49ers' off-season; Cap Space $8,346,186.00

[I_am_1z]

Thanks Ray the reason why I asked because I don't think we should draft a WR in the 1st. IMO we need DL depth and a future starter. I also believe Jenkins will pan out for us I just think he was behind the 8ball this year not only with the WRs in front of him but in essence having to learn to playbooks in his rookie year.

I would not mind a WR in the 2nd though and Hunter did intrigue me even if we had to move up to get him. But I think we need a big physical with an F (shout out to the Samurai) type of possession WR and what I take from Hunter is he is a speed guy. I think Jenkins will fill the speed role in our offense next year.

Hunter - Green (if his hands can become consistent)
Allen - Crabtree
Hopkins - Roddy

It would be difficult to pass up on either of these three if they drop to 31. None of these 3 WR's impede Jenkins from still being our slot receiver in the future, they're on the brink of #1 type guys.

I still say draft Jonathan Banks because would provide something our defense needs; a game changer. He wouldn't be as appealing, but he'll be a more valuable asset even if those guys do pan out and become #1 WRs(See Falcons). There's only so many passing yards that can go around and as the cliche goes, defense wins Championships.

 

[BINGO]

Offseason Playbook: 49ers
A look at San Francisco's philosophy, team needs and a key free-agent move
Originally Published: February 25, 2013
By Gary Horton and Field Yates | ESPN Insider

The 49ers are set at starting quarterback with Colin Kaepernick. But who will be the backup?

In a new offseason series, Insider takes an in-depth look at NFL teams before free agency begins March 12. What is each team's philosophy on offense and defense, biggest needs and one player who could make for an ideal signing in free agency?

Team philosophies​

Offense -- This is a coaching staff under coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman that really understands its strengths and weaknesses in terms of personnel. Everything starts with a between-the-tackles Frank Gore run game and they are not averse to using a lot of heavy formations with multiple tight ends and even extra linemen. Their blocking schemes are very creative with pulls, whams and traps from all directions. Obviously with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, the pistol formation and all the plays they can run off of it gives this offense even more looks to defend. The 49ers also block very well on the second level and with Kaepernick's speed he is always a threat to tuck and run or even run the QB draw.

We don't see a lot of spread formations and multi-receiver sets because this offense wants the opposing defense to stay in its base package, and that is what those heavy formations do. In 2013 look for more vertical passes from Kaepernick, who throws a nice deep ball, especially off play-action.


Defense -- Coordinator Vic Fangio has a dominating unit on all three levels and this is a defense that rarely had to substitute in 2012 because it was healthy. The 49ers use a base 3-4 scheme with a rush-four, drop-seven approach and they blitz almost less frequently than any other team in the NFL, even though they have good blitzers in the back seven. They can play one-gap and two gap-techniques and they play fast, but with surprising gap integrity and discipline.

What's special about this defense is that their inside linebackers, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, are excellent cover guys who are three-down players. That means the 49ers can use their base package in almost all situations and they never get caught in bad personnel groupings. On the back end they will play a lot of combo coverages (zone and man), but they are not afraid to put their cornerbacks in aggressive man looks.

Team needs​

1. Defensive line -- There are not a lot of glaring needs on this roster and because the 49ers have stayed very healthy in recent years, the backup players have not gotten a lot of snaps -- so we don't know how good they really are. Age and injuries are a concern up front and while the 49ers' defense is still playing at an elite level, youth and depth must be addressed. The physical defensive trio of ends Justin Smith and Ray McDonald and NT Isaac Sopoaga are physical and dominating, but they have a combined 28 years of NFL experience. Smith's talented backup at RDE, Ricky Jean-Francois, is also an unrestricted free agent. However, with 11 draft choices (not including compensatory picks) San Francisco has a lot of flexibility.

The Niners must think about how to replace an aging Justin Smith in the years ahead.

2. Linebacker -- The starters are impressive. Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith are productive edge rushers, although Smith's play dipped late in 2012 season with the injury to his DE partner Justin Smith. Inside, Willis and Bowman never came off the field and both backups, Clark Haggans and Larry Grant, are unrestricted free agents and replaceable.

3. Wide receiver/tight end -- This pass offense has a lot of weapons and personnel grouping flexibility, but there are some concerns. Both Randy Moss and Ted Ginn are unrestricted free agents, with Moss possibly coming back in a backup role and Ginn probably on his way out of San Francisco. However, they still have playmakers outside and last year's first-round pick, A.J. Jenkins, should emerge as a legitimate playmaker. Delanie Walker is a UFA at tight end, and while he is an integral part of this offense he could receive some big offers from other teams.

4. Quarterback -- This could actually be a more pressing need with the expected departure of Alex Smith. Scott Tolzien is a decent backup, but certainly not a read-option QB. With Kaepernick's running style, the 49ers need a dependable No. 2.

5. Safety -- Starters Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson are as good as it gets, but Goldson is a UFA and if the 49ers franchise him he probably will not be pleased. They have two interesting developmental backups, Trenton Robinson and C.J. Spillman, but right now they are mostly special-teams players.

6. Kicker -- David Akers really struggled late last season and both his confidence and the coaches' faith in him can't be great going into training camp. Don't be surprised if at least competition is brought in.

-- Gary Horton​

Free-agent fix​

Richard Seymour, DE, UFA

The 49ers don't have to look far to add a piece along the defensive line that will give them the depth that they need, as Seymour presents a strong option in free agency on a short-term, moderate-value contract.

After missing eight games in 2012, Seymour needs a season to build back his stock, but at 33 he still has value as both a run defender and pass-rushing threat. He's a scheme versatile player with rare length and first-step explosion, and would give the 49ers depth behind Justin Smith, who will be recovered from a triceps injury in time for the 2013 season.

With a talented roster and 11 picks in the upcoming draft, the 49ers don't need to make dramatic changes to compete for a Super Bowl in 2013 -- it's about beefing up areas of average depth and finding players who can thrive within their scheme. After striking gold in adding a veteran towards the tail end of his career on a one-year deal with Carlos Rogers during the 2011 offseason, the 49ers should set out to do the same in adding Seymour this year.

-- Field Yates​

Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.

 

[deep9er]

Hunter - Green (if his hands can become consistent)
Allen - Crabtree
Hopkins - Roddy

It would be difficult to pass up on either of these three if they drop to 31. None of these 3 WR's impede Jenkins from still being our slot receiver in the future, they're on the brink of #1 type guys.

I still say draft Jonathan Banks because would provide something our defense needs; a game changer. He wouldn't be as appealing, but he'll be a more valuable asset even if those guys do pan out and become #1 WRs(See Falcons). There's only so many passing yards that can go around and as the cliche goes, defense wins Championships.

"all things being equal", agree with defense first.

cause if Kap continues to his solid play - no reason to think he won't - we'll have enough offense. even if we don't add anybody else on offense, we'll have enough.

but we all saw how our D left us at the end of the season? for another SB run we need to strengthen our D.

 

[NinerSickness]

Cullen Jenkins - DL - Free Agent

Eagles informed DT Cullen Jenkins of his release.
Jenkins' time in Philadelphia ends just two years into a five-year deal. All of Jenkins' guaranteed money had already been paid. Part of the Eagles' ballyhooed 2011 free agent class, Jenkins ended up tallying just 9.5 sacks in 32 games. He registered seven sacks in 11 contests for the Packers during his walk year in 2010. The emergence of Fletcher Cox and the Eagles' abandonment of the "wide nine" made Jenkins wholly expendable.
Related: Eagles
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Feb 25 - 1:08 PM

He flourished in his last season for GB as a 34 end when Raji came in at NT that season. Hmm. Probably too old and expensive.

He may not be. I wouldn't mind taking a look at getting him. If anything, this dilutes the DE market a little more, which is good if you need a DE.

Richard Seymour, Cullen Jenkins, probably & Tyson Jackson are available, and Jared Odrick might be available via trade. I'd probably take any one of those guys to shore up the DL.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

He may not be. I wouldn't mind taking a look at getting him. If anything, this dilutes the DE market a little more, which is good if you need a DE.

Richard Seymour, Cullen Jenkins, probably & Tyson Jackson are available, and Jared Odrick might be available via trade. I'd probably take any one of those guys to shore up the DL.

Reading there is mutual interest with the Packers.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Just for you Pozz!


Sean Smith - DB - Dolphins

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "maybe the most coveted" name on the free-agent cornerback market is Sean Smith.
Rapoport lists the Eagles, 49ers, Buccaneers, and Lions as teams that "value" Smith. All are cornerback needy, and Philadelphia reportedly likes Smith "a ton." Rapoport suggests the Eagles may let free agent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie walk, sign Smith, and bring back Nnamdi Asomugha on a restructured contract.
Related: 49ers, Buccaneers, Lions, Eagles
Source: NFL.com
Feb 25 - 4:13 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

?Little doubt? Alex Smith gets traded | ProFootballTalk

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Tom Brady - QB - Patriots

SI's Peter King reports the Patriots have signed Tom Brady to an extension "that should make him a Patriot for life."
Source: Peter King on Twitter
Feb 25 - 4:24 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

4) On Sunday afternoon, I reported that the Green Bay Packers are still considering hitting receiver Greg Jennings with the franchise tag. I was so surprised to hear it, I made the person who told me say it twice. Like most observers, I had assumed Jennings was as good as gone, which is likely also what he assumed when he put his house up for sale. Jennings figured to be among the top three free-agent wideouts available (though Dwayne Bowe might not make it to the market) . But here's the thing with the Packers: They're still trying to decide whether to release tight end Jermichael Finley, who is owed a $3 million roster bonus in late March. If they do, and if Jennings walks, they'll be losing two players who, when healthy and productive, were capable of accounting for about 40 percent of their offense. That would be a major blow. Maybe too big of a blow. That's one reason why the Packers might want to keep Jennings around. There's no doubt, though, that Jennings would not be thrilled to receive the tag, as close as he is to cashing in on the market.


Tom Brady - QB - Patriots

SI's Peter King reports the Patriots have signed Tom Brady to an extension "that should make him a Patriot for life."
Source: Peter King on Twitter
Feb 25 - 4:24 PM

 

[MHSL82]

4) On Sunday afternoon, I reported that the Green Bay Packers are still considering hitting receiver Greg Jennings with the franchise tag. I was so surprised to hear it, I made the person who told me say it twice. Like most observers, I had assumed Jennings was as good as gone, which is likely also what he assumed when he put his house up for sale. Jennings figured to be among the top three free-agent wideouts available (though Dwayne Bowe might not make it to the market) . But here's the thing with the Packers: They're still trying to decide whether to release tight end Jermichael Finley, who is owed a $3 million roster bonus in late March. If they do, and if Jennings walks, they'll be losing two players who, when healthy and productive, were capable of accounting for about 40 percent of their offense. That would be a major blow. Maybe too big of a blow. That's one reason why the Packers might want to keep Jennings around. There's no doubt, though, that Jennings would not be thrilled to receive the tag, as close as he is to cashing in on the market.


Tom Brady - QB - Patriots

SI's Peter King reports the Patriots have signed Tom Brady to an extension "that should make him a Patriot for life."
Source: Peter King on Twitter
Feb 25 - 4:24 PM

It is my understanding that you can trade a franchised player. Teams might want to have Jennings for one year. Jennings may be requesting/demanding multiple years. I understand the market sets that, but is there a chance the Packers weren't planning to use the tag on anybody, think they can trade with someone if it's one year, and want to get something but are comfortable with him for one year if not traded?

I also understand that NFL teams can cut players at any time with just the guaranteed owed, so that takes away from this thought. Just throwing it out there.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550's Buffalo Bills reporter):

ryanmcgee14210 do the Bills bring back Merriman?

Buscaglia: Oh gosh. I think that relationship is over.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Notes - 49ers? Ricky Jean Francois could add help on defensive line

San Francisco's Ricky Jean Francois is the latest candidate to surface as a possible replacement for injured Jerel Worthy in the Green Bay Packers' defensive-line rotation next season.

A source said the Packers have expressed interest in Jean Francois, who would become an unrestricted free agent March 12 if he isn't re-signed by the 49ers.

 

[Bemular]

Notes - 49ers? Ricky Jean Francois could add help on defensive line

San Francisco's Ricky Jean Francois is the latest candidate to surface as a possible replacement for injured Jerel Worthy in the Green Bay Packers' defensive-line rotation next season.

A source said the Packers have expressed interest in Jean Francois, who would become an unrestricted free agent March 12 if he isn't re-signed by the 49ers.

I would like this to not happen!

 

[threelittleturds]

Notes - 49ers? Ricky Jean Francois could add help on defensive line

San Francisco's Ricky Jean Francois is the latest candidate to surface as a possible replacement for injured Jerel Worthy in the Green Bay Packers' defensive-line rotation next season.

A source said the Packers have expressed interest in Jean Francois, who would become an unrestricted free agent March 12 if he isn't re-signed by the 49ers.

Bastards!

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Darrelle Revis - DB - Jets

Sources tell Yahoo's Jason Cole that "multiple teams" approached the Jets about Darrelle Revis' availability at the Combine.
Jets management is taking a "passive-aggressive approach," according to Cole, not actively contacting anyone about Revis but being "all ears" whenever phone calls come. Cole also confirms there were zero discussions between the Jets and Revis' camp at the Combine. It's quite possible the Jets have already made up their mind on Revis and will trade him. He could probably fetch a first-round pick.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--darrelle-revis--exit-would-spell-doom-for-rex-ryan-010841121.html

 

[SRPnVA]

Looks like Nnamdi will be cut also. This offseason is DB dominated.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Cardinals exploring possibilty of trading for 49ers quarterback Alex Smith | Insiders

 

[Ray_Dogg]

I'm thinking if we sign a stud CB in free agency and we keep Rogers then that would allow us to get Whitner off the field when we go extra DBs. Imagine someone with size like Sean Smith covering TEs instead of Whitner. The one problem I see still is Goldson. It is sounding like he won't be back. So we will have someone green at FS?

 

[BINGO]

I'm thinking if we sign a stud CB in free agency and we keep Rogers then that would allow us to get Whitner off the field when we go extra DBs. The one problem I see still is Goldson. It is sounding like he won't be back. So we will have someone green at FS?

Put Culliver back there. That's his more natural position. He's a pathetic corner but could make a pretty good safety.

 

[Rvnight18]

Cully at FS. Sign Chris Houston or Sean smith.