promote him to GM ASAP please! That way we can begin rebuilding for the future in confidence that the team is in the most expert hands of all!!!!!!
All I read sometimes is "blah, blah, blah"....
I believe Crabtree is really good and I also believe that he is clearly mistaken on this one. I also believe that any time you draft someone it's nothing more than a wager. And when betting, sometimes you win (who ever thought Gore was going to be THIS AWESOME during draft day??) and sometimes you loose (place here any number of failures).... the result with Crabtree craps, is still in the future....
I don't claim to know what young Mr. Crabtree is thinking, but it would not surprise me if we later learn that he just did not want to play for San Francisco. He obviously thinks highly of his skills. When he dreams, he probably dreams he will become one of the NFL greats. (I'm not speculating that he can be that good, but don't you think he dreams about it? Wouldn't you if you had his talents?) But how can he become a great wideout here? Bill Walsh, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan -- they're all gone. Give this fellow some credit. It may not be about money.
another option barley
c) change his name to David Horsegrass and get drafted at #5 overall, and then ask to be paid as the #1 overall pick.
I have been considering this QB situation for quite a while...and while I believe Hill will serve us well...keep us in games....not make the critical turnover...I honestly believe he is not a top tier QB in the NFL..along the lines of P. Manning, T. Brady, K. Warner, etc... Neither is Smith. Nate Davis could become that type of QB but we are at least a year or two away barring injuries to Hill and Smith before he would get the opportunity to compete. For the 2009 NFL season...our playoff hopes rely on F. Gore, S. Hill, and a dominating Defense.
I've been thinking the same thing as Mephisto. It's not all about the money ....Crabtree does not want to play for the niners & is trying to set himself up to get a deal were he is signed/traded to a 'passing' team with a top 10 rated QB. The question is will he be willing to loose money, by not signing before the start of the season? Once the regular season starts and he remains unsigned, we'll know he wants out of SF.
With Crabtree's agent having thrown him under the bus it makes me wonder if maybe that threat for a year-long holdout was something legitimate that Crabtree's actually considering. We've all speculated Parker's smart enough to know how stupid that is; this bit of evidence makes it seem no one but Crabtree is running the show and if he's of the opinion he's worth more than Heyward-Bey then maybe's he's also self-deluded enough to think re-entering the draft next year is a good strategy.
Here's to hoping he actually does it!
Matt: Does anyone have a sense that Crabtree is looking for something other than the terms of a higher pick ($ and years)? For example, could it be that what he really wants is to be shown respect, and a specific contract is the one way that he holds as showing respect? But, perhaps there are other ways...?
Also, has anyone in the media been trying to get an interview with him to share his perspective with us all, and he or his agent are not "going there"?
Finally, at what point when (assuming that he does) Crabtree signs does it count against next years cap versus this years cap? For example, if he signs a contract on the day before next years draft (perhaps an unlikely situation), what year would those dollars count against?
I hope Nate Davis gets time with the 1's because we already know what we have in Huard. If it was me I would start Nate all the way through early 3rd quarter. I see no reason not to.
As much as I think some here are pie in the sky over Nate, I would hate to see him in there for 3 quarters! Heck, I don't want to see MS murder the kid! If it all turns bad with the QB #1 and #2 they should play Huard and then Davis. We just have to pray Huard doesn't get hurt.
Please,the comment about N.Davis and the cross was a little beyond flip-just plain tasteless .You're more intelligent than that!
I remember when we got vernon davis. He was supposed to be this excellent pass cathing tight end with freakish ability. So far he's only been half of that. Alex smith was supposed to be the next joe montana, 4 yrs later most fans r ready to write him off. we should learn from our mistakes and stop putting these players on a pedastal without ever playing one down in the NFL. It's been proven throughout the league not all top picks make it. Especially at a positions where you get the ball. People need to stop slurpin crabtree and remember, until he comes out to play we really don't know. Besides if MS threw vernon out a game for being hyphy, what do you think he's gonna do to crabtree. He can't coach those kind of players. CANT DO IT!
Why would you want to see Huard? You know exactly what he brings to the table. I trust the Rayeman game plan enough to let Mr. Davis hand the ball off with some play action passes down field with some screens and the like. Let the kid get his ears wet in a "meaningful" preseason game.
Another thing Nate Davis played against the raiders' scrubs and now he's the man. Come on people! There's even a guy saying he's followed him through college, he's the best! Yeah buddy! I'm sure you have. Maybe he's showed potential, and maybe he can be good but let's not got over board. He's only thrown the ball a few times. I think as fans we wanna win now, which I understand I wanna win too. But clearly Davis is a project let's not ruin the kid let's develop him. Letting him play a few series with the starters in Dallas for a preseason game is one thing but the regular season is another. We need to win. Not give a kid a chance to see if he can play. So let's stop the crazy talk eventhough it makes for good bloging.
Matt, what do you think about Marvin Harrison as a temporary solution to this whole Crabtree ordeal?
[Author Profile Page oneniner | August 26, 2009 12:41 PM | Reply
...i will tell you what i am sick off....its a rookie coach talking tough]
Hey oneniner errrr LLoyd guess what we're all sick of?
Of course Crabtree has been running the show from day one. They all do people. I'm in show business (I know, it's the internet so believe me or don't) and I have people around me to insulate and do the nasty work so i don't have to be the prick who told someone they can't video tape my show or use flash photography because it violates copyright laws or turn some sap down who wants to come do a preshow or propose during my show. "I'm sorry, the theater does not allow for that type of thing." Why doesn't it? It doesn't because I said so but it's the "jerk" theater manager or D.O. who I employ who tells them they can't. I imagine if I asked them to start doing stupid things that made them look foolish and undermined their credibility however, they'd walk eventually.
Likewise, Crabby could have chose to sign any time he wanted to in the past 7 weeks. Tragically, MC's bailbondsman cousin is probably the best and brightest the crabtree clan has to offer when it comes to business. And sadly he seems to be the only one to have MC's ear and trust and it appears that Parker, his employee, has had enough of amateur hour.
At this point I'm with a few other posters who are pulling for this guy to actually hold out and re-enter the draft next year. derrrrrrrrrrrrrr
MM a Question: College players need to declare for the draft, correct? Therefore, if Crabtree truly had a list of non-49r teams he would play for why not just NOT declare for the draft and become an immediate free agent after the draft and sell his wares that way? Any rules preventing this avenue of entering into the NFL?
IF nothing prevents this avenue Crabtree could just bypasses this year of NFL play then just not declare for the next draft and play his hand after he 2010 draft?
Question is not about what he could lose....just a question about procedure.
You cannot go from college to the NFL without the draft. League rules do not allow that.
Several thoughts about the situation:
1) Players get hardly paid during camp. At least compared to what Crabtree will get when he signs the day before game 1. By delaying the signing he does not need to work for six weeks while getting paid identical money. From one perspective that's a smart thing to do.
2) Parker tries to blame his client/boss. That's not a good thing to do no matter what. It the business relationship between Crabtree and Parker healthy? Besides, with Parker's record of 1st round holdouts his alleged statement is hard to believe.
3) If Crabtree signs the day before game one, reports to the team and is (still) injured, can the 49ers place him on PUP?
4) If Crabtree reenters the draft, are the 49ers allowed to pick him again? Or does a league rule prevent that?
I trust he will sign before the season starts.
I just hate the fact that he missed camp and all this other stuff just to get more money. He should have a chip on his shoulder and want to get is and make a name for himself on the field. I hope the locker room chemistry isn’t shot to hell.
Wouldnt that be some funny stuff if he did re enter the draft and the niners picked him again?
more then likely he will fall in the draft even more then he did at 10. and if there is a cap, hell i think that would be pretty funny because the niners will get him for even less all the while watchin him kick himself for not signing the deal now.
unlikely but still would be funny to see
Sick of him? I hope he re-enters the draft and becomes a Day 2 pick.
TDilver: It's not that I don't believe you but you don't know what is going on behind the scenes with Crabs and his agent.You say all clients run the show and tell their agents exactly what to do .Thatv is clearly not at all true ,when it comes to these 19-22 year old kids,with no experience.They hire alents based on reputation and to make sure things are done properly ,in an arena they know nothing about themselves. Maybe in showbiz,something you say you know about,it is the way you claim.But with these kids coming into the world of high finance almost directly out of childhood,it is certainly not true.
Moat college guys coming into the NFL follow their agents advice to the T. I know that many years ago when I bought my first house,I didn't argue with the Title insurance person and my real estate agent etc etc ,when it came time for them to put down that stack of papers on the table for me to sign. I asked questions and listened but did not ignor them.
Crabs hired Parker to do a job that Crabs could not do himself. Either Crabs should listen to his agent,as he has so far,or he should fire him and hire another one,and then listen to the new one ! Unless Crabs graduated with a law degree etc,that we have not known about until now,lol.