Is Crabtree serious about walking away from $16 million?
Here's a new thought: What if they're just irrational enough to do it?
Even a month ago when the relative/advisor told ESPN that Michael Crabtree was willing to sit out the entire season if he did not get the kind of contract offer he thought he deserved as the No. 10 pick in the draft, it was difficult to take it seriously.
After all, where is Michael Crabtree going to make $16 million guaranteed if he does not sign an NFL contract? Can somebody get that kind of lucrative offer in the fashion industry?
One NFL source who has worked with Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, told me a while back that he thought the most logical conclusion was that Crabtree would accept the 49ers' long-standing offer around Labor Day.
That sounded like the most reasonable scenario. After all, players don't make any significant money during training camp - just per diems. Most rookies have minimum base salaries of $310,000, so a draft pick would be forfeiting more than $18,000 a week by not signing on time.
I admit to being in full reactionary mode when I saw NFL insider Adam Schefter's comment today on Twitter: "
It took me back to an exchange last night with somebody who has a firm grasp of the inner workings of the 49ers-Crabtree situation. I offered my opinion - deftly lifted from my first source - that Crabtree would sign the contract a couple days on either side of Labor Day.
His response, "I hope you don't play the lottery."
OK, so I don't know what to think now.
Parker and Crabtree might have a plan. Surely, they would not want anybody to know they plan to end the contract impasse on a certain date. Of course, they want everybody to think Crabtree is willing to sit out the entire season. That's the only hope they have of getting the 49ers to raise their offer.
Team president Jed York and others in the 49ers' hierarchy have said they believe Crabtree will sign. Numerous 49ers sources have told me Crabtree is living in the South Bay. If so, that does not sound like a person who has no intention of ever playing for the 49ers.
The 49ers' offer on a five-year contract includes approximately $16 million in guaranteed money. Of course, maybe he believes the 49ers are going to up their offer by approximately $7 million guaranteed and $18 million over the life of deal.
If that's what he's expecting, Crabtree might have a long wait.
York, GM Scot McCloughan and negotiator Paraag Marathe have way too much to lose to set the precedent of paying a draft pick more than the slot. After all, the 49ers have two first-round picks next year. They're all young men who want to work in the NFL a long time.
I still believe it will get done, and all those fun rules we learned about unsigned draft picks will become useless information.
But we're all just guessing on this one. After all, maybe they are just irrational enough to do it.
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The 49ers will take 73 players on their roster (because Crabtree is not under contract, he does not count) to San Diego for the final exhibition game. Singletary said his focus is to get the veterans ready for the regular-season opener while giving a lot of playing time to the young players.
But Singletary does not want his team to mail in this week of practice. He lit into the team for about five minutes at the conclusion of practice. He pointed out a myriad of mistakes and stressed the importance of approaching every day with fervor.
I'm pretty sure the flight pattern was temporarily redirected at Mineta San Jose International Airport while Singletary lectured the team.
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The word came down today that this blog set a personal record of 1.01 million page views for the month of August. Thanks to everyone for making it possible.
This is such a joke and its actually becoming somewhat annoying. I know its a business and things like this happen every once in a while but I never thought that he would actually miss any games because then he would start to lose some money. Crabtree and his agent have no leverage as far as Im concerned, he was the 10th pick and should get paid like it. They cant mess up the slotting system because he feels hes worth more. And if he thinks that by sitting out hes going to get more money next year then let him do it because there is zero chance of that happening.
Matt - thanks for dutifully posting enough interesting content during the dog days of August for so many people to enjoy.
I've thought for a while that Parker might be willing to sacrifice one client to build his long-term negotiating cred. In other words, he's thinking, "Next time I threaten to hold out, I want my opponent to believe my threat." The fact that Crabtree will get hosed is irrelevant. Parker's just lucky to have found a Michael Jackson that's stupid enough to play along.
The Niners can spend the money resigning Willis and Baas and other players that are not so stupid.
Matt, if somehow Crabtree does not sign throughout the season. Do you think the 49ers management will let him just walk away without offering a bigger contact? Or do you think they'll cave in before its too late?
Here is the thing once the season starts he is an after thought. Once the 9ers start winning games he really is an after thought. When he hears somebody say how much money he lost in the first week he might wonder what the hell he is doing. He holds no cards except to sit out the whole year. And what is he going to be worth a year away from the game. Damaged goods untested and a year removed from football. I know he has his degree to fall back on....whats that in? Whatever it is I know it's 26 million and 16 mill of it is guaranteed. This guy doesn't need the NFL, the NFL needs him....right?
Matt, if somehow Crabtree does not sign throughout the season. Do you think the 49ers management will let him just walk away without offering a bigger contact? Or do you think they'll cave in before its too late?
WOW!!! Congrats Matt! -You're a very witty/influential writer, and an amazing human being! -We're very lucky to have a dedicated person like you in Ninerland!
But most importantly, thank you for all the hard work, and the time you spend to write/answer all of our questions and insight about the team we love so very much!
-Al
Question for you Matt...
As draft day was approaching there was lots of talk that Deion Sanders was in Crabtree corner, supported him, advised him, etc.
Has anybody asked Deion what he thins of this? I can't imagine Neon Deion would approve of his actions...why isn't he kicking him in the butt and setting him straight?
No word from Crabtree mouth regarding the situation?
Congrats, Matt!! Your credibility and ability to keep the 49er flame going even during the offseason has kept all of us fans hooked on your blog. It's only going to get better!
This is stupefying. I'm a huge Niner fan (I think anyone is that posts on Matt's blog) and was very excited to get Crabtree in the draft. I've been checking the blogs and tickers every day hoping to see something about his signing, but as days go by, I think it would almost be entertaining to see how far he could fall by sitting out a year. I'd never wish bad things upon anyone, but when his negotiating stance is so bleeping stupid, maybe he deserve to lose millions of dollars by doing something that makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER. In this case it would be not taking a fair offer from the team that drafted him and sitting out a year, only to be picked in the late first or second or even third round next year, losing countless millions in the process. In other words, I'm strangely hoping to see someone do something that stupid. Mike Williams skipped a year because he was ruled ineligible, right? He didn't do anything THIS stupid, did he? Crabtree really could raise the idiot bar here, and I must admit, I'd be fascinated to watch the process play out.
Luis C. said... "Do you think the 49ers management will let him just walk away without offering a bigger contact? Or do you think they'll cave in before its too late?"
Luis, they ABSOLUTELY should let him walk without upping their offer. Like the great Matt Maiocco said, with TWO first rounders next year, if they cave in to a guy that thinks a little too highly of himself, there gonna have a helluva time trying to sign anyone else for "fair" market value in the future. It's unfortunate, but they are absolutely making the right call here. IMO, of course.
Awesome job Matt!
We shaould have drafted Jeremy Maclin and watch Crabtree fall.
Congrats on the record page views!
Believe me! Crabtree is the ONLY one who is going to suffer and lose in this situation. The 49ers can't lose! They've got the regular season ahead and a division to win! They've got to achieve a playoff game. They've got a new HC, OC and 2 year DC who want to show they've got what it takes to take the team out of the losers column. They've coaches who want to show they belong. They've got players who can't wait to turn a loser and losing ways into a winner and winning ways. They've got a whole bunch of stuff to do as a team.
Crabtree? What does he have? Nothin'! Not even a job!
Awesome job Matt!
Does Crabtree now hes lucky niners drafted him instead of Maclin? Maybe Texas Tech does not teach commen sense.
The 49ers' best move is to stick with the current offer and the slotting system, regardless of what Crabtree does. The financial downfall from being a push-over is way higher than the incremental benefit of getting Crabtree over someone else in the FA market with the same money being offered.
There's no way the 49ers are so stupid to cave in and up their offer, and I don't believe Crabtree is so stupid not to realize that the 49ers truly have only one option, the current offer, and that his best move, given the 49ers' best move, is to sign.
But sometimes, people live in a bubble and get fed delusional bs that they have no grasp of their reality. Crabtree might be one of those.
The only thing that would make me really upset right now is if the 49ers break the slotting system and up their offer, but I don't think they are so incompetent.
This blog is awesome. thanks Matt. Go Niners!
Anyways, this could turn out real bad for Crabtree. $16 mil?!
He could be pumping gas next year, or working at Costco, like Matt Harrington (pitcher who turned down $4.9M contract on Boras' advice and re-entered the draft multiple times)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090423/harrington
The best approach by the Niners is just what they're doing; go into the season as if they never drafted Crabtree. The contracts on the table, it's up to him to sign if he wants to; if not, the Niners should chalk it up to experience and play football.
All I have to say... JERRY JONES.
As a fan I have to admit it hurts. MC could really help us. But apparently he is too full of himself. The Niners probaby approach it very simpe: what if we sign him for more and He gets injured right After? Even more money lost then. So for the team He is probably like a firstrounder who is on hypothetical IR.
Evan a Diva has to work somewhere!
I am so disgusted with Michael Crabtree that I couldn't care what happens to him. He is too full of himself to be an asset to the SF 49ers. I'm afraid he would turn out to be another Brandon Lloyd (#85)--more interested in his RAPPING than his football career.
I fear he would be a CANCER on the 49er team! A huge headache for Coach Singletary and a thorn in the sides of his teammates. I think even Sing can't handle a head as big as Michael Crabtree's.
I love the 49ers too much too wish Crabby--or is it Crappy--on them. Let him sit out the season and watch his Midas cap of gold coins slip out of his grasp. Maybe that's the lesson he needs to learn to GROW him into a MAN!
I'm just angry that this terrible thing has been visited on my beloved 49ers. They don't deserve this kind of abuse from a greenhorn football kid from Texas who thinks he is better than the NFL's system of overpaying rookies.
The NFL needs to get real about rookies' salaries before they've ever stepped on the playing field--based on incentives to SHOW their value--not in past video history in a college system, vastly inferior to the NFL.
Thanks, Matt, for helping us survive during the dreadfully long offseason. Most of us would be dead from boredom, were it not for your ongoing lively chatter here...
As President George H. Bush used to say, "stay the course". That's what Niner management's doing and it's right on target. Parker's a greedy idiot...and for some reason, Crabtree either can't see it or believes the vermin Parker's spreading. Either way, it's his loss...hopefully he'll wake up & smell the coffee. If not, good luck next year getting anywhere close to what the Niners have offered.
THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE, IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, ITS ABOUT GIVING HIM TIME FOR HIS FOOT HEAL FROM THE SURGERY HE HAD, ITS VERY DELICATE FOR A RECIEVER TO GET ON IT 100% , 49ERS ARE SMART BY WAITING AND NOT PAYING AS A PRECAUSIONARY. CRABTREE IS AN INVESTMENT AND WHY NOT LOOK AT IT IN THE BUSINESS ASPECT OF IT? REMEMBER JED YORKS FATHER IS A DOCTOR!! GIVE HIM SOME TIME BECUASE 16 MILLION IS A SHIT OF MONEY IN TODAYS ECONOMY!! REMEMBER 1ST ROUND RECIEVERS DONT EMERGE RIGHT AWAY ANYWAYS....ID RATHER HAVE EXPERIENCE IN BRUCE/MORGAN/BATTLE
KENNY SEAGLE HAVE A HAIKU 4 U....
to the times tone deaf
mi-chael crab-tree has be-come
a one man pat-co
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howzat????
ANY QUESTIONS???????
Jamarcus Russell held out till 9-12 before he signed with the raiders. Granted he's not exactly a stud right now but he was the number 1 overall that draft, whereas crabtree was the number 10. He's gonna sign something guaranteed.
Baaaaa baaaa baaaaa
This guy is really pissing me off..
Congrats on the over a million. Now the PD needs to get some sports related adverts on the site. Make some money for the paper.
No thank you Mr. Maiocco. Mr. Crabs has 2 options. Sign or go into next years draft. 2 options-Smart or Dumb. If he does not sign his name will go down in history as the dumbest move in football. The Mr. Crabs rule. If thats what he wants then we and all the NFL are better without him.
I don't really care if he signs. Most of these Top-10 WRs are more hype than production.
..."The word came down today that this blog set a personal record of 1.01 million page views for the month of August. Thanks to everyone for making it possible"....
...You are welcomed!!!
MATT . . . IF THE NINERS DONT SIGN CRABTREE . . . . DO THEY GET THEIR PICK BACK?!?!?!?!??!
Just kidding Matt.
If the trade rumors with Brandon Marshall are true, is there any chance the 49ers go after him using one of their two #1's and/or a younder reciever like Zeigler or Hill?
Crabs (eventually), Marshall, and Gore. Then they would be primed to drop a young QB in there and let him dvelop with some weapons.
Spare a thought for Jeff Ulbrich. He took a $1,280,000 paycut this offseason, is on the verge of getting recognized on the 10-year wall, & didn't get to harass this uppity rookie during training camp.
I was watching NFL Total Access yesterday & Rich was doing his "Around The League" segment with Jason La Canfora and he asked him about the Crabtree situation. Jason simply put it this way...."That the 49ers are holding all the cards & have ALL the leverage" So either he signs the contract within the next couple of weeks or he stands to lose everything. Which takes me back to what Adam Schefter was saying about the "49ers having to wait a very long time" How in the Hell does he know anything about this? It seems to me Crabtree's inner circle is pretty small & tight so again how does Schefter know diddly squat? This is the kind of reporting or shall I say NON-reporting that sets people off! No....I believe Crabtree will sign soon so we can all move onto the regular season.
1 Million + ???!!!
It's because this blog is awesome!
flip3,
Okay tell me again how this is going to build Parker's long-term negotiating cred? From a potential new clients view he's going to be looking for an agent that can get him the most money but more importantly get him signed. HELLO! By NOT getting Crabtree signed this actually will make Parker's....as you say "cred" go down the toilet. Your take makes no sense.
So, Matt - Are you going to hold out for a raise now that you got 1.01 hits?
Please tell us before you do, so we're not starvin' for niners reports...we could always go to that "other" blog! DOH!! :) J/K
The really sad thing about this is that the 49ers desperately need to improve -- and that starts with adding talent through the draft. But the 49ers are going to have a year in which they basically failed to add a player in either the 1st or 2nd rounds this year!! No wonder the team they are fielding looks just like last year.
Don't fall for the silly argument that we got a 1st next year for a 2nd this year. The most important part of improving talent on a team is having them get experience. That is why people generally the value of those trades is a 2nd for a 1st in the first place!! You don't get an experienced talented team by delaying the addition of talent by trading picks for next years picks! The 49ers need to improve NOW -- they do not have a loaded roster where they can afford to be delaying improving talent.
The last few years have been frustrating - now its just sad. I pray to god we are better this year. IF we are, it will be the coaches we have to thank for making a mediocre roster perform better than the prior coaching staff.
1. Matt -- Congrats on the "attendance" record! You keep up the good work and we'll keep reading.
2. Is there any credible evidence/verification that Deion Sanders is partially behind the Crabtree holdout and that that's because Sanders has some kind of grudge against the Niners?
If Crabtree signs by Labor Day or so, it will show that he had some sort of plan in mind with his hold out. Most of us think it wasn't a very good plan, even just from his selfish point of view, but, okay, you make a plan and see it thru. I think most of us would say, we know it's a business and now that it's done, let's move forward and score some touchdowns.
But if he holds out into the regular season, I will believe he doesn't really have a plan, he has an insufferable ego. In that case, I say, let him go and we'll do better by spending the money signing our own best players, free agents and next years draft picks. Only about one half of the first round WR picks come close to living up to the hype, and way fewer help the first year.
No matter how it ends, agents and future draft picks will talk about "pulling a Crabtree." As a Niner fan, I want the future picks to say to their agents: Don't pull a Crabtree. So, no way we pay this guy too much.
MM - Isn't it true we can still trade him next year before the 2010 draft begins....
"The new league year begins March 1, so the player could be traded after that date of the following year"
...So there is a chance we can get compensated
Nov. 12 is the deadline for him to sign
So Matt, is this mess being drawn out primarily because the Crabtree camp is hanging their hat on post draft comments made by Singletary and/or McCloughan? If so it seems kind of silly. If post draft praise was the standard for contract negotiations then wouldn't NFL teams would be overpaying EVERY year. I hope that this isn't what it comes down to. I can already hear Singletary after picking Greg Hardy in the first round of the 2010 draft . . . "Yeah, we had him pegged as a second rounder, but we decided to reach anyway"
Anyway, Matt is it safe to assume that if Crabtree isn't signed by Saturday then he's not officially on the 53-man roster? So maybe Jason Hill, Spurlock or Ziegler will get to hang on the roster until the impasse is over.
....Do you read Adam Schefter article ?
Read before you comment - ...
Yes crabtree can wait till Nov 12 to sign.....that is a long long time
Question: is it safe to assume that if Crabtree isn't signed by Saturday then he's not officially on the 53-man roster?
My response: He would not count as one of the 53 players until he is under contract. Once he signs, he would be added to the 53-man roster. If that comes after final cuts, a spot would have to be created for him. --Matt M.
I am totally confused by Crabtree. In the ESPN rookie show the other day he looked like he WANTED to get out there. And he even acknowledged he is looking like an idiot!
My questions Matt are: Has anyone gauged the interest of other teams in Crabree in case he re-enters the draft? I would assume if I were an NFL GM that no matter where I picked him (unless it was in the top 7 picks) that he would STILL "demand" top 7 money which would be a turn off and discourage me from picking him. Is this the case, or would he still be a top-of-the-draft pick?
Thanks, and congrats on 1M served!
Question: Isn't it true we can still trade him next year before the 2010 draft begins?
My response: "The new league year begins March 1, so the player could be traded after that date." http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/08/rules-regarding-unsigned-picks.html
--Matt M.
oneniner,
If the 49ers are not going to change their strategy in giving Crabbs what he wants then tell me why he would wait until Nov. 12th? No way he waits that long!
I believe the rights to Mr. Crabtree would only be traded if in actuality the new team knew the 49ers had an agreement with him. Why else would a team trade for a person who sat out the complete year?
I don't think Crabtree is dumb as he hasn't lost a penny, nor has he lost his future. Any contract he signs will be for a minimum of four years. He will have plenty of time to recoup his reputation on the field. Like any neogiatation both sides will lose if it continues. The 49ers are in NO position to outright lose their first round pick. We need talent, we need a play-maker at wide receiver and Crabtree has the true potential to be that person.
So why does the NFL have this crazy system? Because they like it and want to keep the draft which holds down total player compensation. Personally I think the draft should be abolished and the market place should decide where a player goes.The draft is a lottery and teams that have real needs can't address them with a highly prized college players unless they have a high pick and no one else picks him..
Make the NFL compete for rookies. The NFL Draft does not make for a better league, just an average one. What good has it done for us the last seven years?
Of course Crabtree and his agent have a specific plan or plans in mind. If he doesn't sign before game 1, I think we'll know his plan....that he's waiting for the 49ers offense to sputter, and with the 3 and outs, the crowd will start to scream for his signing. At that point, he'll finally have leverage.
He doesn't think the 49ers have anything but scrubs at WR right now (except for Bruce who's only here for this year).
Maybe he's right. Even if he is, I hope the fans don't cave and start the Crabtree chants, and that the ownership doesn't raise the ante to bring him in. This is the entertainment business, and 49er fans' consensus is, seeing Crabtree's greed punished is more entertaining than what we think he can produce on the field. We're willing to bet he never becomes a top 5 receiver for some other team. Anyone agree/disagree?
Parker is a lawyer and therefore cares only about himself and money. He and Craptree make a dangerous and stupid pair. I would not be surprised if Craptree gets thrown under the bus on this one and is not signed, as that may give Parker more credibilty as being a "tough guy" to players who follow.
At this point I believe the majority of fans (myself included) would be relieved if fashion priss Craptree never wears a Niner Jersey.
I blame Crabtree and Co. for this mess, but I also blame Al Davis and the Raiders for murdering the pay scale for draft slots with the Heyward-Bey Contract. YOu would thought they were drafting Jerry Rice in his prime for that type of money, lol! Hope he takes them to the promise land.
Agree.
The Niners reasons for not offering Crabtree more than his slot, (10th pick) deserves are much more than just the fact they have two 1st. round picks next year. Imagine what the reaction from all the other NFL teams would be if they gave in and upped their offer. They would be furious at the Niners, as this would start an irreversable trend for all other dfaft picks to follow!
The Niners increasing their offer is LITERALLY not an option here! How Crabtree's corner can't see/realise this is unbelieveable! If they don't sign that offer, they are DUMBER than DUMB!!!
...maybe he his waiting because he already knows he wont produce much in his rookie yr....since we have lots of receivers
...maybe he his waiting because he hopes the niners will increase the offer
....maybe he his currently training at home and see's no reason to join the team now - (from his point of view he knows the routes he has to run - its not rocket science)
.....maybe he his waiting because his injury is not healed and does not want it to get worse
.....maybe he his waiting because he can.....usually people with huge ego's always reply with "you don't know what i have been thru" - see T.O
....maybe he his waiting because he thinks the team will suck in the first 5 games and the fans will be whinning to the org to get things done...
one thing most of you fail to consider is.....if we look horrible the first 5 games - he will look better than the org.....cuz as always the org will be looking for a boost or change in offense....
....this is business and most of you are clueless....
..when the losing starts - the niners could care less what the rest of league says about overpaying him....
..."GM Scot McCloughan and negotiator Paraag Marathe have way too much to lose to set the precedent of paying a draft pick more than the slot. "...
...that may be true, but when the season starts and we start to lose games - they wont care about precedents but their current performance....
.....the bottomline is Crabtree is a legit Number 1 receiver on any team in the NFL.....he will make a huge difference in this offense
S.Hill should be begging Crabtree cuz Crab is the only receiver on the roster who can take a short pass for distance on a REGULAR BASIS - remember those WR screen plays in college....
Maybe you and Alex Smith could run away together.
Congrats on 1 million+ MM! I predict a holdout coming for the Press Democrat.
As far as Crabtree goes, whatever. I like Josh Morgan better anyway. Go Niners!
FINALLY!!!! It comes out. You don't like the draft. In a true free market system, the NFL wouldn't have a draft and therefore no slotting system. I can actually understand that argument from a free market purist. However, I don't believe the NFL wants "to keep the draft which holds down total player compensation". If you look at the guaranteed money given to unproven players, that argument is asinine. Also, NFL teams are hamstrung when a pick doesn't pan out which can lead to poor on-field performance and drops in attendance. How do you think the 9ers attendance would be impacted if they got the next Tom Brady with that #1 pick instead of Alex Smith? Teams feel bad picks in their pocket books. Also, without the draft you'd end up with a very unbalanced league. Parity would not exist. You'd have something like the Yankees and Red Sox winning the World Series 50% of the time. That type of arrangement worked well for us with Eddie but I don't think Jed, Denise, or John are willing to spend that kind of money. How would you like to be the Kansas City Royals of the NFL? Get rid of the draft and that's a real possibility. The 9ers stadium situation is the worst in the NFL which destroys their income.
"I hope the fans don't cave and start the Crabtree chants"
...cmon dude - you know that is exactly what is going to happen if we start the season losing
Hill can't throw long - so you will expect a drop off in reception from Morgan and expect increase receptions from davis, Gore, battle and bruce
look at the preseason - which receiver impressed you the most - Battle. (how many long passes did Hill complete in the preseason?)
...the excuse now is the other guys have tired legs....are you kidding me?.....
By my figures, Crabtree would be tossing away $3,200,000.00 if he sits out all this year. How will he ever get that back? The reports are that he wants $23M guaranteed so if he sits out and enters the draft next year, all the teams will know what they will have to pay before they draft him. Will anyone want him at that price?Or will he add the $3.2M which he'd lost this year to the $23m making it $26.2M guaranteed?I sort of hope that he does sit out. Then he can go home and let mommy and daddy take care of him (or Parker, or Deion, or David Wells)after he explains to them again how he turned his back on $3.2M.
Ha Ha Ha Ha....and the Raiders were jacked up because we left this joker behind......Ha Ha Ha. He won't even play with the Niners Ha Ha Ha....
...the cowboys might pay him that amount
...dutchebag peter king's 2009 niner prediction = San Francisco 49ers 6-10
"It would have helped if Michael Crabtree, the Texas Tech wideout taken at No. 10 in the draft, hadn't missed camp in a contract dispute. An elite pass catcher is needed to offset the assortment of average ones (Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, etc.) on the roster. There are other concerns, including the absence of a proven pass rusher, but the season will most likely hinge on whether Hill or Smith can lift the offense.
The odds of that? Call it 50-50. " - dutchebag peter king
MM - Are you still sticking by your initial timeline of a deal getting done within 3 days of Labor day or is that all out the window now?
Bucs just fired OC Jeff Jagodzinski. I remember a lot of you wanted him over Jimmy Rae.
I read about that too. There must be something going on with that guy mentally that turns teams away from him. It will be interesting to see how Linehan does in Detroit too. I hope the Niners D knocks the snot out of his offense in December.
At about 18k per week, Crabtree has now foregone one Maserati in his garage, or a entire bespoke wardrobe from his favorite designer already.
By keeping up this charade, he will lose about 10 more maserati's, or a house for each of his family members, for every week's delay.
According to recent studies, about 50% of pro athletes are broke 10 years out of the game. Based on that yardstick, it seems like his financial judgment makes him equivalent a a "top 5" draft pick after all--at least as it relates to going broke.
If Crap-tree decided to sit out the season and I'm in 49ers management, I will definately make sure either he slides way back next draft to some oblivious slot or make sure he won't get any money like he was offered this year. In addition, I will draft him AGAIN next year and pay him less in some 2nd or 3rd rd.
Matt, do you think it is possible that Crabtree and Jerry Jones may be in on this together. I mean why would Crabtree be threatening to hold out till next years draft unless he had some real money to fall back on. Maybe Crabtree really wants to be a Cowboy. That is his team and Dallas does need quality receiver since the loss of T.O. But do you think Jerry Jones would try to pull something like this off for a top wide receiver for next year. I mean we all know that Deion Sanders is in Crabtree's inner circle of advisers... but do you think Jerry Jones is too? We all know he has the money to throw around (e.i. the big ass screen in their stadium). Besides it would be a win-win for everyone involved (Crabtree and his family, Deion Sanders, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys) except for the 49ers. Plus, I could see Crabtree in a Dallas Cowboy jersey. Can't you?
oneniner-
you are always talking about hill not being able to throw the deep ball. so let me ask you. what do you consider the "deep ball"?? 30,40,50 yards down field?? or more?? because ive seen him throw 30 and 40 yards down field. if you ask me, unless you have a WR that can blow by the coverage with his speed. i really dont want him throwin deep like a Farve. those types of deep balls scream INT. Unless and i say again, you have a speedy WR that leaves the DBs in his dust. Just becuase you have not seen it in the preseason does not mean it can't be done.
Correct me if im wrong but didnt josh morgan catch a few nice pashes for touch downs last season?? wasnt one of them for 48 yards?
So again how deep are you talking?
according to what MM said, we wouldn't be allowed to draft him again next year. haha i already thought of that my self. wouldn't it have been great to re-draft him in a later round and give him even less money :D
If that's the case, then fine let him be a Dallas Cowgirl and we'll get Dallas's next year 1st round (if not more)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does tampering exist in this case ??
Hey Matt, this is a great blog and thank you for all your hard work!!
Regarding the contract on the table for Crabtree, shouldn't the niners brass have a deadline attached to it? They can't allow a bad game or two to put them in a bad position of needing a reciever and falling into their trap. This way if Crabtree doesn't sign a week before the season starts than the all bets are off and their current fair market offer won't be their for the taking during week 3 or 4 for the Crabtree camp. What their plan seems to be is that let's wait it out for a few weeks of the season and see how the team does... If they passing game sucks they get some leverage to get an improved offer and even if the passing game is decent they can always fall back on the fair market offer from the niners w/ just a few week's paychecks lost! The niner must be ready to walk away from this deal if it's not signed by first week!!!
That's the same idea I've been kicking around for awhile. It's the only possible reason I can think of for him to have not signed yet; if he really was going to eventually sign the contract around Labor Day then what's the point of waiting?
The idea that a poor enough performance by the offense would cause the 49ers to up the offer is moronic (that would basically be asking every future first round pick to hold out in to the regular season to try to get a better deal) but then again everything else Crabtree's done since draft day has been moronic, too. Why should we expect him to be any different now?
I am so tired of Crabsfree that i hope he holds out, re enters the draft next year and gets picked up by the niners again on the 2nd round and get paid about 6 million total package and see how he likes that!!! by the way....are the niners elegible to draft him again next year if he re wnters?? that would be a sweet way to really stick it to him!
To me, the only positive about this is that both sides are not speaking publicly about each other. That being said, Matt, have you tried to interview Parker about what is going on? Is he refusing to speak to reporters?
Crabtree loses value everyday that he is not under contract in my opinion. Regardless of the amount of talent he has..what do you really think guys like Willis, Vernon Davis, and Gore will think amongst themselves about a teammate who starts missing games!?!? There will be resentment from the other guys as well..Now maybe if the 9ers were pulling some Bengal crap and not trying to pay the kid at all..Now you can whine and moan all you want about how they just need to pay the kid and they dont owe anything to the rest of the league but when I see new 49er contracts I like to see as small a number as possible on that contract so that the team has cap room to bring in other talent. We had to overpay for Clements and Justin Smith because our need of talent was so great and our losing record and owners' reputation were so terrible, and we have solved the talent problem because we are back to a point where the 53 man roster cuts are actually being debated. Sp whereas Clements and Justin Smith's agent prolly had a field day in negotiations, Crabs and Parker thought they would come in and do the same. This is the problem that overpaying anyone can lead to. Now conversely, you don't want to come off as cheap either and in the past that was the main knock on the Yorks' reputation especially after the great roster purge of '03. The 49ers offer to this kid is more than fair based on what last year's 10th pick got and in a reasonable spot this year between 9 and 11. And if any of you a-holes think we should just go ahead and pay him the extra 18mil and 7 guaranteed then think about it like this..what if he didn't want DHB money. What if instead he thought he was best player in the Draft hands down and wanted Stafford money...Should he get it?? If you say no then shut your mouth it is the same premise off which he is negotiating now and that world only exists in his mind.
I believe Crabtree does not want to play for the niners thus he is willing to sit out the season. He is hoping that next year a team that can go to the superball will pick him.
If the niners cave and throw a boat load of money at him then of course he will play.
My first post on the new site(yes, its been awhile).
Crabtree's holdout is about the money, right? Something no one seems to have mentioned is that if Crabtree gets ANYTHING more than he is being offered right now he comes out ahead. He only stands to lose about $180,000 over the first 10 reg-season games. I would be shocked if the 49ers didn't up their offer by $500,000 to $1,000,000 (not a slot busting amount) to prevent losing a first round draft pick at that point. If the 49ers up their offer at all, Crabtree is a winner in this game of chicken.
Thanks for all of the great posts Matt. Also, thanks to Randy in Santa Rosa for the links you post periodically.
Matt posted perviously that the team who drafts a player cannot draft them following year (if they are unsigned the previous year):
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/08/rules-regarding-unsigned-picks.html
"the club that drafted the player is the only club that can sign the player until the day of the draft in the subsequent year, at which time the player is eligible to be chosen by any team other than the club that drafted him in the initial draft."
It's been mentioned before, but is worth mentioning again. Bo Jackson was drafted by the Bucs #1 overall, but they didn't want him playing two sports, so he sat out. He re-entered the draft the following year, and was picked 183rd overall (7th round).
to me if he wants that money....put it in the contract as incentives..you produce then you get paid, you sit on your behind for one yaer or don't produce, then you don't get it. Why is it i never hear a player saying, " damn i am playing as if I was a 5 round pick, maybe i should get paid like it and give some money back!" He really reminds me of michael Irving in Dallas, but at least Michael produced! all he needs is the fur coat and the clowns (his entourage) trying to get some money out of the man.
Cause that is exactly what we want..a WR not being a team player b/c we are a run first team and he needs to hit his numbers so he can get paid...Bad idea..especially for a kid that already looks to be in diva beast mode
Hey Matt-
Congratulations on the million hits on your site. Better be nice to oneniner 'cuz I think he sent about 250,000 of those hits!
Hey matt,
Off topic but I hope you can address this.
I came across an article by Mark Maske, Washington Post Staff Writer dated Friday, August 28, 2009 with the following:
"In addition to Minnesota, the teams having trouble selling tickets include the San Diego Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars. The list of teams with ticket-selling issues also could include the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and possibly the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals".
Can you get a response from the 49er management. For some reason there has been a total silence on the part of 49er beat writers on the issue of 2009 season ticket sales. I wonder why this is such a taboo subject. 49ers have had no blackouts since 1981. Seems to me it should be a big story if it happens this year.
...well..
Can the niners change their offer the week before the season starts? same amounts..
Front load the contract even more..
and place most of the guaranteed cash in the first year?.. that way he finds himself in a tighter spot?
Im not reallysweating over this kid because.. lets be honest.. if hes dumb enough to sit a year.. you dont want him.
I've said it before on a prior string – if Crabcakes doesn't sign by 11/14, his heart is simply not in football anymore.
....i am guessing you know this because you are crabtree's cousin or agent?....
.....since you know so much.....maybe you could help with my over and under when the season starts...
Off topic but a little side news.
One of the OC's we interviewed Jagodzinski just got fired. First by Boston College now Tampa.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Biggs-Jagodzinski-turns-down-demotion-to-be-QB-coach.html
Thank god we didnt get him....
"Jagodzinski had very little experience calling plays, something that Steve Logan normally did for him at Boston College. (Logan is now in Tampa as a running backs coach and will remain there.) The Bucs reportedly grew concerned that Jagodzinski knew how to install a zone blocking running scheme on the team, but not much else.
"Sometime during training camp, it became increasingly apparent to Bucs officials and players, that Jagodzinski was not equipped to install and direct an NFL offense," writes Rick Stroud.
The team reportedly believed Jagozinski lacked "sophistication" when it came to various aspects of the passing game."
exactly... They really have to put his feet to the fire, and have him make a decision is he really ready to take the offer or really sit out the year (I doubt anybody can be that stupid to do that and leave the $16 mil on the table!!!)
$hit or get off the pot!
I guess the Niners ability to pick coordinators is better then most people guessed.
..easy my friend.....dont jump to quick...
lets see what Raye can do before we close the criticsm of the niners to pick an OC that not only works out but stays for more than a yr...
Anything is better than hiring a guy that has been dismissed by two teams in 8 months. Something is going on there, so thank god we have Raye.
To oneiners point Raye has to prove he can create a consistent offense and stick around. I like the direction the 9ers are going. If we are 500 or above and continuing to improve all will be good. Even is we are a 7-9 team and showing progress... I will feel good. Sing and York are establishing a holistic identity and sticking too it.
GO 9ers!!!
i say we move on from crabloser. he is a clown and we dont need cancer on our team. You suck crabclown!!!!!!!
oh yeah and your the biggest piece of **** i make 8.40 an hour and work my butt off. your crying over 18 million dollars!! what is wrong with you??!! your a p***y and a b***h and we dont want you on our team you f*****g loser. go back to texas you f**
MATT,
What are the chances that Crabtree gets just below the 18M that Raji at No. 9 got over 5 years (ie. $17.95) plus more contract incentives than Raji?
Or how about 14.3 guaranteed over 5 years?
Are the Niners only concerned about agreeing to a higher guaranteed amount or the full contract amount incl. incentives etc. than no. 9?
Bottom line, how flexible are the Niners in upping their 16m offer and at the same time, meeting their goal in not paying Crabtree more than Raji got at No. 9?
Matt,
I meant 14.3 over 4 years in the second question.
Nah I agree 100%, they gotta show something. I didn't mean to imply that Raye's success was guaranteed. I was just saying that b/c of the recent news with Jago-whatshisname; so far Raye was a good choice.
1. congrats Matt, this blog is awesome
2. I'm still thinking MC fell to us not because of his foot or his attitude, but becuase of his agent--teams were concerned about getting him signed.
3. Parker has further harmed his rep with this hold-out
4. Seen a couple of posts that his hold-out is because he's not healthy or concerned with competition--I don't believe it. Besides, if he's hurt, all the more reason to sign the guarenteed money contract.
5. Rookie WR's don't produce, let him sit-out, we can use the roster spot.
6. If the young man is dumb enough to walk away from the offer on the table, he's too dumb to play for my team.
7. Dutchebag??
...yea i am cool with raye- just not cool with his QB...:)
mm just tweated that A. Smith is sitting out the final Preseason game and that N. Davis is going to get 3 plus qtrs!!!!!!!!!
This is great news as he will get some serious NFL game time regardless of the level of competition and more importantly he will hopefully have the playbook opened. We are going to get a good look tomorrow.
..i thought i read somewhere A.Smith would be getting reps not just cuz he didnt play last game but cuz he his playing in his hometown....
...maybe things have changed.....
Lol! Like Coach Sing said, "just watch!"
@SC Rick, lmao @ #7!
...easy dude....i feel your fustration....if it makes you feel better - he his currently unemployed....
".....since you know so much.....maybe you could help with my over and under when the season starts..."
Now oneniner, are you going fisticuffs with me? Have you broken up with Mr. Smith and now moved on to a torrid affair with Mr. Crabcakes?
It's just my personal observation. It defies all logic why he just doesn't take the 16 million put in front of him – he can even pull a hammy, then sit out for six weeks in the comfort of his penthouse at Menlo Park.
Believe me, I'm hoping he'll come to his senses on Labor Day.
im sick of his greedy a** and dont want him on our team at all. go back to texas you sick son of a b****
Glad you approve. I do enjoy.
he can go away
I'll bet he has a source of funds and is spending at a rate higher than $8.40/hour. I'm surprised we don't see more posts such as this.
Stampede, glad you approve
GLT4--I'm OK with your comment. Kinda surprised we don't see more. You can bet that while MC is "currently unemployed" that he's spending at a rate higher than $8.40/hour
Stampede--glad you approve
....Dude you r a waste of space...what defies logic is the ability for u to "think"
Sure no niner fan is happy about the holdout...but it is reasonable and understanble to see why he refuses to sign...
trying looking at it objectively...
he his a football player/entertainer - his body is his company, his organization - he has every right to demand what his body would cost..
....last i recall we live in a capitalist society - where everyone has a right to demand wht they want for their services...
if he signs and the niners increase game tickets - i bet your personal observations won't have a problem with that...
If he does not sign by Nov 12 - then you can whine as usual....until then do us a favor and just observe...
....Dude you r a waste of space...what defies logic is the ability for u to "think"
Sure no niner fan is happy about the holdout...but it is reasonable and understanble to see why he refuses to sign...
trying looking at it objectively...
he his a football player/entertainer - his body is his company, his organization - he has every right to demand what his body would cost..
....last i recall we live in a capitalist society - where everyone has a right to demand wht they want for their services...
if he signs and the niners increase game tickets - i bet your personal observations won't have a problem with that...
If he does not sign by Nov 12 - then you can whine as usual....until then do us a favor and just observe...
We ALMOST had a repeat of 2007, but worse (is that possible?):
Jagodzinski "not equipped" to direct NFL offense
Perhaps there is a more salacious truth out there, but the St. Petersburg Times reports that Jeff Jagodzinski is no longer the Bucs offensive coordinator for a simple reason: he wasn't ready for the job.
"Jags" had very little experience calling plays, something that Steve Logan normally did for him at Boston College. (Logan is now in Tampa as a running backs coach and will remain there.) The Bucs reportedly grew concerned that Jagodzinski knew how to install a zone blocking running scheme on the team, but not much else.
"Sometime during training camp, it became increasingly apparent to Bucs officials and players, that Jagodzinski was not equipped to install and direct an NFL offense," writes Rick Stroud.
The team reportedly believed Jagozinski lacked "sophistication" when it came to various aspects of the passing game. Coach Raheem Morris spoke about the decision Thursday.
These days this is definitely the best blog going because of the comments. By and large they are polite and insightful. Something rare on other blogs. MM gets the credit for setting the tone & providing good stuff.
Except for Crabtree where MM seems unable to treat the subject as fairly as he declares the Niners are being. I think if someone doesn't act fairly, it's really not credible when they pass judgment of fairness in others.
If the Niners start out 0-5 (god forbid), Crabtree will have huge leverage. For one thing Coach Singletary will be banging on Jed's desk yelling at him to get the kid signed. If it's 3-2 or better, Niners win and Crabtree signs the current offer.
That's how I would play it. But then again, I'm smarter than the average bear.
thanks. i dont think he deserves to be a 49er. a cowgirl? heck yes or maybe the raiders should have drafted his sorry butt. i hope crabloser reads this and feels like crap. because he is doodoo! we dont need you McCrabclown.
..really not trying to insult you or ....
but lets be fair - this is business
He has a right to ask for more money -
He his not out there bad mouthing the org, he his not out there "making it rain"....or killing dogs/people...
He his no Bradon Marshall or Owens -
Crabtree is a good kid.....and we r lucky to have him
..that last one might touch a nerve - ok bring it on ..:)
MATT, QUICK QUESTION: Is it a sure thing that Crabtrre's foot is totally healed?? His practice/running time was limited, so isn't it a possibility he is holding out for more guarenteed money as he knows his foot will not hold out for long? Just a thought. Thanks
crabclown still sucks! hahahaha
I would argue we don't have him. We have the rights to him. We won't have him until he signs on the dotted line, something he ostensibly has no desire to do in the near future. I agree with you that he has the right to hold out for what he thinks is fair (I would assert that what he is being offered IS fair), though it is also the 49ers' right not to pay him what they deem too much. I hope he signs, but even if he does, I suspect he's going to be way behind where we need him to be, and won't make a serious contribution for at least a few weeks.
The draft while I find it personally entertaining creates "parity" or mediocrity in truth. Look at the 49ers and our history the last 10 years in the draft. We have been poor drafters except for a few choices. We have been a poor team, yet have the Niners lowered the ticket prices? NO! So we should protect their financial interests with a draft?
Competition makes for better football, that includes Owners & their management.
One day some rookie is going to court and fight the NFL and I hope they break down this barrier. Who knows maybe Crabtree is football's Curt Flood. They are all Billionaires so why should we protect their interests? They feed off college football anyway and don't pay their fair share for a development league. The draft is there to hold down salaries.
No matter what, come 2012 and the new bargaining agreement it is going to be a very different league.
#7 = Douchebag from Holland, I guess.
#7 = d-bag from Holland, I guess.
RealFan-Not trying to antagonize you, just a question:
Do you think MM is unfair on Crabs because you disagree with him, or other reasons?
My take is he (MM) has been fair, but maybe that's because I agree with him....
I dunno, its all just opinions here; one probably as good as the next.
I would ask you this question: if ALL the other draftees in the 09 draft under the existing format have signed, what's Crabtree doing other making himself look bad and getting a very late start to prove he should have gone sooner in the draft. Just like his right to hold out you have the right to post on this blog but both of you can cast yourself in an unfavorable light by your actions.
Who knows what Parker is feeding this guy on a daily basis to have him so brainwashed? We know Parker promised Crabs that he would go top 2-5. We know Parker dropped the ball with no PR program in the media,when Crabs foot problem was found out and teams naturally were worried about if it would be a problem in the future and were worried that he could not run the 40 etc. Parker promised something he didn't deliever and then screwed up even more with no PR and then after he dropped in the draft,he still promised him top 5 money.
Whatever Parker is still telling Crabs ,maybe Crabs should start to get the idea that this guy has lied or misslead him every step of the way so far,and get himself a reliable agent? He made the wrong selection of an agent but after that became evident it was too late in the process to get off the horse,might as well ride to the finish line and see what happens.
If Parker does not come to him sometime after the last preseason game with a contract to sign,it is time for a new agent(past time !).
I think he will sign because he certainly has nothing personal against the Niners and that would be the only logical reason for not signing,because you just plain refuse to play for the team that drafted you. But that is not the case,he never even asked for a trade,when it was possible.It seems that the Niners are not down on him and he is not down on the Niners .
The only good thing we can say is that at least he didn't finally sign the other day and break his foot in his first practice like what happened in Cincy the other day !
Oh,and the answer to the question (Is Crabtree serious about walking away from $16 million?),is ...NO !
Not unless Parker has him tied up somewhere and is holding him hostage ,or unless Crabs has gone insane .
He will sign !
Then if he acts like he always has acted,a good citizen and good team mate and nothing like a Diva ,but a rather shy tyoung man with good character,all will be forgotten and forgiven by all sensable fans. Especially if he starts catching TD's by the carload !
Oh,and the answer to the question (Is Crabtree serious about walking away from $16 million?),is ...NO !
Not unless Parker has him tied up somewhere and is holding him hostage ,or unless Crabs has gone insane .
He will sign !
Then if he acts like he always has acted,a good citizen and good team mate and nothing like a Diva ,but a rather shy tyoung man with good character,all will be forgotten and forgiven by all sensable fans. Especially if he starts catching TD's by the carload !
"trying looking at it objectively...
he his a football player/entertainer - his body is his company, his organization - he has every right to demand what his body would cost..
....last i recall we live in a capitalist society - where everyone has a right to demand wht they want for their services..."
The other 31 draft picks didn't have an issue with their contracts put in front of them. But sure, it's his inalienable right to look like a diva and hold out for what he thinks he's worth.
In every negotiation between player and team, there's two sides. MM has done an excellent job in repeating over and over again the Niner company line. He has made zero attempt to explain Crabtree's position. That's not even handed journalism, that's picking a side and insulting the other. Niners are fair, Crabtree needs to explain to the team his holdout, Crabtree is irrational, Niners are wise, Niners need to maintain their reputation with the rest of the league.
Even the title of this piece. Why doesn't it say "why are the Niners willing to walk away from a couple more wins this year to save $5 million?
I can understand why MM does this. His livelihood depends on good relations with the team. He's not going to put that at risk by offering any criticism of their approach, especially when most of the fan base have bought into the Niner side. What's the upside to MM? Piss off the team and most of the fans vs getting the respect of Crabtree. If you place little value on journalistic ethics, the answer is a no brainer.
MM I understand. What I don't understand is most fans placing Jed/John/Denise financial well being in front of the team improving and getting more wins. I didn't give a hoot if Eddie D made a profit or loss in owning the team. I didn't know how much Joe & Jerry were getting paid. I wasn't at all interested. I think the rest of the fans were just like me.
So what the heck changed their view? Mine didn't so why did theirs?
Realfan:
Crabs has not said one word.We know Parker said some timne ago that he thought his client deserved top 5 money etc,but the agent is not negotiating in the press ,anymore than the Niners are.
So,Matt doesn't know the Crabtree camp "company line" ,so he CANNOT report it. Matt does know the Bargaining agreement and CAN comment on that and he knows what the perameters of the offer can be at the #10 slot ,and can comment on what the possibilities are for the Niners and for Crabtree etc. But he cannot tell you what Crabs side is really wanting and what their negotiating stance is or what possible logic they are using to justify their delay. He simply can't,because that is being kept private between the Niners and tha Agent,as it should be.
and...Franchise: The NFL is not really a Capitalist endeavor.Like Major League Baseball,it is rather Socialist ,even communist in nature.A Monopoly of sorts.They pretend to be 32 teams but it is really one big company that pools most of their profits.The only competition is on the field but as far as business goes,there is very little competition. Competition is the backbone of Capitalism,although the way things are going in washington,I understand that not even the top poilticians understand what Capitalism is anymore,so don't feel bad.
And Realfan: You need to realize that from the Niners side,the main issue is not saving money,that is of course always important but in this csae it is secondary or even 3rd on the list.
Maybe from Crabtrees side it is THE main issue(we don't even know that for sure).Maybe Crabtre's agent is just trying to save face at this point and pull out something that he can point to in the contract to save his reputation ?
But the Niners MUST not be seen as a soft new regime who cave in to an outrageous blackmail attempt by a goofy agent. They would be tempting every agent for every one of their picks in the future,to threaten a hold out if the Niners don't give them an equelly insane amount that they gave Crabs. The Niners have a bit of flexability,but only a little.If they go too far it will be selling their soul for a temporary gain,but they will pay later when the other agents come to call !
I should give credit where its due – I was quoting that Capitalist comment from our beloved blogger and pitbull oneniner.
"Beloved" ??? Dripping with sarcasm !
135 comments and counting, holy cow batman! I sure wasn't go to read all those.
Simple math
2009 - should make $16 million, but won't because of money
2010 - needs to get drafted in top 5 - won't
Then he needs that top 5 contract PLUS another $16 million to make up lost wages. Won't!
Why - well that's just stupidity that's why.
Can you justify your statement about the Niners walking away from a couple more wins this year by not capitulating to Carbtree's demands? For someone who claims to be smarter than the average bear that's a heck of a thing to say.
Answer my question and I'll answer yours. That's fair isn't it?
Maybe Crabtree isn't being a diva but just following all the advice given to him by his advisers because he trusts them completely.
For example, Crabtree has never personally said to the press that he's prepared to hold out for the entirety of the season, even though his cousin has, and he hasn't said directly to the press that he feels the contract being offered is unfair. However, the advice he may be receiving from people he trusts may be leading him down this path.
Granted, it's certainly easier to view him as a diva, but has he been a diva on the same levels as TO or Brandon Marshall? I would think not.
One thing MM could do is interview a current or retired player that's been in the same position as Crabtree. There's hundreds out there.
As for your defense of the Niner position, it all comes down to the fact they won't spend the extra money to get Crabtree signed. You can spin it anyway you like but that's the bottom line.
You didn't answer my question either.
As I recall Matt did report on a retired player who had been in a similar situation with two holdouts, Mike Singletary.
Outside of that I believe that the niners are making a fair contract offer. The history of the last few years and the fact that they have signed draftees prior to training camp supports the fact that they are making a fair contract offer in this case. I do not believe that they would offer fair contracts to all recent first round picks and decide that Crabtree is not worth it. Crabtree is not due anything other than 10 money. What I believe the niners should do is offer at the high end of the 10 slotted position, I don't know slightly less than Raji at nine. Mr. Crabtree needs to prove that he is worth more than whats been offered.
Matt has been completely fair in reporting this story as he is other reporting.
Fair enough. The title does not read "why are the Niners willing to walk away from a couple more wins this year to save $5 million?" because saying that would be highly speculative. Titling any blog entry in such a way would suggest that Michael Crabtree will not only contribute immediately but do so in a significant enough fashion to be the deciding factor in winning at least two games we would have otherwise lost. That is what "a couple more wins" implies. It may turn out he is that kind of player; I'm HIGHLY doubtful but I have to allow for the possibility. And conversely one must allow for the possibility he's not. We don't know for sure yet and so your alternate title is too presumptuous. More completely your suggested title would be "If Crabtree signs and if he's fully recovered from his injury and if he can learn a whole new offense unlike anything he's ever played in before and if he does in fact have the talent to be the next Larry Fitzgerald and if we have a QB who can throw a ball a receiver can catch and if we're in the position where an all-star receiver makes the difference in multiple games then why are the Niners willing to walk away from a couple more wins this year to save $5 million and risk setting a precedent to be extorted by future draft picks?"
On the other hand using a title like the one Mr. Maiocco's selected is pretty cut and dry. A month or so ago someone in Crabtree's camp threatened to walk away from $16 million dollars and go back in to next year's draft. It's been buzzing around ever since. With the regular season rapidly approaching and Eric Davis recently stating that, yes, Crabtree might be serious about it, asking that question is wholly appropriate. If he does not sign there's little doubt that's what will happen.
The fact there's a general consensus that Michael Crabtree's been acting like a petulant child probably plays a part in it, too. Yeah, there might be two sides to an issue but if one side is right and one side is wrong then why would the wrong deserve equal time and coverage?
There, your question's been answered. Now answer mine. Can you justify your statement about the Niners walking away from a couple more wins this year by not capitulating to Crabtree's demands?
Awesome post Alchemist! That is going to be the post of the week unless someone else has 12 cylinders upstairs and can get them all firing at once!
Crabgrass, read that one again (I know you're reading)!
I know I'm a little late and you probably won't see this but I felt compelled to offer a rebuttal. The draft does not exist to keep salaries down. The Salary Cap exists to keep salaries down. While I agree the 9ers have a poor draft record, ticket prices have nothing to do with the draft. Costs for player salaries increase every year, regardless of on-field production.
Just so I have this straight, based on your desire to prevent billionaire owners from sticking it to the small guys (who by the way are millionaires) you are advocating that the 9ers just give Crabtree whatever amount of money his little heart desires. This contract of course will pay a completely unproven player more than 3 times the amount of money a future hall of famer and still a reliable receiver is making in Isaac Bruce. You're right, this system makes no sense. We need a draft AND a rookie salary cap to keep unproven players from stealing money from NFL teams.
Thanks for the response, you obviously thought it out and expressed it well. I still don't happen to agree with you, but its the kind of exchange that's worthwhile.
I do think it's too harsh to call Matt's reporting unethical journalism.
I asked why do fans these days put the financial well being of the Yorks over team improvements and wins. You didn't answer that.
Everything in your comment is prejudiced against Crabtree. You've clearly got a closed mind on the issue. You've declared the Niners right and Crabtree wrong without hearing Crabtree's side and you've implied Crabtree doesn't deserve his side of the negotiation to be heard. Good luck with that attitude.
I agree, my comment was below the belt.
I'm a tad irritated at MM basically reprinted the same critical article over and over again without offering any new information and without any justification of the Niner position other than the Niner's image & the careers of Paraag, Jed & Scott would suffer if they upped their offer. A pretty feeble argument in my view.
You can't tell me the Yorks have a lot of respect and pull in the league. Especially after that trumped up nonsense about tampering that cost us a draft pick. Personally, I don't think Woodell would give a flying eff, if the Yorks doubled the offer to Crabtree and neither would Jerry Jones, Kraft, Rooney, Al Davies or any other owner.
I heard Crab's college HC say just the other day that if he knows Crabs,he is just working out hard and not even checking in with his agent on a regular basis. He said Crabs will probably just keep in great shape and wait until his agent calls and says for him to sign.
As I have been saying about Crabs all along,he seems to want to play and to come in ,he is even living in the Bay Area ,just waiting.
And now we have Crabs writing on a web site to his fans that the fans should not believe all the garbage in the press (anything his Cousin said or anything else his agent or he himself have not said themselves should be given any credance). Maybe more will come out ,but as of now I still feel the same way ,that the Niners are doing the right thing and Crabs himself has not done anything for fans to get angry at him about.
Sounds like a good kid ,getting some bad representation.
That is an argument I haven't considered in this whole Crab debate. My stance has been that 9er management shouldn't cave because of the impact it will have on future negotiations. I hadn't considered the 9ers standing up and telling the league FU! You take draft picks away for a very flimsy tampering charge but other teams get away with murder and nothing happens. Well guess what NFL Teams, screw you!!!! We're paying Crabs #2 money. How do you like them apples?
Wow! I really like that argument!
Realfan: If you are correct and the Yorks have not earned much respect around the NFL yet,then the best thing they can do to make sure they get the respect they deserve is to not give in to the agent and to do the right thing and stick with the fair offer they already offered or one close.If they cave in,not only will they lose respect around the League with other owners and GM's etc ,but they will lose respect with all the Agents that they will need to deal with in the years to come. If they do that they will cause themselves a whole carload of trouble. Why not just keep doing the right thing for now and for the future and earn respect from everyone,fans included ?
I don't put the financial well-being of the Yorks that high. If you're really one of the Niner faithful then their list of sins isn't anything I need to go over. Financially I don't know how much Crabtree's contract will hurt them. NFL ownership is a billionaires club so I suspect they've got the money. I've also heard it's nearly impossible to lose money as an NFL owner with the way the league is structured so that makes me care about them even less. But the Yorks aren't the issue here.
What is an issue is the Niners tying up a whole lot of valuable salary cap space (more than their obliged to) on an unproven commodity. Whether that $5 to $7 million goes to Michael Crabtree or stays with the Yorks is irrelevant to me in and of itself. What I do care about is that tying up extra cap space with Crabtree now means there's less money available we could use to pursue Julius Peppers or some other soon-to-be free agent who we know stands a good chance of substantially helping the team because said player has already proven to be an NFL success. There are many other salary cap related issues that go along with being perceived to overpay for Crabtree but Mr. Maiocco's already done a great job of explaining them so I won't rehash it.
There are many many reasons presented by Maiocco and myself as to why giving in to Crabtree is a mistake and concern over the York's checking account balance is not one of them. You seem to be willing to look past all that though and I can't get my head around why.
And yes I personally was against the Crabtree selection. The perils of drafting a non-senior skill position player who put up good numbers in college but did so in a gimmick offense against a bunch of lousy defenses is something I thought the Niner faithful learned their lesson on after we drafted Alex Smith. Apparently I was wrong on that one. To be clear, I'd be opposed to overpaying for any rookie. I'm even more opposed to overpaying for the one who, outside of Andre Smith, I think is the draft's biggest potential bust.
I've also heard Crabtree's side, as much as it's been stated. His side's been heard through the statement his cousin made. He wants what he perceives his fair market value to be. He thinks because some people on the internet or ESPN said he was one of the best players in the draft that he should be compensated accordingly. The NFL draft does not work that way though. You're worth what your draft slot is. Even Randy Moss was able to figure that one out. That Crabtree can't ought to raise a red flag with us all.