Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
Mike Singletary will hit the airwaves on Friday night from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Singletary will sit down for an interview with Steve Mariucci, Jon Gruden and Fran Charles.
The interview will air live on the NFL Network at 4:10 Pacific Time.
Earlier in the day, Singletary and General Manager Scot McCloughan will take time out from their scouting to conduct news conferences at the Combine press headquarters.
According to a representative from the network, NFL.com will stream those press conferences live, with the Singletary session scheduled for 7 a.m. PT and McCloughan slated for 7:15 a.m. PT.
Singletary will sit down for an interview with Steve Mariucci, Jon Gruden and Fran Charles.
The interview will air live on the NFL Network at 4:10 Pacific Time.
Earlier in the day, Singletary and General Manager Scot McCloughan will take time out from their scouting to conduct news conferences at the Combine press headquarters.
According to a representative from the network, NFL.com will stream those press conferences live, with the Singletary session scheduled for 7 a.m. PT and McCloughan slated for 7:15 a.m. PT.
49ers will get a new, old look
By John Ryan
Mercury News
Posted: 02/19/2009 09:35:39 PM PST
HEARD THIS ONE?
A new, old look
It isn't just Mike Singletary making the 49ers old-school.
The team will unveil its new uniforms April 25 at the draft party. And by "new uniforms," we mean old uniforms. At the State of the 49ers event Monday night, COO Andy Dolich said, "Don't be surprised if you see championship colors back in the future."
The State of the Franchise event will replay on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area on Monday at 6:30 and 10 p.m.
By John Ryan
Mercury News
Posted: 02/19/2009 09:35:39 PM PST
HEARD THIS ONE?
A new, old look
It isn't just Mike Singletary making the 49ers old-school.
The team will unveil its new uniforms April 25 at the draft party. And by "new uniforms," we mean old uniforms. At the State of the 49ers event Monday night, COO Andy Dolich said, "Don't be surprised if you see championship colors back in the future."
The State of the Franchise event will replay on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area on Monday at 6:30 and 10 p.m.
^ NO
Niners to pass on Wilson
Recently released Raiders safety Gibril Wilson is getting attention from several teams, according to his agent. None of them, however, is the 49ers. The 49ers ultimately decided that Wilson is better suited for strong safety than free safety. That seems to be the case for most of the top safeties destined for free agency this year. Which is probably why GM Scot McCloughan on Friday said that the 49ers' starting free safety for 2009 probably is already on the team.
Here's a cut-and-paste job from something I wrote last week that looks at the three top contenders. McCloughan has said subsequently that Jimmy Williams is up to 230 pounds and will be looked at as a strong safety as well. As of now, there is no depth behind Michael Lewis at the position.
The incumbent: Mark Roman. By now, everyone knows that Roman, the team's starting free safety for the past thee years, hasn't had an interception in more than two seasons. In fact, Roman only has seven picks over his nine-year career. By contrast, Baltimore's Ed Reed has 43 career picks and has been in the league two fewer seasons. Roman is the brain center of the defense, the guy who wears the radio receiver, calls the plays and gets the secondary lined up. And in that regard, he is very good. But he lacks ball skills, something the best safeties -- indeed the best defenses - in the league possess.
Challenger No. 1: Dashon Goldson. No one on the 49ers makes more practice interceptions than Goldson. The two-year veteran has height (6-2), size (200-plus pounds), is not shy about hitting and has great coverage ability. Those attributes seem to make him an ideal free safety. What he has going against him, however, are youth and a penchant for injuries. Goldson suffered injuries to both shoulders in college and began his senior season at Washington with a high-ankle sprain. He dealt with an elbow injury right off the bat as a rookie with the 49ers. This past season, he left the Week Two game at Seattle with a knee injury, had to leave the Week Three game against Detroit with a shoulder injury, then left the Week Seven game against the Giants with a knee injury that knocked him out for the next seven games. In short, Goldson has flashed plenty of potential but he's not a guy the 49ers can rely on to man the oh-so-important free safety spot going into 2009.
Challenger No. 2: Jmmy Williams. What's been underreported since the 49ers obtained Williams last month is that they're looking at him not as a cornerback but as a safety. Like Goldson, there's no denying Williams - a standout cornerback at Virginia Tech - has talent. What he's lacked so far is self-discipline and motivation. Character issues dropped him to a second-round pick by the Falcons in 2006 and those concerns turned out to be legitimate. He was cut in June after showing up for spring workouts overweight. Williams played cornerback his rookie season but was moved to safety -- where he also played early on at Virginia Tech -- for 2007. He proved to be a disappointment at that position, was an indifferent special teams performer and was deactivated for two games at the end of the season. Has Williams reversed course? That's what the 49ers are hoping. At the very least, he's gotten back in shape, weighing 220 pounds when the 49ers worked him out this winter. Williams, who stands 6-3, weighed 216 pounds as a rookie in Atlanta.
-- Matt Barrows
Niners to pass on Wilson
Recently released Raiders safety Gibril Wilson is getting attention from several teams, according to his agent. None of them, however, is the 49ers. The 49ers ultimately decided that Wilson is better suited for strong safety than free safety. That seems to be the case for most of the top safeties destined for free agency this year. Which is probably why GM Scot McCloughan on Friday said that the 49ers' starting free safety for 2009 probably is already on the team.
Here's a cut-and-paste job from something I wrote last week that looks at the three top contenders. McCloughan has said subsequently that Jimmy Williams is up to 230 pounds and will be looked at as a strong safety as well. As of now, there is no depth behind Michael Lewis at the position.
The incumbent: Mark Roman. By now, everyone knows that Roman, the team's starting free safety for the past thee years, hasn't had an interception in more than two seasons. In fact, Roman only has seven picks over his nine-year career. By contrast, Baltimore's Ed Reed has 43 career picks and has been in the league two fewer seasons. Roman is the brain center of the defense, the guy who wears the radio receiver, calls the plays and gets the secondary lined up. And in that regard, he is very good. But he lacks ball skills, something the best safeties -- indeed the best defenses - in the league possess.
Challenger No. 1: Dashon Goldson. No one on the 49ers makes more practice interceptions than Goldson. The two-year veteran has height (6-2), size (200-plus pounds), is not shy about hitting and has great coverage ability. Those attributes seem to make him an ideal free safety. What he has going against him, however, are youth and a penchant for injuries. Goldson suffered injuries to both shoulders in college and began his senior season at Washington with a high-ankle sprain. He dealt with an elbow injury right off the bat as a rookie with the 49ers. This past season, he left the Week Two game at Seattle with a knee injury, had to leave the Week Three game against Detroit with a shoulder injury, then left the Week Seven game against the Giants with a knee injury that knocked him out for the next seven games. In short, Goldson has flashed plenty of potential but he's not a guy the 49ers can rely on to man the oh-so-important free safety spot going into 2009.
Challenger No. 2: Jmmy Williams. What's been underreported since the 49ers obtained Williams last month is that they're looking at him not as a cornerback but as a safety. Like Goldson, there's no denying Williams - a standout cornerback at Virginia Tech - has talent. What he's lacked so far is self-discipline and motivation. Character issues dropped him to a second-round pick by the Falcons in 2006 and those concerns turned out to be legitimate. He was cut in June after showing up for spring workouts overweight. Williams played cornerback his rookie season but was moved to safety -- where he also played early on at Virginia Tech -- for 2007. He proved to be a disappointment at that position, was an indifferent special teams performer and was deactivated for two games at the end of the season. Has Williams reversed course? That's what the 49ers are hoping. At the very least, he's gotten back in shape, weighing 220 pounds when the 49ers worked him out this winter. Williams, who stands 6-3, weighed 216 pounds as a rookie in Atlanta.
-- Matt Barrows
Niners target WR, DL on first day of FA; Rossum to return
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020132.html?mi_rss=49ers%20Blog and Q&A
8:57 a.m. The 49ers just agreed to terms to bring Allen Rossum back for another season. No word yet on the details of the deal. Rossum had one of the highest punt- and kickoff-return averages of any full-time return man this season. He also returned a kick 104 yards for a touchdown during the 49ers' Monday night game against Arizona.
- On the first full day of free agency, the 49ers appear to be focusing on the defensive line and on receiver. Several reports have the 49ers scheduling a visit next week with Dallas defensive end Chris Canty, who is ideal for the 3-4 system the 49ers play. With Canty, 26, at end, the 49ers likely would slide either Isaac Sopoaga or Kentwan Balmer to nose tackle,. However, before Canty gets to San Francisco, he will visit the Redskins, Titans and Seahawks, all of whom have been aggressive early on.
Canty's also a guy that is looking to make up for lost dough. He was projected as a potential first-round pick during his final year at the University of Virginia. However, he suffered a knee injury that season, and a detached retina suffered during a bar brawl just prior to the scouting combine further sunk his draft stock. He was picked in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys.
- FoxSports reports that Titans receiver Brandon Jones has planned a visit. Jones is an ex- Oklahoma Sooner who stands 6-1 and weighs 212 pounds. He's also young, 26, though he's started 27 games over a four-year stint in Tennessee. Last year, Jones caught 41 passes for 449 yards and a touchdown. Jones has about the same dimensions as Josh Morgan -- which is exactly what the 49ers look for in a WR
- Redskins defensive end Demetric Evans is also planning a visit. This has been a 49ers strategy over the years: Target a team with little cap space and take advantage of the quality players they cut. That's what San Francisco did when it acquired CB Walt Harris a few years ago. Evans is 6-4, 287 and would be 30 before the season began. He's be a cheaper version of Canty.
- Also, former 49ers fullback and friend of Frank Gore's, Moran Norris is scheduled for a visit. If Norris signs, it ought to cushion the blow when the 49ers inform Gore that he might be sharing carries this season.
- Meanwhile, as reported last night 49ers are saying they are NOT one of the team's making a run at Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is the top receiver on the market. Houshmandzadeh was on NFL Live and listed the Seahawks, Eagles, Vikings and Giants as teams he'd like to play for in 2009.
- The 49ers also haven't expressed any interest at this point in New England's James Sanders, one of the few free safeties available, according the Sanders' agent. There's also been no interest in tackles Khalif Barnes and Marvel Smith.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/020132.html?mi_rss=49ers%20Blog and Q&A
8:57 a.m. The 49ers just agreed to terms to bring Allen Rossum back for another season. No word yet on the details of the deal. Rossum had one of the highest punt- and kickoff-return averages of any full-time return man this season. He also returned a kick 104 yards for a touchdown during the 49ers' Monday night game against Arizona.
- On the first full day of free agency, the 49ers appear to be focusing on the defensive line and on receiver. Several reports have the 49ers scheduling a visit next week with Dallas defensive end Chris Canty, who is ideal for the 3-4 system the 49ers play. With Canty, 26, at end, the 49ers likely would slide either Isaac Sopoaga or Kentwan Balmer to nose tackle,. However, before Canty gets to San Francisco, he will visit the Redskins, Titans and Seahawks, all of whom have been aggressive early on.
Canty's also a guy that is looking to make up for lost dough. He was projected as a potential first-round pick during his final year at the University of Virginia. However, he suffered a knee injury that season, and a detached retina suffered during a bar brawl just prior to the scouting combine further sunk his draft stock. He was picked in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys.
- FoxSports reports that Titans receiver Brandon Jones has planned a visit. Jones is an ex- Oklahoma Sooner who stands 6-1 and weighs 212 pounds. He's also young, 26, though he's started 27 games over a four-year stint in Tennessee. Last year, Jones caught 41 passes for 449 yards and a touchdown. Jones has about the same dimensions as Josh Morgan -- which is exactly what the 49ers look for in a WR
- Redskins defensive end Demetric Evans is also planning a visit. This has been a 49ers strategy over the years: Target a team with little cap space and take advantage of the quality players they cut. That's what San Francisco did when it acquired CB Walt Harris a few years ago. Evans is 6-4, 287 and would be 30 before the season began. He's be a cheaper version of Canty.
- Also, former 49ers fullback and friend of Frank Gore's, Moran Norris is scheduled for a visit. If Norris signs, it ought to cushion the blow when the 49ers inform Gore that he might be sharing carries this season.
- Meanwhile, as reported last night 49ers are saying they are NOT one of the team's making a run at Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is the top receiver on the market. Houshmandzadeh was on NFL Live and listed the Seahawks, Eagles, Vikings and Giants as teams he'd like to play for in 2009.
- The 49ers also haven't expressed any interest at this point in New England's James Sanders, one of the few free safeties available, according the Sanders' agent. There's also been no interest in tackles Khalif Barnes and Marvel Smith.
Michael Vick could be quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers next season.
That's the word on Vick's cell block this week after The Associated Press reported that San Francisco and the Minnesota Vikings might pursue the crestfallen QB following his release from a federal prison in July.
San Francisco coach Mike Singletary feels Vick deserves the chance to play in the NFL and that he would be successful.
Niners fans, let it sink in: Your team could be interested in making Michael Vick -- that Michael Vick -- its signal-caller of the future. The guy who got busted for running a dogfighting ring might be starting at the same position held by Super Joe and Steve.
Let's pump the brakes for a second. Vick is still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons and, yes coach, does have plenty of good years left in that all-world physique to make him alluring to any franchise hurting for a QB -- like the 49ers or Vikings.
The thought of San Francisco adding Vick, a public-relations nightmare, is scary. But is it any scarier than the team's current quarterback situation, or the thought of signing another college kid to a ridiculous contract in the QB-crappy draft next month?
No, but you are still not sold on Vick.
He would be a distraction.
He would drag a gaggle of protesters to games.
For better or for worse, he would be the face of a franchise that is trying to build a new stadium.
But he would win games.
You can't deny the athleticism of Michael Vick, just like you can't downplay his on-the-field resume. He still holds the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,039) and is third all-time.
He accumulated 11,505 yards passing and 71 touchdowns in his six active seasons.
He's a three-time Pro Bowler.
He will turn 29 in June.
He single-handedly guided the 2004 Falcons, yesterday's Arizona Cardinals, within a game of reaching the Super Bowl. That Alge Crumpler, a tight end, led Atlanta in receiving yards that year shows how potent Vick's rushing ability is -- the Falcons didn't need to go long. Vick still threw for 2,313 yards on top of rushing for 902.
You could question Vick's conditioning and acuteness because he has not played in two seasons. But you'd be amazed how quickly professional athletes can get back to speed. (See Deion Sanders returning to the NFL at age 37 after a four-year retirement.)
Plus, this is Michael Vick, one of the most dedicated players in the game. He has had two years to toss and turn thinking about how far his star power has fallen. Think he'll be ready to get back to work this summer?
The bigger question is, social drama aside, do you honestly think Vick would hinder the San Francisco 49ers?
"He's still under contract. You can't really talk to him or have any contact with him," Singletary said. "Right now, we're just going to look at the quarterbacks we have and go from there."
So let's have a look.
The team is set to enter training camp with Shaun Hill as the No. 1 quarterback, and Alex Smith and company vying for the No. 2 spot. Hill passed for 2,046 yards last season while leading the team back to respectable, but 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan felt that wasn't enough. McCloughan has said the team needs an upgrade under center.
"I'm not going to get into names," he said. "The important thing now is which ones fit that (system). It has to be a chemistry where he fits in with everybody. There's a value out there, and it's a position we need to address, whether it's the draft or free agency."
Never mind if Vick fits the system. Vick is a system.
How about bringing in a quarterback who can throw the ball the length of the field on a rope and keep defenders honest with his feet? How about one who can utilize an athletic tight end -- like Vernon Davis -- and take attention away from Frank Gore?
How about someone who can show the franchise is willing to give a second chance to someone who screwed up, apologized and paid his debt to society?
Yes, Vick has baggage. But if he wins games, who cares? Kobe Bryant's jersey is still one of the most purchased. Fans will still turn out to watch Alex Rodriguez.
The Niners won't find a quarterback with Michael Vick's potential in the draft or the free-agency market, ever.
Let that sink in.
That's the word on Vick's cell block this week after The Associated Press reported that San Francisco and the Minnesota Vikings might pursue the crestfallen QB following his release from a federal prison in July.
San Francisco coach Mike Singletary feels Vick deserves the chance to play in the NFL and that he would be successful.
Niners fans, let it sink in: Your team could be interested in making Michael Vick -- that Michael Vick -- its signal-caller of the future. The guy who got busted for running a dogfighting ring might be starting at the same position held by Super Joe and Steve.
Let's pump the brakes for a second. Vick is still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons and, yes coach, does have plenty of good years left in that all-world physique to make him alluring to any franchise hurting for a QB -- like the 49ers or Vikings.
The thought of San Francisco adding Vick, a public-relations nightmare, is scary. But is it any scarier than the team's current quarterback situation, or the thought of signing another college kid to a ridiculous contract in the QB-crappy draft next month?
No, but you are still not sold on Vick.
He would be a distraction.
He would drag a gaggle of protesters to games.
For better or for worse, he would be the face of a franchise that is trying to build a new stadium.
But he would win games.
You can't deny the athleticism of Michael Vick, just like you can't downplay his on-the-field resume. He still holds the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,039) and is third all-time.
He accumulated 11,505 yards passing and 71 touchdowns in his six active seasons.
He's a three-time Pro Bowler.
He will turn 29 in June.
He single-handedly guided the 2004 Falcons, yesterday's Arizona Cardinals, within a game of reaching the Super Bowl. That Alge Crumpler, a tight end, led Atlanta in receiving yards that year shows how potent Vick's rushing ability is -- the Falcons didn't need to go long. Vick still threw for 2,313 yards on top of rushing for 902.
You could question Vick's conditioning and acuteness because he has not played in two seasons. But you'd be amazed how quickly professional athletes can get back to speed. (See Deion Sanders returning to the NFL at age 37 after a four-year retirement.)
Plus, this is Michael Vick, one of the most dedicated players in the game. He has had two years to toss and turn thinking about how far his star power has fallen. Think he'll be ready to get back to work this summer?
The bigger question is, social drama aside, do you honestly think Vick would hinder the San Francisco 49ers?
"He's still under contract. You can't really talk to him or have any contact with him," Singletary said. "Right now, we're just going to look at the quarterbacks we have and go from there."
So let's have a look.
The team is set to enter training camp with Shaun Hill as the No. 1 quarterback, and Alex Smith and company vying for the No. 2 spot. Hill passed for 2,046 yards last season while leading the team back to respectable, but 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan felt that wasn't enough. McCloughan has said the team needs an upgrade under center.
"I'm not going to get into names," he said. "The important thing now is which ones fit that (system). It has to be a chemistry where he fits in with everybody. There's a value out there, and it's a position we need to address, whether it's the draft or free agency."
Never mind if Vick fits the system. Vick is a system.
How about bringing in a quarterback who can throw the ball the length of the field on a rope and keep defenders honest with his feet? How about one who can utilize an athletic tight end -- like Vernon Davis -- and take attention away from Frank Gore?
How about someone who can show the franchise is willing to give a second chance to someone who screwed up, apologized and paid his debt to society?
Yes, Vick has baggage. But if he wins games, who cares? Kobe Bryant's jersey is still one of the most purchased. Fans will still turn out to watch Alex Rodriguez.
The Niners won't find a quarterback with Michael Vick's potential in the draft or the free-agency market, ever.
Let that sink in.
According to his agent, the 49ers have signed wide receiver Brandon Jones to a five-year, $16.5 million contract with $5.4 million in guaranteed money.
Jones (6-1), entering his fifth season, spent his first four years with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, he had 41 catches for 449 yards and one touchdown. He has 112 catches and 1,380 yards over his entire career.
Jones was drafted in the 3rd round (32nd pick) out of Oklahoma in 2005.
Jones (6-1), entering his fifth season, spent his first four years with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, he had 41 catches for 449 yards and one touchdown. He has 112 catches and 1,380 yards over his entire career.
Jones was drafted in the 3rd round (32nd pick) out of Oklahoma in 2005.
According to Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat, free agent quarterback Kurt Warner (Cardinals) may be scheduled to visit the 49ers on Monday. The Cardinals offered a two-year, $20 million contract to Warner. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, is reportedly seeking around $29 million.
Warner passed for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns last year leading Arizona to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Steelers.
I DO NOT WANT TO PAY THAT FUCKER 30 MILLION. I PERSONALLY THINK HES DONE, WARNER HAS HIS UPS AND DOWNS THROUGH SEASONS. ONE SEASON HES HOT SHIT AND THE NEXT WELL, HES JUST EH.
Warner passed for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns last year leading Arizona to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Steelers.
I DO NOT WANT TO PAY THAT FUCKER 30 MILLION. I PERSONALLY THINK HES DONE, WARNER HAS HIS UPS AND DOWNS THROUGH SEASONS. ONE SEASON HES HOT SHIT AND THE NEXT WELL, HES JUST EH.