49ers Links: Kaepernick, Free Agents, Dawson
After seeing the Seahawks handily dispatch the Broncos in the Super Bowl this month, the 49ers likely felt as if they were a Richard Sherman deflection away from being champions themselves. They’ll aim for a different result next season, but before they do, there are several roster decisions facing the club. Let’s take a look at a few of them….
- In an Insider-only piece, ESPN.com’s Mike Sando takes an in-depth look at Colin Kaepernick‘s next contract with the 49ers. While conventional wisdom dictates that the team would be wise to lock up its quarterback as soon as possible, sources who spoke to Sando didn’t get the impression that San Francisco considers Kaepernick “irreplaceable” yet, suggesting that the club could wait on a new deal. If the two sides do work out an agreement with offseason, Sando expects it to be something in the neighborhood of $45MM for three years.
- Wide receiver Anquan Boldin, safety Donte Whitner and cornerback Tarell Brown are among the 2013 starters who the 49ers would like to re-sign, but none of them appears to be a realistic candidate for the franchise tag, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. While Boldin and Whitner were key contributors in San Francisco this past season, the projected franchise salaries of approximately $11.5MM for receivers and $8MM for safeties are likely a little too pricey for the Niners.
- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains why using the franchise tag on kicker Phil Dawson isn’t a viable option for the 49ers. Having already been franchised twice, Dawson would be eligible to earn the franchise salary for a quarterback rather than a kicker if he were tagged.
49ers Roundup: Trades, Iupati, James
The 49ers are unlikely to trade any of their players who are set to become free agents at the end of the 2014 season simply because of their contract status, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Although G Mike Iupati may not be with the team beyond 2014, as was noted earlier, and although WR Michael Crabtree is sure to command a high-dollar contract after the upcoming season, San Francisco is not going to trade its key pieces for a little cap relief and draft picks. As they did last offseason, the 49ers will likely wait until late in training camp to assess where they have a surplus of talent and will try to deal from that surplus to add to its 2015 draft haul.
More from the Bay Area:
- LaMichael James could be one of those players who finds himself on the trading block, according to Maiocco. The team does have a great deal of talent at running back, with Frank Gore, Marcus Lattimore (assuming he’s healthy), Kendall Hunter, and any other additions it may make in the offseason. However, the 49ers would have to first find a replacement in the return game if they were to deal James.
- The 49ers want to keep free agent safety Donte Whitner, but if they are unable to do so, Maiocco thinks they will pursue a replacement who has the same physical traits as Eric Reid. That way, DC Vic Fangio could use Reid and the new safety interchangeably to add variety to his play-calling and schemes.
- ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson agrees with Maiocco regarding Iupati. Although Iupati will not be a top priority given that the 49ers will have to lock down Colin Kaepernick, Aldon Smith, and Crabtree sooner rather than later, San Francisco is well-equipped to make a run at Super Bowl XLIX and “[p]ursuing a Super Bowl with Iupati is better than doing it without him.”
Poll: Who Faces Seahawks In NFL Opener?
One of the many perks of being Super Bowl champions, with the exception of last year’s Ravens, is hosting the following season’s opening game in primetime.
Though the official schedule for the 2014 season won’t be announced until April, we do know each team’s home and road opponents, which gives us some insight as to who might be heading to Seattle for the first of the league’s 256 contests.
Fresh off a 43-8 whooping in Super Bowl XLVIII, the Broncos could be an interesting choice for the opener. They opened the 2013 season as well, avenging a devastating loss in the divisional round to the Ravens with a 49-27 victory. The game was played in Denver because of a scheduling conflict with Baltimore’s MLB team, the Orioles. As you probably recall, Peyton Manning tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes.
For a rematch of the most recent NFC championship — one of the better games played during the 2013 season — the league could call for the division-rival 49ers to open against Seattle. Plenty of sparks flew the last time these teams played (cough, Richard Sherman) and the rivalry is developing into Bears/Packers and Steelers/Ravens territory.
One of the more memorable regular season games the past few years is the “Fail Mary” game between the Packers and Seahawks, the last game played with replacement referees. With Green Bay set to travel to the Pacific Northwest in the 2014 season, pitting two of the top teams in the NFC up against one another in the NFL opener would be a great way to kick off the season.
Lastly, there’s always a chance that the league and networks will schedule the Cowboys in a must-see primetime game. This is probably the most improbable of all the scenarios, but it’s not impossible. “America’s Team” continues to draw monster ratings year after year with the unpredictable Tony Romo under center, and their 2006 playoff matchup with the infamous bobbled snap by the aforementioned Romo remains one of the most exciting finishes in postseason history.
Back up your vote with a comment as to why you think a certain team should open its season with a trip to Seattle.
Which team will visit CenturyLink Field in the 2014 NFL opener?
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San Francisco 49ers 44% (596)
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Green Bay Packers 27% (363)
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Denver Broncos 18% (244)
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Dallas Cowboys 11% (150)
Total votes: 1,353
Extra Points: Carr, Smith, Iupati, Zook
One of the top quarterbacks in the 2014 draft, Derek Carr, told 95.7 The Game (audio link) that he is undecided about taking part in the Indianapolis combine. The signal caller out of Fresno State has consulted with his brother, former first overall pick David Carr, about the decision but has yet to reach a conclusion. Derek is unlikely to go first overall when the Texans pick in May, but he could be a first round pick if he impresses the right team. More from around the NFL..
- Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith saw his 2014 salary of $3.45MM become guaranteed today, cap expert Joel Corry tells Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). With that kind of financial commitment, it’s a virtual guarantee that he’ll be back with KC in 2014.
- There are several factors that could complicate a possible extension for 49ers guard Mike Iupati, explains Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Guards aren’t as valued as other positions and there could be a sizable gap that makes it unlikely that a fresh deal for Iupati will be a top priority for SF. Meanwhile, without an enticing offer, Iupati would probably be happy to hit the open market after the 2014 season.
- Earlier today the Packers announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season. Four newcomers have joined the staff while five others acquired new titles. Among the newcomers: former University of Illinois and University of Florida head coach Ron Zook, who will now be pitching in on special teams.
NFC Notes: Zastudil, Moss, Cowboys, 49ers
Cardinals punter Dave Zastudil signed a two-year extension with the team last month, and today Brian McIntyre provides the financial details for that contract (via Twitter). According to McIntyre, the deal will be worth $2.95MM over two years, with a $545K bonus, a 2014 cap hit of $1,252,500, and $450K in possible incentives.
Let’s check in on a few more items from around the NFC….
- Most recent Redskins rumors have revolved around the team’s negotiations with its defensive free-agents-to-be, but the club has also had talks with wide receiver Santana Moss about a new deal, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Moss has indicated that he’d like to remain in Washington.
- In a chat with readers, Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News said on Thursday that the Cowboys won’t be major players in free agency, but that the team will be active in reworking contracts over the next several weeks, with Tony Romo among the restructure candidates.
- Safety is a major area of concern for the Eagles this offseason, as Sheil Kapadia and Tim McManus outline at PhillyMag.com.
- Based on their recent free agent history, the 49ers are unlikely to be aggressive and make a big splash when the free agent period begins next month, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, who says the team is more likely to target players who fall through the cracks.
- Kyle Odegard of AZCardinals.com speaks to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com about the cap situations for the three contenders in the NFC West, the Seahawks, 49ers, and Cardinals.
Extra Points: Kluwe, Blackmon, Rogers
Clayton Halunen, the attorney for former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, says he’s upset with the club’s decision to retain special teams coach Mike Priefer before the conclusion of the investigation into his comments, as Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press details. The punter, who has been a vocal advocate for gay marriage, alleged that Priefer made a number of homophobic remarks in his presence. More from around the NFL..
- At a fan event, Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said that at some point, suspended wide receiver Justin Blackmon will be back with the team, tweets Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. That falls in line with recent comments from Jags owner Shad Khan.
- The 49ers may ask cornerback Carlos Rogers to take a pay cut yet again, writes CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco. Money is fairly tight in San Francisco. The salary cap is expected to be in the $126-128MM range and the 49ers’ top 51 players currently under contract account for $121.2MM, according to a league source. The club has an additional $2.175MM in carryover of unused cap space from the 2013 season, but Rogers, Jon Baldwin, and others may have to take less to stay in SF.
- Newly-minted Browns defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil is glad to have Barkevious Mingo on his squad. In fact, Buffalo’s former outside linebackers coach pushed the Bills to pick Mingo with the eighth pick in last year’s draft but he was off the board once Cleveland grabbed him at No. 6, writes Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald. “I’m a big fan of Mingo. I’m looking forward to working with him. He flashes some on tape. He did a lot of good things. He’s obviously a young player. He’s got some things to work on, but we’re excited as a defensive staff to get him back here and start working with him,” said O’Neil.
- Albert Breer of NFL Network (via these five Twitter links) rightfully notes that the NFL salary cap isn’t set in stone at the $126.3MM estimate that came about in December. A number of factors, including TV money and the influence of the NFLPA, could drive that number closer to $130MM.
- Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram (on Twitter) expects the Cowboys to sign quarterback Mike Kafka. Dallas will need a QB to get through the offseason program while Tony Romo goes through rehab. Earlier today we learned that Dallas auditioned the former Northwestern signal caller.
NFC Notes: Shields, Ware, Bennett, 49ers
Among the Packers’ top priorities this offseason must be cornerback Sam Shields, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Shields won’t be easy to retain — he’ll be among the best cornerbacks on the market this offseason, and Dougherty believes he could fetch a contract that pays him $8.5MM per season. With new deals coming for Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, it may be difficult for Ted Thompson to navigate a deal for Shields and keep room open to fill out the roster. Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- DeMarcus Ware had said he would have a scope on his right elbow this offseason, but as of right now has no surgery scheduled, writes David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. Ware was already viewed as a potential cap casualty, as Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated notes, and this ongoing injury only adds incentive for the Cowboys to release him and save about $7MM on the cap in 2014.
- Michael Bennett reiterated that he is fully committed to trying to return to the defending champion Seahawks in 2014, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “We can go back and win a Super Bowl again with all these guys,” Bennett said. “It’s a business but I definitely want to be back.”
- The 49ers‘ priorities are holding strong this offseason, write Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. The team is trying to lock up quarterback Colin Kaepernick and head coach Jim Harbaugh to long-term deals, and still keep free agents Anquan Boldin, Donte Whitner, and Phil Dawson.
NFC Notes: Lions, Bucs, Falcons, Eagles
With Super Bowl XLVIII now comfortably in our rear-view mirrors, let’s round up a few Monday updates from around the NFC….
- The Lions will have to clear significant money from their books over the next few weeks in order to get under the cap for 2014 and make room for draft picks, says Justin Rogers of MLive.com. In examining the team’s possible options, Rogers notes that Detroit could save about $5.5MM by releasing receiver Nate Burleson and another $5.5MM or so by cutting safety Louis Delmas.
- A weekend report suggested that the Buccaneers are among the teams that will have interest in Michael Vick in free agency this offseason, but Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com isn’t convinced that signing Vick would be the right move for Tampa Bay.
- In a pair of pieces for ESPN.com, Vaughn McClure examines the role that new assistant GM Scott Pioli will have in Atlanta this offseason, and looks into how the Falcons may try to replace Tony Gonzalez at tight end.
- Tim McManus and Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com discuss the Eagles‘ defensive line situation, disagreeing slightly on how strong a priority it should be this offseason.
- Wide receiver, cornerback, and center figure to be areas of focus in the draft for the 49ers, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, who names a few potential targets at each of those positions.
Extra Points: Hoyer, Harbaugh, Foles, Miller
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer speculates that the Texans might be interested in Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer. New Texans coach Bill O’Brien and Hoyer worked together with the Patriots, where O’Brien was the offensive coordinator. If the Browns select a quarterback with the fourth overall pick, Hoyer could become expendable. If the Texans opt to not to draft a quarterback with the first overall pick, they could use a player like Hoyer to stabilize the quarterback position, presuming they release Matt Schaub.
A few more pre-Super Bowl notes:
- The 49ers and coach Jim Harbaugh may have different ideas regarding Harbaugh’s value, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The 49ers might want Harbaugh, who is entering the fourth year of five-year contract, to take slightly less guaranteed money and more incentive-based pay.
- While the Eagles cannot extend quarterback Nick Foles until after the 2014 season (as per the CBA), they need to take a page from the Seahawks’ playbook and try to contend while their signal-caller is under a low-paying contract, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com.
- Broncos linebacker Von Miller will get to keep the more than $1MM that the Broncos were attempting to recoup as part of his six-game suspension, tweets ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk further explains that “partial bonus forfeiture is automatic,” so the Broncos were not actively trying to reclaim money.
- Manish Mehta notes that an impressive Super Bowl performance can often lead to a big payday for impending free agents, and cites Eric Decker, Knowshon Moreno, and Golden Tate as players with a lot of money at stake in tonight’s game.
NFC West Rumors: Kaepernick, 49ers, Peterson
Colin Kaepernick is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but it doesn’t sound like he intends to pry every last penny out of the 49ers if and when the two sides negotiate a long-term deal. Appearing on KNBR’s Murph & Mac, today, Kaepernick said that a “balance” was necessary for the sake of the team, as Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee details.
“You want to be paid fairly for what you feel like you’re doing in comparison to your peers,” Kaepernick said. “But at the same time, you have to realize, if we want to get Anquan Boldin back, if we want Donte Whitner to come back, we’re going to have to make moves to get them back. And there has to be room for everyone. And that’s something I’m going to let my agent and the organization try to figure out.”
Here’s more on Kaepernick and the Niners, along with notes on a couple other NFC West clubs:
- Following up on Kaepernick’s comments about a possible extension, Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group writes that the 49ers quarterback is taking a smart approach to negotiations.
- Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com takes a look at the 49ers‘ cap situation, including which players may not return in 2014 at their current salary.
- Appearing at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am, Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson addressed his contract situation, saying that he’d like a deal that would keep him in Arizona “for a while,” according to Craig Grialou of ArizonaSports.com. Peterson is extension-eligible for the first time offseason, though the Cardinals could also simply exercise his fifth-year option for 2015 and put off negotiations for another year.
- At least three coordinators involved in this weekend’s Super Bowl could be future head coaches, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe in a piece that discusses Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell and DC Dan Quinn.
- Earlier today, we heard that Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be open to restructuring his contract this offseason.