49ers Notes: Crabtree, Ward, Gore, Harbaugh
Michael Crabtree is one of the top receivers set to be a free agent at the end of the 2014 season, ranking as the third best of that group according to Mike Sando of ESPN.com. Jordy Nelson, who just received a four year, $39MM extension was fourth on the same list.
That being said, Nelson has officially set the market for Crabtree, writes Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. Crabtree’s negotiations with the 49ers should start at that figure, and eclipse Nelson’s numbers in total dollars and guaranteed money by at least a few dollars.
Here are some other notes from around the team’s camp:
- 49ers’ first-round draft pick Jimmie Ward has been impressive, quickly acclimating to playing slot corner, writes Eric Branch of SFGate.com. Despite being sidelined during the spring, Ward has caught up rather quickly, and has competed strongly on the defense.
- With Kendall Hunter lost for the season, pressure has mounted on starting running back Frank Gore, without a viable backup with experience on the roster. Though there are questions with how much longer Gore can carry the load for the team, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk asserts that Gore could remain effective for a few more seasons.
- One of the biggest questions concerning the 49ers’ future, is how long will head coach Jim Harbaugh be at the helm. Harbaugh’s contract brings him through 2015, but if no extension is agreed to next offseason, the feeling is that the team will either trade him or let his contract expire, writes Florio.
Kendall Hunter Tears ACL
The 49ers have collected depth at the running back position, and that depth will be put to the test early with the news that Kendall Hunter suffered a torn right ACL, writes SFgate.com’s Eric Branch. Hunter, who missed five games in 2012 because of a torn Achilles, will now be sidelined for the final year of his rookie contract.
Healthy in 2013, Hunter averaged 4.6 yards per carry as Frank Gore‘s backup. Now, the 49ers will now turn to a group of talented, inexperienced backs, including second-rounder Carlos Hyde, “redshirt” Marcus Lattimore and third-down back/kick returner LaMichael James.
NFC West Links: Lynch, Fitzgerald, Hunter
It’s hard to imagine a head coach being in a good mood when their star player decides to hold out, and Pete Carroll certainly confirms that notion. The Super Bowl-winning coach was asked about Marshawn Lynch‘s decision to skip Seahawks training camp and gave an honest (albeit snarky) answer.
“It’s a contract for a reason. We made a decision and it was signed, by us and by them,” Carroll told USA Today Sports’ Tom Pelissero. “We expect them to honor their contract just as we will. We’re going to honor it and we expect them to do the same.
“We’ve had a big plan for a long time working here, and Marshawn is a huge part of that plan, and we made a huge commitment to him a couple years ago. He remains a big part of that plan – if he’ll show up. The same thing will carry over to Doug (Baldwin) and Richard (Sherman) and Earl (Thomas) and Kam (Chancellor) and all of the guys that have signed with us.
“He’s got his own mind on this. We’ve communicated quite a bit, and I know where he is on it and we just have to see what happens.”
Lynch originally signed a four-year, $30MM deal in 2012 and the contract’s average annual value is among the top-six in the league.
Now, for some more NFC West notes…
- In a series of tweets, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen suggests that Lynch could lose a portion of his signing bonus if he misses the first six days of camp. If the Seahawks star decides to miss the first 11 games and the preseason opener, Mortensen estimates Lynch could give up more than $624K (based on CBA’s $30K daily fine and $294K penalty for missed preseason game).
- Cardinals team president Michael Bidwell was clear that he wants franchise receiver Larry Fitzgerald to spend the rest of his career in Arizona. “Our intent all along is to have Larry retire as an Arizona Cardinal,” he said (via AZCentral.com). “He’s been a great player on the field, a great person in the community, and a great ambassador not only for the Cardinals and the National Football League but also for the state of Arizona. We’ve worked hard to keep him a Cardinal, we’re going to keep him a Cardinal, and we intend to have him retire as a Cardinal.”
- 49ers running back Kendall Hunter was hurt during practice today, and ESPN’s Ed Werder tweets that the organization is “concerned” about the injury. The source indicated that the seriousness of the injury wasn’t known but the team “didn’t like way it looked.” If the injury proves to be serious, LaMichael James‘ chances of making the roster will certainly improve.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Minor Moves: Pats, 49ers, Titans, Panthers
Here are a few of today’s minor transactions from around the NFL:
- The Rams have added defensive end Kourtnei Brown, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). Brown will replace wideout Jamaine Sherman, who was waived/injured.
- Just five days after signing him, the Patriots have parted ways with tight end Nate Byham, per Brian McIntyre (Twitter link).
- After having been waived by the Redskins earlier this week, long snapper Kyle Nelson has caught on with the 49ers, tweets Jayson Braddock of RotoExperts.com.
- The Titans have cut tight end Adam Schiltz and used the newly-freed roster spot to sign guard Kevin Danser, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have waived UDFA defensive tackle Shaq Rowell, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Earlier updates:
- Armed with an open roster spot, the Cardinals have signed former Utah wideout Reggie Dunn, making him their 90th man, tweets Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Dunn went undrafted in 2013, but spent some time on the Packers’ practice squad last season.
- A pair of wide receivers signed contracts with the Vikings today, with Andy Cruse and Ty Walker coming aboard, according to a team release. To make room for the new additions, the Vikings have cut former Browns wideout Josh Cooper and tackle Matt Hall.
- The Bills have signed cornerback Bobby Felder and waived defensive tackle Colby Way, the club announced today in a press release. Felder has spent time on the practice squads of the Vikings and Buccaneers.
West Notes: 49ers, Smith, Davis, Burnett
Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News doesn’t blame 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh for trying to put a positive spin on things. “It’s such a positive happening, that first day,” Harbaugh said during his first session in the Levi’s Stadium auditorium. “Imagine you’re kind of in the comfort of the offseason, like being in the comfort of the womb, got plenty to eat in there, it’s warm, very cozy. And then you’re born, kind of, somewhat into the unknown. A lot of people looking at you, a lot of faces looking at you, a lot of excitement … It’s light, it’s bright, it’s noisy, it’s the crazy world of football.” It’s probably a good thing that the Niners have such a positive voice leading the charge given their contractual issues, injuries, and the Aldon Smith situation. Here’s more out of the AFC and NFC West..
- It has been alleged that Smith, the 49ers most feared pass rusher, was inebriated when he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport, but he says that he has maintained sobriety since September, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Smith says he will meet with commissioner Roger Goodell in New York sometime in the “near future” to talk about his future and any possible suspension. Meanwhile, those close to Smith expect him to be suspended, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets.
- 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said that his holdout is something that is “in the past” and added that he’s not worried about his contract, tweets Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. The contract discussions, he says, are between the team and his agent.
- Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter) is surprised the Raiders didn’t release Kevin Burnett sooner. The linebacker is 31, overpriced to be a backup, and there were concerns about how he’d take to a reserve role. The 31-year-old recorded 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks with an interception and four pass deflections last season.
West Notes: Boone, Charles, Houston
It was revealed earlier today that longtime Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is giving up control over the franchise due to his ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The 70-year-old is placing ownership in the Pat Bowlen Trust that is controlled by non-family members, with team president Joe Ellis assuming control of the club. “It’s a really, really sad day,” Ellis said. “It’s sad for his family, his wife and his seven children. It’s sad for everyone in the organization. And it’s sad for all the Bronco fans who know what Pat Bowlen meant to them as an owner. It’s a day nobody wanted to see happen.” More out of the AFC and NFC West..
- As expected, 49ers guard Alex Boone did not report to camp and he has been placed on the did not report list, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The Niners can fine him $30K for each day he remains absent.
- Terez A. Paylor of The Star (on Twitter) has received zero indications that Jamaal Charles’ new deal with the Chiefs will affect any potential deal with Justin Houston. Houston, 25, has racked up 21 sacks in 27 games for the Chiefs in the last two seasons, earning spots in consecutive Pro Bowls. However, since he was a third-round pick in 2011, he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and will earn a base salary of just $1.4MM in 2014.
- More from Paylor (on Twitter), who hears that despite some speculation to the contrary, Houston has reported to camp with the Chiefs.
Vernon Davis Reports To 49ers’ Camp
11:47am: Despite reporting to camp, Davis is still seeking a new contract and is “definitely” not interested in moving forward without a raise, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The tight end’s decision to attend training camp was a result of a few factors, including the desire to avoid daily $30K fines for his absence.
11:27am: While Davis is present at San Francisco’s training camp, the team doesn’t expect Boone to follow suit, tweets Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, adding that the offensive lineman is “bent on getting a new deal by any means necessary.” Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports also both hear that Boone won’t be reporting (Twitter links).
11:01am: Tight end Vernon Davis, who is seeking a new contract from the 49ers, has nonetheless reported to training camp, according to teammate C.J. Spillman, who posted a video of Davis’ arrival on Instagram. After Davis wasn’t in attendance at the club’s spring workouts and minicamp, it wasn’t clear if he would be present when training camp got underway, but it seems he won’t officially hold out.
Davis’ presence at training camp doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s putting his contract situation on the back-burner. It may be that the 30-year-old took notice when the 49ers agreed to an extension with Joe Staley – who was underpaid but not holding out – and decided his attendance at camp could help the two sides negotiate in good faith.
Although Davis may feel as if he’s not being paid what he deserves, he’s still among the league’s highest-paid tight ends by annual average value and has two years remaining on his current deal, so his leverage in contract talks will be limited. The team also has to address a potential new contract for fellow holdout candidate Alex Boone and extensions for Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati, so it will be interesting to see whether the Niners feel compelled to get anything done with Davis.
Offseason In Review: San Francisco 49ers
Notable signings:
- Antoine Bethea (S): Four years, $21MM. $6.25MM guaranteed.
- Anquan Boldin (WR): Two years, $12MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. Contract includes three void years.
- Phil Dawson (K): Two years, $6.134MM. $3MM guaranteed.
- Perrish Cox (CB): One year, $695K. $10K guaranteed.
- Demarcus Dobbs (DL): One year, $1.431MM. Accepted RFA tender.
- Brandon Lloyd (WR): One year, $1.005MM.
- Chris Cook (CB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Blake Costanzo (LB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Josh Johnson (QB): One year, minimum salary benefit.
- Kassim Osgood (WR): One year, minimum salary benefit.
Notable losses:
- Tarell Brown (CB)
- Anthony Dixon (RB)
- Jonathan Goodwin (C)
- Mario Manningham (WR)
- Colt McCoy (QB)
- Carlos Rogers (CB): Released
- Donte Whitner (S)
- Eric Wright (DB): Retired after having re-signed earlier in the offseason.
Extensions and restructures:
- Colin Kaepernick (QB): Extended through 2020. Six years, $114MM. $12.974MM guaranteed.
- Joe Staley (OT): Extended through 2019. Six years, $44.65MM. Includes option bonuses in 2015 and 2016 for the 2018 and 2019 years of the deal.
- Bruce Miller (RB): Extended through 2017. Three years, $5.4MM. $2.431MM guaranteed.
- Daniel Kilgore (G): Extended through 2017. Three years, $5.25MM. $1.995MM guaranteed.
- NaVorro Bowman (LB): Restructured contract. Reduced 2014 base salary from $4MM to $730K, converting the difference into a signing bonus.
- Craig Dahl (S): Accepted pay cut. Reduced 2014 base salary from $1.35MM to $825K and reduced roster bonus from $250K to $175K.
- Jonathan Baldwin (WR): Accepted pay cut. Reduced 2014 base salary from $1.275MM to $645K and eliminated $130K workout bonus. Can earn up to $755K in incentives based on performance and playing time.
Trades:
- Acquired Jonathan Martin from the Dolphins in exchange for a conditional 2015 seventh-round pick. Pick changes hands if Martin makes 49ers’ opening day roster.
- Acquired Blaine Gabbert from the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick (No. 205) and a conditional 2015 draft pick. 2015 pick changes hands if Gabbert starts eight or more games in 2014.
- Acquired Stevie Johnson from the Bills in exchange for a 2015 fourth-round pick which could become a third-rounder depending on Johnson’s performance.
- Acquired a second-round pick (No. 63), a fifth-round pick (No. 171), and a 2015 fourth-round pick from the Broncos in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 56) and a seventh-round pick (No. 242).
- Acquired a second-round pick (No. 57) from the Dolphins in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 63) and a fifth-round pick (No. 171).
- Acquired a third-round pick (No. 70) and a fifth-round pick (No. 150) from the Jaguars in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 61).
- Acquired a fourth-round pick (No. 106) and a sixth-round pick (No. 180) from the Browns in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 94).
Draft picks:
- Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois (1.30): Signed
- Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State (2.57): Signed
- Marcus Martin, C, USC (3.70): Signed
- Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin (3.77): Signed
- Brandon Thomas, G, Clemson (3.100): Signed
- Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina (4.106): Signed
- Dontae Johnson, CB, North Carolina State (4.129): Signed
- Aaron Lynch, DE/OLB, South Florida (5.150): Signed
- Keith Reaser, CB, Florida Atlantic (5.170): Signed
- Kenneth Acker, CB, SMU (6.180): Signed
- Kaleb Ramsey, DL, Boston College (7.243): Signed
- Trey Millard, FB, Oklahoma (7.245): Signed
Other:
- Exercised Aldon Smith‘s fifth-year option for 2015 ($9.754MM).
- Negotiating contract extension for Jim Harbaugh.
- Dealing with potential holdouts by Vernon Davis and Alex Boone.
- Received one compensatory draft pick.
- Signed seven rookie free agents after the draft.
The 2013 49ers were a team with very few holes. Few were surprised when Jim Harbaugh‘s squad progressed all the way to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the soon-to-be Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Although Colin Kaepernick was solid throughout the season, he was no longer the lightning rod he had been in 2012 when he led the team to Super Bowl XLVII before falling to the Ravens.
The offense received a major shot in the arm with the Week 13 return of Michael Crabtree from a long-term Achilles injury. The additional threat that Crabtree provided opposing defenses was enough to open up holes for the rushing attack, which was vital for the successful operation of Harbaugh’s run-first offense.
The defense, which boasted five 2013 Pro Bowlers, was one of the best units in the entire NFL. Former blue-chip flameout Glenn Dorsey appears to have found a home at the interior of Vic Fangio‘s 3-4 base defense. The linebacking corps, led by interior Pro Bowl duo NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, was as good as any in the league. In the secondary, Donte Whitner was the group’s largest contributor and leader. Heading into the offseason, the team had to confront the expiring contracts of several potentially expensive players, and the 2014 roster will have a slightly different look to it because of that.
Offensively, the 49ers made dramatic strides at the receiver position during the offseason. They retained Anquan Boldin, traded for Stevie Johnson, signed Brandon Lloyd, and drafted deep threat Bruce Ellington. Frank Gore, who has the second-most rushing attempts among all active running backs, has been surrounded with several intriguing talents to lighten this year’s load. Perennial spell back Kendall Hunter will be joined by second-round pick Carlos Hyde, LaMichael James, and former South Carolina standout Marcus Lattimore.
The team extended Kaepernick through 2020, giving the Nevada alum a six-year, $114MM deal. Along the line, the team re-structured the deal of stalwart left tackle Joe Staley, ensuring the protection of Kaepernick’s blind side for the foreseeable future. Daniel Kilgore, who spent two years learning the 49ers offense while backing up Jonathan Goodwin, will look to finally start at center. The team also traded for Jonathan Martin, a hometown Stanford alum, who possesses higher upside than most NFL swingmen. The absences of the team’s two holdouts, Vernon Davis and Alex Boone, would be significant blows to the entire offense should their messy contract situations carry into the regular season.
Defensively, the biggest transition will be made in the secondary — Eric Reid is the only projected returning starter heading into training camp. He will likely be joined by Tramaine Brock, Chris Culliver, who’s returning from an ACL injury, and former Colt Antoine Bethea. The club brought in Bethea to replace the veteran safety void left by Whitner, who departed to Cleveland. First-round draft pick Jimmie Ward is the favorite to line up as nickel back.
The linebacking corps will take on a fairly new dynamic with the absence of Bowman and possibly Aldon Smith, whose legal woes could result in suspensions. Given their intriguing collection of linebackers, including Michael Wilhoite and Nick Moody and rookies Chris Borland and Shayne Skov, another Stanford alum, the 49ers will have many solid options. The line will again feature Justin Smith, with Ray McDonald playing opposite Smith and Dorsey lined up at nose tackle.
The 2013 49ers came a few plays away from back-to-back Super Bowl berths. That team managed to improve dramatically on offense and more or less hold the line defensively this past offseason, which makes the Niners a serious Super Bowl contender heading into 2014. The team’s regular season matchups against the Seahawks will be two of the season’s most anticipated games, and for good reason — one could reasonably expect the NFC West rivals to meet again in the NFC Championship.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
49ers Notes: Boone, Lipford, Staley
The extension agreed upon by the 49ers and Joe Staley may have been sending a message to players like Vernon Davis and Alex Boone, with the team rewarding a player who showed up at spring workouts despite being underpaid. However, that doesn’t mean the Staley deal will persuade Boone to attending training camp — Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com “wouldn’t be surprised if Boone is the rare player to skip much if not all of camp.” While the Niners have most of the leverage in this scenario, La Canfora suggests that, given the high expectations for the veteran squad heading into 2014, the club may be wise to reach a compromise with the disgruntled guard.
Here’s more on the Niners:
- Within the same piece, La Canfora also touches on recent comments by commissioner Roger Goodell suggesting that perhaps the Raiders could share Levi’s Stadium with the 49ers, but notes that owner Mark Davis is even less interested in that idea than his father was.
- While the 49ers are unlikely to sign Boone to a new contract with a large signing bonus, an agreement that includes other forms of roster bonuses and incentives could be doable for the team, writes Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Lynch is less enthusiastic about the idea of Davis getting a new contract.
- Linebacker Darius Lipford, who went unselected in the supplemental draft and worked out for the Niners last week, is drawing interest from three other teams, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap has the specifics on Staley’s new contract, which he describes as virtually an all-new deal, rather than simply an extension. The total value on the pact, which includes two option years, is six years, $44.65MM.
- Earlier today, I asked which team will win the NFC West in 2014. So far, PFR readers like the Seahawks, who have grabbed about 47% of the vote, over the Niners, who have earned about 39%.
Poll: Who Will Win The NFC West?
It was only a few years ago – in 2010 – that the 7-9 Seahawks won the NFC West, earning a playoff spot by virtue of a tiebreaker with the 7-9 Rams. The division may have been a punchline at that point, but much has changed since then. In 2013, the NFC West’s four teams combined for an impressive 42-22 record, while no other division in the conference even had a .500 overall record.
The Seahawks took advantage of a division win and a first-round bye, en route to a Super Bowl victory, and they’ll head into 2014 as the favorites to repeat. Having re-signed a handful of key contributors, including defensive end Michael Bennett, the club looks poised for another great season. But there are plenty of notable departures to consider as well – wide receiver Golden Tate, defensive end Chris Clemons, tackle Breno Giacomini, and cornerback Walter Thurmond were among the free agents who signed elsewhere, which could open the door for another team to take the division crown away from Seattle.
The top contender is likely San Francisco, a team that won 12 games of its own in the 2013 season and gave the Seahawks everything they could handle in the NFC Championship Game. Like their division rivals, the 49ers didn’t undergo a major roster overhaul in the offseason, with Antoine Bethea representing the club’s only real significant free agent addition. But there’s so much talent on both sides of the ball that the Niners enter the season as a legit Super Bowl contender without having made any major changes.
One of last year’s most surprising teams, the 11-win Cardinals, were unlucky to miss out on the playoffs, but turned plenty of heads by nearly keeping pace with the Seahawks and Niners all year long. While Arizona may be a candidate for regression in 2014, another strong season from Carson Palmer should keep the team competitive, and newly-signed tackle Jared Veldheer should help ensure that Palmer has the time he needs to find Larry Fitzgerald and co.
The dark horse in the West is St. Louis, the division’s only sub-.500 team last season. Because they’d acquired Washington’s first-round pick for the 2014 draft, the Rams were able to add potential stars on both sides of the ball, selecting offensive tackle Greg Robinson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. In the NFL’s toughest division, the Rams will have an uphill battle to leapfrog the three clubs above them. However, the amount of talent on the roster, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, will make St. Louis a tough team to play in 2014.
What do you think? Are the Seahawks headed for another division title, or can another NFC West club unseat them?
Which team will win the NFC West?
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Seattle Seahawks 42% (188)
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San Francisco 49ers 36% (162)
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St. Louis Rams 13% (61)
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Arizona Cardinals 9% (42)
Total votes: 453
Previously:
Who will win the AFC North?
Who will win the AFC West?
Who will win the AFC South?
Who will win the AFC East?
Who will win the NFC North?