That didn’t take very long. Less than a week after the free agency period opened, an NFL team may be thinking about extending a contract offer to Leon Washington. ProFootballTalk cites a “league source” saying that Washington has been “spoken with” San Francisco.
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There are whispers coming out of San Francisco that Michael Crabtree may have won a starting job during the 49ers bye week. The first round receiver had just joined practices after signing his contract and was only penciled in to play on third downs. Apparently, he’s been a quick study and may immediately take Josh Morgan’s job as the split end (X).
Morgan was mature enough to stay in San Francisco during the bye to help Crabtree learn how to play his position. Despite being the team’s second-leading receiver behind Vernon Davis, Morgan may be forced to share time in the slot receiver (Y) rotation and potentially become a return man. However, San Francisco offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has stated before that Morgan can play all three receiver positions. He’s a pretty good blocker and did get a lot of reps at the flanker receiver (Z) over the summer. So there’s also a chance he could overtake Isaac Bruce as the starter opposite Crabtree.
Crabtree has gotten rave reviews from teammates so far. Frank Gore said the rookie is explosive, has great hands, and runs great routes. San Francisco quarterback Shaun Hill was also impressed by Crabtree saying:
“You kind of think, ‘OK, he’s a little bit on the short side.’ But when he’s out there playing and he gets his hands up and his arms out, he’s a big target. Very strong hands to the ball. He attacks the ball. I think he’s going to be good for us.”
49ers coach Mike Singletary affirmed speculation about Crabtree starting. He told the San Jose Mercury News that “even though he’s come in late, he looks like he’s ready.” Personally, I think Crabtree could end up somewhere between Cris Carter and Anquan Boldin in terms of skill set. Crabtree probably won’t be known for his size or speed. However, he does have elite body control balance to shield himself from defenders. His hand are also top notch and he’s a solid route runner — though the offense at Texas Tech is simplistic compared to an NFL offense. In any case, he’ll probably be better than the only receiver taken before him in the 2009 NFL Draft. Without lining up for a single snap, Crabtree is only two catches and 36 yards behind Oakland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Tags: anquan boldin, cris carter, Darrius Heyward-Bey, football, frank gore, isaac bruce, jimmy raye, josh morgan, Michael Crabtree, mike singletary, NFL, san francisco 49ers, shaun hill
Michael Crabtree, along with his agent Eugene Parker, finally met with Niners brass yesterday. It was their first real attempt to discuss a contract since San Francisco put a “take it or leave it” deal on the table weeks ago. Jed York, Scot McCloughan, and Paraag Marathe from the 49ers front office talked deal with the holdout wide receiver.
Other than the meeting itself, the news was that there was no news. Except for the fact that MC Hammer was in town with Crabtree’s group. Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported that the dance machine was seen talking to Crabtree and Parker.
The claim hasn’t been verified by any other outlets. Though yesterday Hammer tweeted, “I’m in a Monte Hall state of mind….” It’s also reported that Crabtree’s agent Eugene Parker is a friend of Hammer’s. Also, can we please call Crabtree “MC Hammer” once he actually starts playing football?
Tags: eugene parker, football, holdout, mc hammer, Michael Crabtree, negotiations, NFL, san francisco 49ers
Turns out Michael Crabtree might not be as big of a douchebag as we thought. The unsigned rookie receiver recently worked out with former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer gushed over Crabtree’s ability and said that he was perfectly healthy. I doubt that a playing catch with a former NFL player will really help Crabtree prepare for the NFL. But at least it shows that the holdout has taken some initiative.
Via Sacramento Bee:
Tags: football, Michael Crabtree, NFL, san francisco 49ers, trent dilferThe only NFL-caliber quarterback to throw a pass to Michael Crabtree in the last two months? That would be Trent Dilfer, who worked out with Crabtree recently in the Bay Area. Dilfer told me a few moments ago that Crabtree had gotten sick of working with a JUGS machine, and was looking for a live arm. The one rumor that Dilfer said he could put to rest was that Crabtree didn’t want to sign a contract because he was hiding a lingering foot injury. “That’s garbage,” Dilfer said. “He’s perfectly healthy. … He looked good. He looked very fit.”
Dilfer said he did not discuss the contract issue with Crabtree. He said he wanted to provide a service for Crabtree and didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. “I told him early on that I would not get involved in any level in that aspect of it,” said Dilfer, who lives in the South Bay, who played two seasons in San Francisco and who is close friends with a number of 49ers.
Crabtree is now on Day 45 of his contract impasse. If he does not sign by Saturday, he will lose his Week One game check. More importantly, the standoff is starting to get into the realm where the 49ers might begin lowering their offer – believed to be 5 years for $20 million total with $16 million guaranteed – because Crabtree will not be factor early in the season. Crabtree, who was rehabilitating from a foot injury in the spring, has yet to practice with his new team.
