Michael Lewis (asks for release)

Originally posted by Shaj:
very classy, but don't assume you know what happened behind the scenes.

My guess? Baalke had a heart to heart with him and said "as of now, you're going to get cut. You're a great player, but this is a business, and it's a numbers game. We want you on the team this year, but we can't do it at that price. Here's what we need from you to make it happen. And it'll be a win for you too - play your heart out this year, and you'll land a nice deal next year from the highest bidder."

This.

Originally posted by Shaj:
very classy, but don't assume you know what happened behind the scenes.

My guess? Baalke had a heart to heart with him and said "as of now, you're going to get cut. You're a great player, but this is a business, and it's a numbers game. We want you on the team this year, but we can't do it at that price. Here's what we need from you to make it happen. And it'll be a win for you too - play your heart out this year, and you'll land a nice deal next year from the highest bidder."

I totally hear you guys on that but I'm not so sure that's what went down. Why would he say that to him when he is probably the starter day 1 and maybe for half of the season? If Mays gets named starter than I will believe this.

Side note: does anyone know what Lewis originally signed for.... it was 5 year high 20s-low 30s mil and 10 million guaranteed... or am I off base here.

Originally posted by pdxredandgold:

Originally posted by Shaj:
very classy, but don't assume you know what happened behind the scenes.

My guess? Baalke had a heart to heart with him and said "as of now, you're going to get cut. You're a great player, but this is a business, and it's a numbers game. We want you on the team this year, but we can't do it at that price. Here's what we need from you to make it happen. And it'll be a win for you too - play your heart out this year, and you'll land a nice deal next year from the highest bidder."

This.

Deez

They were probably going to cut him if he didn't do that and he knew he wasn't gonna get anything more as free agent.

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:
He should take a pay cut...

Originally posted by 190836:

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:
He should take a pay cut...

he did.

Nate Clements should be next...
So in 2007 he signs the infamous "8 year , $80 million contract" with 22.6 guaranteed.

2010: $6 million

Say we cut him after the above year...
2011: $7.25 million
2012: $9 million,
2013: $10.77 million,
2014 $15.48 million (Voided Year), so that turns it into a 7 year 64.02 million

We cut him after 2010 all of a sudden it was a 4 year deal worth like 37 million which doesn't sound as bad a the original 8 year 80 million that everyone was so fascinated with. AB will have to give us the correct figures if my info is off.

2 million dollar pay cut you? Good move for both sides. Niners probably wanted him to take a pay cut due to the fact that one more concussion would likely end his career. While Lewis probably feels he can take the pay cut now, and go out there and prove that he still has it.. Somehow get a longer term deal from another team in free agency. Players love there freedom.

Originally posted by Gore_21:

Originally posted by Shaj:
very classy, but don't assume you know what happened behind the scenes.

My guess? Baalke had a heart to heart with him and said "as of now, you're going to get cut. You're a great player, but this is a business, and it's a numbers game. We want you on the team this year, but we can't do it at that price. Here's what we need from you to make it happen. And it'll be a win for you too - play your heart out this year, and you'll land a nice deal next year from the highest bidder."

I totally hear you guys on that but I'm not so sure that's what went down. Why would he say that to him when he is probably the starter day 1 and maybe for half of the season? If Mays gets named starter than I will believe this.

Side note: does anyone know what Lewis originally signed for.... it was 5 year high 20s-low 30s mil and 10 million guaranteed... or am I off base here.

He probably is the starter day 1, but at that price management would be willing to take some lumps with rookies or Smith, as there is a good chance they will take over the role during the year anyway.

This was a no brainer for Lewis. Take 2 mil less or be cut.

Even Lewis knows his coverage skills are subpar hence the Niners taking him off the field on third downs.

Why would he do that? Personally speaking??

Originally posted by SybErkRimInAL:
Why would he do that? Personally speaking??

You'll have to ask him.

Originally posted by SybErkRimInAL:
Why would he do that? Personally speaking??

If he's cut, he gets nothing. If he is signed by someone else after week 1, he's week to week in terms of a paycheck, and what team would sign him to more than vet minimum?

Originally posted by SybErkRimInAL:
Why would he do that? Personally speaking??

Reality and Generosity. He has seen the writing on the wall and doesn't want to be that guy that screws over the organization that has been good to him. He will bow out gracefully and either move on with another team or retire.....I think because of the numerous concussions this will be his last year. The man is in his early 30's and can still function properly, he's made a lot of money and can live life very easily.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by mcbaes72:
Wow, classy move on Lewis' part. Reminds me of the pay cut Ulbrich took when his LB role was diminished and he was mainly a ST player. Not to mention A. Smith took a pay cut, too (which could increase if he has a great season). Team players...

Agreed. Gives us more money for future players as well. Very classy. Kudos to Michael Lewis.

Agree, nice move for both sides.