I actually have been a fan of the 49ers moves so far. There are however, two moves that make me question that sanity.
When I read that Craig Dahl restructured his contract, I was excited. The veteran minimum with 7-9 years is $870,000. So why are we paying more?
In essence Dahl was going to be paid $1.7 million this year, and now we will pay him $400k less.
2015
Cap Figure: $1,533,334
Base salary: $875,000 ($450k guaranteed)
Pro-rated bonus: $433,334 ($200k signing bonus added to his last contract)
Roster bonus: $175,000
Workout bonus: $50,000
I think the 49ers were generous with Dahl. You bring him into the office and tell him you are going to release him and no one else will sign him. You offer him 1 year for $950,000. They should point to the fact that he sometimes runs the opposite direction of the receivers when he plays safety. We can sign special team players through the draft with young fresh legs, we do not need Dahl! The highlight of Dahl's 49er career was the fake punt run vs. the Chiefs that resulted in a first down. He led the team with 14 special team tackles last season.
The second head scratcher is with Blaine Gabbert. If the 49ers did not give Kaepernick an extension last year, Gabbert would have made more money than him as a backup. To give Gabbert some credit, he is the only 49ers QB to throw a 4th quarter td last season.
Let's go back to when Blaine Gabbert was good in the NFL…….
Moving on, I am not sure why 49ers are giving out $2 million per year for a backup. He has $800k per year in incentives that will not be earned. He has $750k tied to playing time, and $50k tied to each pro Bowl selection.
Just because Gabbert was picked in the first round, does not mean he is a first round talent. 2011 was not the year of the quarter back in the draft. I still think Kaepernick is the best qb in that draft. Cam Newton was selected #1 overall, but I still would rather have Kaepernick.
The 49ers were scouting Gabbert in 2011, and I think they are using him as an insurance policy. If Kap gets hurt or traded (Eagles) he can become the starter. If this happens we are in tons of trouble. I do think Torrey Smith is a better receiver for Kap, than Crabtree was.