Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
February 28, 2008
McCloughan: We want to build through the draft, not free agency
Just got off a pre-free agency conference call with Scot McCloughan, who began the session by managing expectations. The 49ers, of course, made a huge splash last year with the first-day signing of Nate Clements, Michael Lewis and Aubrayo Franklin. McCloughan seemed to suggest that this year won’t be as flashy. “We want to do most of our damage through the draft,” McCloughan said. He did say that the team’s philosophy is to use free agency to target certain positions of need so that the 49ers can pick the best player available in the draft. The team’s neediest positions, according to McCloughan: defensive line and offensive line depth. He said that wide receiver, another position of need, was one that was better served through the draft. “The market’s not really that deep (for receivers),” he said.. “… In free agency, you’re always going to overspend. Certain positions, you’re going to pay more.” What does all that mean? It means it looks good for the 49ers acquiring Justin Smith; not so good for them acquiring Bernard Berrian.
Other McCloughan tidbits:
* The 49ers exercised a “buy-back” option in Alex Smith’s contract that will keep the quarterback around for three more seasons. If they hadn’t done so, Smith could have become a free agent after this year. (Eli Manning and the Giants went through a similar process last year). “It just goes to show that we have faith in him,” McCloughan said. “He’s our guy.” Smith is recovering well from his December shoulder surgery. He will see Dr. James Andrews next week at which time he is expected to be cleared for some light tossing.
* I asked whether the 49ers were interested in trading tackle Jonas Jennings, whose relationship with Mike Nolan has been a tad rocky. McCloughan’s response: Absolutely not. “He’s a 49er. He’s under contract. He’ll come in and compete for a starting job.” He might, however, compete for the starting job at right, not left, tackle.
* McCloughan said the 49ers are interested in re-signing G Larry Allen, DE Marques Douglas, G Justin Smiley and CB Donald Strickland, but they have a certain price in mind. Those players will reach the free-agent market hoping for a deal that surpasses the 49ers’ offer. McCloughan did say that he’s asked Douglas’ agent to give the 49ers an opportunity to see if they can match any offers he receives on the open market. The Saints are one of the teams interested in Douglas.
* McCloughan has spoken with Trent Dilfer about retiring. However, Dilfer has not yet spoken with Mike Nolan on the matter. The three will sit down in coming weeks to discuss Dilfer’s future with the team.
* Newly signed defensive end Isaac Sopoaga can play all three positions along the line, McCloughan said. Which spot he ends up playing will depend on whom the 49ers add in free agency or the draft.
* McCloughan said there was “nothing to respond to” regarding allegations by the Bears that the 49ers had tampered with linebacker Lance Briggs. McCloughan explained it as “maneuvering by an organization (the Bears) trying to find the best way to keep their guys.”
* McCloughan came back from the annual scouting combine thinking that this year’s draft class is “much better” than he and other evaluators had anticipated. Last year, the 49ers gave 20 players first-round grades. McCloughan declined to give a number this season, but the number is higher than 20.
-- Matt Barrows
McCloughan: We want to build through the draft, not free agency
Just got off a pre-free agency conference call with Scot McCloughan, who began the session by managing expectations. The 49ers, of course, made a huge splash last year with the first-day signing of Nate Clements, Michael Lewis and Aubrayo Franklin. McCloughan seemed to suggest that this year won’t be as flashy. “We want to do most of our damage through the draft,” McCloughan said. He did say that the team’s philosophy is to use free agency to target certain positions of need so that the 49ers can pick the best player available in the draft. The team’s neediest positions, according to McCloughan: defensive line and offensive line depth. He said that wide receiver, another position of need, was one that was better served through the draft. “The market’s not really that deep (for receivers),” he said.. “… In free agency, you’re always going to overspend. Certain positions, you’re going to pay more.” What does all that mean? It means it looks good for the 49ers acquiring Justin Smith; not so good for them acquiring Bernard Berrian.
Other McCloughan tidbits:
* The 49ers exercised a “buy-back” option in Alex Smith’s contract that will keep the quarterback around for three more seasons. If they hadn’t done so, Smith could have become a free agent after this year. (Eli Manning and the Giants went through a similar process last year). “It just goes to show that we have faith in him,” McCloughan said. “He’s our guy.” Smith is recovering well from his December shoulder surgery. He will see Dr. James Andrews next week at which time he is expected to be cleared for some light tossing.
* I asked whether the 49ers were interested in trading tackle Jonas Jennings, whose relationship with Mike Nolan has been a tad rocky. McCloughan’s response: Absolutely not. “He’s a 49er. He’s under contract. He’ll come in and compete for a starting job.” He might, however, compete for the starting job at right, not left, tackle.
* McCloughan said the 49ers are interested in re-signing G Larry Allen, DE Marques Douglas, G Justin Smiley and CB Donald Strickland, but they have a certain price in mind. Those players will reach the free-agent market hoping for a deal that surpasses the 49ers’ offer. McCloughan did say that he’s asked Douglas’ agent to give the 49ers an opportunity to see if they can match any offers he receives on the open market. The Saints are one of the teams interested in Douglas.
* McCloughan has spoken with Trent Dilfer about retiring. However, Dilfer has not yet spoken with Mike Nolan on the matter. The three will sit down in coming weeks to discuss Dilfer’s future with the team.
* Newly signed defensive end Isaac Sopoaga can play all three positions along the line, McCloughan said. Which spot he ends up playing will depend on whom the 49ers add in free agency or the draft.
* McCloughan said there was “nothing to respond to” regarding allegations by the Bears that the 49ers had tampered with linebacker Lance Briggs. McCloughan explained it as “maneuvering by an organization (the Bears) trying to find the best way to keep their guys.”
* McCloughan came back from the annual scouting combine thinking that this year’s draft class is “much better” than he and other evaluators had anticipated. Last year, the 49ers gave 20 players first-round grades. McCloughan declined to give a number this season, but the number is higher than 20.
-- Matt Barrows
According to Matt Barrows' podcast interview, the 49ers may be showing some interest in quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas.
O'Sullivan, originally drafted by the Saints, has also been on the Packers, Vikings, Patriots and Panthers. He spent last season with the Lions, Mike Martz's old team. Last season, he completed 13 of 26 attempts for 148 yards, one touchdown and 2 interceptions.
Thomas has spent four seasons with the Vikings. He has 143 tackles and 1.5 sacks during those four seasons.
O'Sullivan, originally drafted by the Saints, has also been on the Packers, Vikings, Patriots and Panthers. He spent last season with the Lions, Mike Martz's old team. Last season, he completed 13 of 26 attempts for 148 yards, one touchdown and 2 interceptions.
Thomas has spent four seasons with the Vikings. He has 143 tackles and 1.5 sacks during those four seasons.
On ESPN, John Clayton stated that the San Francisco 49ers will be one of the first teams to be active once free agency begins. He believes that their first move will be the signing of Bengals defensive end Justin Smith.
Clayton added that Smith is expecting a call from the 49ers the minute FA starts, and his contract may be worth up to 8-8.5 million a year. Free agency begins today at 9:01 pm Pacific.
It has been widely believed that the 49ers would make a strong push for Smith and that the team had already had initial contract talks with the scheduled free agent.
Clayton added that Smith is expecting a call from the 49ers the minute FA starts, and his contract may be worth up to 8-8.5 million a year. Free agency begins today at 9:01 pm Pacific.
It has been widely believed that the 49ers would make a strong push for Smith and that the team had already had initial contract talks with the scheduled free agent.
Bruce
Rams released WR Isaac Bruce.
St. Louis asked Bruce to take a pay cut and he refused. The Rams have put themselves in awful cap condition with poor free agent signings the past few seasons, and now have to cut their most tenured player. Bruce has plenty left in the tank, and will instantly be on San Francisco's radar. If the Rams are smart, they'll make him another contract offer. Drew Bennett shouldn't be relied on as a starter in new coordinator Al Saunders' offense. Feb. 28 - 4:50 pm et
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Rams released WR Isaac Bruce.
St. Louis asked Bruce to take a pay cut and he refused. The Rams have put themselves in awful cap condition with poor free agent signings the past few seasons, and now have to cut their most tenured player. Bruce has plenty left in the tank, and will instantly be on San Francisco's radar. If the Rams are smart, they'll make him another contract offer. Drew Bennett shouldn't be relied on as a starter in new coordinator Al Saunders' offense. Feb. 28 - 4:50 pm et
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49ers have lot of money to offer
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/746063.html
The 49ers enter free agency with more than $25 million in salary cap space, which is why so many soon-to-be free agents have been linked to San Francisco.
Whom will the team target? There are great needs at defensive end and wide receiver, and they also might seek someone to replace Derek Smith at inside linebacker. Like last year, the 49ers will zero in on one big-name free agent and hope to land some smaller fish along the way.
DE Justin Smith, Cincinnati Bengals
Cost: The former first rounder could command something close to what Patrick Kerney got last year – six years and $39.5 million.
Why he fits: With Bryant Young retired and Marques Douglas a free agent, the 49ers have a huge need at defensive end. Smith is strong and active – just what the team needs.
Why he doesn't fit: At 275 pounds, Smith is smaller than the typical 3-4 defensive end. He had only two sacks last season.
How he affects the roster: Smith would provide depth at defensive end and allow the 49ers more freedom to draft the best available player in April.
QB J.T. O'Sullivan, Detroit Lions
Cost: O'Sullivan is a career backup who will be affordable on the open market.
Why he fits: O'Sullivan is familiar to offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who coached O'Sullivan last year in Detroit. He's also a local boy, having played at Jesuit High School and UC Davis.
Why he doesn't fit: O'Sullivan has been in the league for six years but has played in only five regular-season games. The 49ers might become smitten with a college quarterback whom they envision filling the No. 3 quarterback role in 2008.
How he affects the roster: The team is prepared to cut Trent Dilfer, and O'Sullivan would round out the quarterbacking corps.
LB Calvin Pace, Arizona Cardinals
Cost: Pass rushers are hard to come by, and Pace could command a five-year, $30 million salary.
Why he fits: The 49ers count on outside linebackers to pass rush, something they failed to do last season. Pace would provide a nice bookend with Manny Lawson.
Why he doesn't fit: A former defensive end, Pace is still learning how to play without a hand on the ground. If the 49ers sign Smith, they might pass on Pace.
How he affects the roster: Pace likely would step in for Tully Banta-Cain, a 2007 free-agent pickup who was largely ineffective.
WR Bernard Berrian, Chicago Bears
Cost: A lot. With only a few elite free-agent wide receivers, a productive starter such as Berrian could get more than $30 million over six years.
Why he fits: The 49ers need a crafty wide receiver who can stretch the field, and Berrian, a California native, fits that description.
Why he doesn't fit: The 49ers have an entire roster of No. 2-caliber wide receivers. Is Berrian truly a No. 1?
How he affects the roster: Berrian would give Martz three wide receivers – joining Darrell Jackson and Arnaz Battle – with starting experience.
LB Dontarrious Thomas, Minnesota Vikings
Cost: A bargain. Thomas was a second rounder in 2004 but has had a hard time cracking the starting lineup.
Why he fits: The 49ers can't have enough athletic linebackers, and Thomas might fill in at the vacant "Ted" linebacker spot.
Why he doesn't fit: Thomas has experience at inside linebacker, but he's known more for his speed than his ability to take on blocks.
How he affects the roster: He would take Derek Smith's roster spot and give the 49ers two superior athletes – Patrick Willis the other – at inside linebacker.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/746063.html
The 49ers enter free agency with more than $25 million in salary cap space, which is why so many soon-to-be free agents have been linked to San Francisco.
Whom will the team target? There are great needs at defensive end and wide receiver, and they also might seek someone to replace Derek Smith at inside linebacker. Like last year, the 49ers will zero in on one big-name free agent and hope to land some smaller fish along the way.
DE Justin Smith, Cincinnati Bengals
Cost: The former first rounder could command something close to what Patrick Kerney got last year – six years and $39.5 million.
Why he fits: With Bryant Young retired and Marques Douglas a free agent, the 49ers have a huge need at defensive end. Smith is strong and active – just what the team needs.
Why he doesn't fit: At 275 pounds, Smith is smaller than the typical 3-4 defensive end. He had only two sacks last season.
How he affects the roster: Smith would provide depth at defensive end and allow the 49ers more freedom to draft the best available player in April.
QB J.T. O'Sullivan, Detroit Lions
Cost: O'Sullivan is a career backup who will be affordable on the open market.
Why he fits: O'Sullivan is familiar to offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who coached O'Sullivan last year in Detroit. He's also a local boy, having played at Jesuit High School and UC Davis.
Why he doesn't fit: O'Sullivan has been in the league for six years but has played in only five regular-season games. The 49ers might become smitten with a college quarterback whom they envision filling the No. 3 quarterback role in 2008.
How he affects the roster: The team is prepared to cut Trent Dilfer, and O'Sullivan would round out the quarterbacking corps.
LB Calvin Pace, Arizona Cardinals
Cost: Pass rushers are hard to come by, and Pace could command a five-year, $30 million salary.
Why he fits: The 49ers count on outside linebackers to pass rush, something they failed to do last season. Pace would provide a nice bookend with Manny Lawson.
Why he doesn't fit: A former defensive end, Pace is still learning how to play without a hand on the ground. If the 49ers sign Smith, they might pass on Pace.
How he affects the roster: Pace likely would step in for Tully Banta-Cain, a 2007 free-agent pickup who was largely ineffective.
WR Bernard Berrian, Chicago Bears
Cost: A lot. With only a few elite free-agent wide receivers, a productive starter such as Berrian could get more than $30 million over six years.
Why he fits: The 49ers need a crafty wide receiver who can stretch the field, and Berrian, a California native, fits that description.
Why he doesn't fit: The 49ers have an entire roster of No. 2-caliber wide receivers. Is Berrian truly a No. 1?
How he affects the roster: Berrian would give Martz three wide receivers – joining Darrell Jackson and Arnaz Battle – with starting experience.
LB Dontarrious Thomas, Minnesota Vikings
Cost: A bargain. Thomas was a second rounder in 2004 but has had a hard time cracking the starting lineup.
Why he fits: The 49ers can't have enough athletic linebackers, and Thomas might fill in at the vacant "Ted" linebacker spot.
Why he doesn't fit: Thomas has experience at inside linebacker, but he's known more for his speed than his ability to take on blocks.
How he affects the roster: He would take Derek Smith's roster spot and give the 49ers two superior athletes – Patrick Willis the other – at inside linebacker.
Niners QB Alex Smith Gets Vote Of Confidence
http://www.ktvu.com/sports/15441820/detail.html
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Beleaguered quarterback Alex Smith got a vote of confidence Thursday from the San Francisco 49ers, who exercised a multimillion-dollar buyback clause in the former No. 1 draft pick's contract that essentially extends his deal through 2010.
Smith, who floundered through injuries and a prolonged public argument with coach Mike Nolan last season, will compete with former third-stringer Shaun Hill and likely another veteran quarterback in training camp.
But general manager Scot McCloughan showed the 49ers' feelings about Smith by overriding the language in Smith's contract that could have allowed him to become a free agent after next season by voiding the final two years of his deal.
"It just shows that we believe in him to be our guy," McCloughan said. "He and Shaun are going to go out there and compete, and the winner of that is going to be a good quarterback for us."
McCloughan declined to say how much the move cost the 49ers, though he said the overall deal was similar to the move made last season by the New York Giants, who bought back two voidable years in quarterback Eli Manning's contract for a reported $5 million bonus.
Smith has started 30 games in his three seasons with San Francisco, passing for 4,679 yards, 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions while getting sacked 81 times.
His career passer rating is 63.5, but the former Utah star played while injured last season before undergoing surgery on his separated right shoulder in early December. Smith is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., next week with hopes of being cleared to resume throwing.
McCloughan isn't certain who will compete with Smith and Hill for the starting job, but it's unlikely to be Trent Dilfer. The 14-year veteran hasn't officially retired, but McCloughan anticipates meeting soon with Nolan and Dilfer, whose season ended in December with the last of several concussions.
McCloughan said he hadn't spoken to 11-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen since the 49ers' fifth consecutive losing season ended. Allen, who isn't under contract as he contemplates retirement, isn't expected to decide his future until close to training camp.
"If he wants to stick to the price we think he's worth, we'd love to have him back," McCloughan said.
McCloughan also warned fans not to expect the same excitement generated by the club during the NFL's free-agent signing period last season, when they inked cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis to lucrative deals in the opening hours. McCloughan confirmed the 49ers are most interested in bolstering their defensive line.
"We don't feel like we have to go out and make a big splash right away," McCloughan said. "The thing worked out for us last year. We knew exactly what we wanted, we knew how to get it done, and we got it done. ... We don't consider ourselves a free-agency team. We want to do most of our damage through the draft and help our own guys, but (free agency) is a tool we want to use hopefully less and less as we go into the future."
http://www.ktvu.com/sports/15441820/detail.html
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Beleaguered quarterback Alex Smith got a vote of confidence Thursday from the San Francisco 49ers, who exercised a multimillion-dollar buyback clause in the former No. 1 draft pick's contract that essentially extends his deal through 2010.
Smith, who floundered through injuries and a prolonged public argument with coach Mike Nolan last season, will compete with former third-stringer Shaun Hill and likely another veteran quarterback in training camp.
But general manager Scot McCloughan showed the 49ers' feelings about Smith by overriding the language in Smith's contract that could have allowed him to become a free agent after next season by voiding the final two years of his deal.
"It just shows that we believe in him to be our guy," McCloughan said. "He and Shaun are going to go out there and compete, and the winner of that is going to be a good quarterback for us."
McCloughan declined to say how much the move cost the 49ers, though he said the overall deal was similar to the move made last season by the New York Giants, who bought back two voidable years in quarterback Eli Manning's contract for a reported $5 million bonus.
Smith has started 30 games in his three seasons with San Francisco, passing for 4,679 yards, 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions while getting sacked 81 times.
His career passer rating is 63.5, but the former Utah star played while injured last season before undergoing surgery on his separated right shoulder in early December. Smith is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., next week with hopes of being cleared to resume throwing.
McCloughan isn't certain who will compete with Smith and Hill for the starting job, but it's unlikely to be Trent Dilfer. The 14-year veteran hasn't officially retired, but McCloughan anticipates meeting soon with Nolan and Dilfer, whose season ended in December with the last of several concussions.
McCloughan said he hadn't spoken to 11-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen since the 49ers' fifth consecutive losing season ended. Allen, who isn't under contract as he contemplates retirement, isn't expected to decide his future until close to training camp.
"If he wants to stick to the price we think he's worth, we'd love to have him back," McCloughan said.
McCloughan also warned fans not to expect the same excitement generated by the club during the NFL's free-agent signing period last season, when they inked cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis to lucrative deals in the opening hours. McCloughan confirmed the 49ers are most interested in bolstering their defensive line.
"We don't feel like we have to go out and make a big splash right away," McCloughan said. "The thing worked out for us last year. We knew exactly what we wanted, we knew how to get it done, and we got it done. ... We don't consider ourselves a free-agency team. We want to do most of our damage through the draft and help our own guys, but (free agency) is a tool we want to use hopefully less and less as we go into the future."
BATTLE BREWING FOR BERRIAN
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Bears receiver Bernard Berrian is expected to be pursued aggressively by the Vikings and the Titans as of midnight tonight.
Per Caplan, the 49ers also could enter the mix.
Berrian is generally regarded as the second best receiving free agent available, behind Randy Moss.
Published reports earlier in the day indicated that the Bears offered Berrian $8 million in guaranteed money, and that he wanted north of $12 million.
Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Bears receiver Bernard Berrian is expected to be pursued aggressively by the Vikings and the Titans as of midnight tonight.
Per Caplan, the 49ers also could enter the mix.
Berrian is generally regarded as the second best receiving free agent available, behind Randy Moss.
Published reports earlier in the day indicated that the Bears offered Berrian $8 million in guaranteed money, and that he wanted north of $12 million.
