http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_11810515?source=most_viewed
49ers woo Warner after signing wide receiver
Kurt Warner might be bluffing, but the 49ers are willing to find out. Multiple outlets reported Saturday that the two-time NFL MVP scheduled a visit to Santa Clara as negotiations between the quarterback and the Arizona Cardinals hit a standstill.
The Arizona Republic, which confirmed the visit, reported that the Cardinals don't believe any other team will be willing top the two-year, $20 million offer they have on the table. But Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the Sacramento Bee that the 49ers visit is not a mere negotiating ploy.
"I know there's a lot of skepticism out there," Bartelstein told the newspaper. "I'll say this — the people that know Kurt Warner will tell you he doesn't get into deals with people unless he is serious. He doesn't use other people."
Warner, who turns 38 in June, is coming off a season in which he threw for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns and led upstart Arizona to the Super Bowl.
At first glance, he seems an odd fit for the 49ers. New coach Mike Singletary has repeatedly emphasized the ground game whenever he talks about his vision for the offense. But Singletary also has been slow to commit to incumbent quarterback Shaun Hill. The 49ers could sign Warner for the short term, then draft and develop a younger heir to the position.
Either way, today could be pivotal. There is speculation the Cardinals will hammer out a deal rather than let Warner visit with an NFC West rival.
The Warner rumblings overshadowed the deal the 49ers actually made Saturday. Receiver Brandon Jones signed a five-year, $16.5 million deal that includes $5.4 million in guaranteed money.
After catching 41 passes for 449 yards and a touchdown for the Tennessee Titans last season, Jones vowed that there is more to come.
"I'm young. I haven't reached my full potential," the 26-year-old said, minutes after signing the contract. "I've been in an offense that doesn't throw the ball as much.... I'm ready just to elevate and step up my game and be showcased."
Jones enters the 49ers' fuzzy outlook at the receiver position. Isaac Bruce, who led the team with 835 receiving yards last season, is considering retirement after 15 seasons. G.M. Scot McCloughan puts the odds of Bruce's return at 50-50. Bryant Johnson, who had 546 yards last season, agreed to terms with Detroit on Saturday, according to profootballtalk.com.
Jones will compete for a prominent role in a 49ers receiving corps that also includes Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Arnaz Battle.
"That's what I want — the opportunity to go out there and compete," Jones said. "That's what this game is about."