San Francisco 49ers: Harbaugh Speaks
So how does 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh feel now that the lockout is broken and the start of training camp begins in a mere 72 hours?
"Yeah, I'm nervous; I'm worried. It's part of my job to be that way," Harbaugh admitted Monday, solidifying his reputation as a detail-orientated coach concerned about every aspect of his team. But that's not to say the enthusiastic coach isn't excited about finally having players circulate in the team's Santa Clara facility.
The 49ers will open their doors at 7 a.m. Tuesday and all players are welcome on a volunteer basis to meet with coaches and condition. However, those not signed will have to leave the building once training camp begins, which will be some time on Thursday. Free agents of any kind will then have to vacate.
Teams can begin signing free agents Friday at 3 p.m. West Coast time. However, free agents cannot take part in practice unless the last details of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are finalized and the new league year is declared open. The deadline for that to happen is Thursday Aug. 4, however, it could happen at any time.
This could impact quarterback Alex Smith, who said Monday he expects to sign a new contract at the earliest opportunity. "My mind is made up," Smith said. "I'm not waiting for anything."
However, Smith might have to wait six days or before he can re-join his team, depending on the opening of the new league year. That means the only signed veteran, David Carr, could get plenty of snaps and so could rookie Colin Kaepernick, if he signs quickly.
Beyond that, Harbaugh offered little insight on whether he would pursue a veteran, free-agent quarterback to compete with Smith, Carr and Kaepernick.
"At every position we are going to address all avenues that are out there," Harbaugh said. "We are not going to give away any plan. ... We don't think it's in our best interest to talk about what we are going to do."
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