Reading the Tea Leaves on Niners' Activity in Free Agency

MadDog49er · 2010-03-13T12:24:49-08:00

The Niners have been fairly low key in free agency thus far in March, with the key activity being the addition of David Carr, slated to play backup QB. However, things are rumbling out there which may play a significant role in the upcoming draft. First, the team will be bringing Chester Pitts in for a visit this next week, which may indicate the team is not committed to David Baas. If the team had long-term interest in Baas, it would not make sense to bring in Pitts, who is a left guard. It may also signal either a lack of interest in Mike Iupati in the two first-round draft slots, or an acknowledgment that they already have players targeted in the 13th and 17th slots. The rumors of interest in Pac Man Jones, and the possibility that Singletary visits his upcoming workout, may also send out signals that the Niners would like to free up their second/third round picks from the CB/PR position (I don't see a WR being selected to return punts unless they are extraordinary...the WR position is already stocked this offseason). This CB/PR pick would almost be a draft lock if the team does not address this position in free agency. At the same time, it may also suggest that the team might be willing to run the draft card up to the table in the third round if a player with off-field problems, like Perrish Cox, is on the board at number 79. Ted backer Akin Ayodele will also be visiting the Niners on Monday. This signals that the team sees enough of a slide in Takeo Spikes that Ayodele will compete with him in training camp for that starting role. It also help clarify Scott McKillop's role on this team for the next 5 years: Backup and special teams ace. There is no doubt the team did not have confidence in Hill's ability to get the ball downfield, and signing Carr tips the idea that the Niners intend to launch the ball further down the field in 2010. This would make sense, as the highly competitive teams of the NFL are drifting toward a big play mentality on offense, rather than a ball-control/smash the ball down the field philosophy. One major area of concern last season was Michael Lewis' health after a number of concussions. The Niners have been extraordinarily quiet in regards to this position this offseason, which may mean they are ready to plug Reggie Smith into the starting lineup at some point this season. The team does not seem committed to Mark Roman in 2010. Of course, the team might be sending out smokescreens all over the place regarding interest in these players and upcoming visits. Each fan will have to analyze and dissect each move themselves. Final note: In that the Niners have not re-signed Barry Sims, and are letting him roam the country speaking to teams, sends out the strongest signal that the team will use a first round draftee at the OT position. This player will have to be versatile enough to play both RT and LT, in case Staley goes down. Sims played that duel role last year. This should be a very interesting week. I see the team cutting Shaun Hill by mid-week (there will not be any trade value) and the possible loss of Barry Sims and Mark Roman by the end of the week. It seems like the wheels are in motion and we will see a different roster in a handful of days.

Mar 13, 2010 at 12:27 PM

jreff22
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Posts: 67,457

Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

Mar 13, 2010 at 12:34 PM

MadDog49er
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Originally posted by jreff22:
Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

A couple of years ago, I would say no. However, it seems like Singletary has a big heart for kids who make mistakes in life. If he feels like Jones can be a good citizen, then maybe so. I think he was pretty disgusted by our PR team last season, and may be more inclined to take a risk in that department than others on the squad. He also doesn't mind those shorter, shiftier nickel and dime corners.

Mar 13, 2010 at 12:38 PM

SoCal9er
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Posts: 11,496

Originally posted by jreff22:
Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

Mar 13, 2010 at 12:46 PM

blunt_probe
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Posts: 21,380

Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Originally posted by jreff22:
Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

but seriously, I trust Singletary with any player. I'm just concerned he won't play well like in Dallas.

[ Edited by blunt_probe on Mar 13, 2010 at 12:47 PM ]

Mar 13, 2010 at 1:10 PM

49erForLife420
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Posts: 456

Originally posted by jreff22:
Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

I am deffinently serios about him... hes only 26

Mar 13, 2010 at 1:34 PM

NCommand
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Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
There is no doubt the team did not have confidence in Hill's ability to get the ball downfield, and signing Carr tips the idea that the Niners intend to launch the ball further down the field in 2010. This would make sense, as the highly competitive teams of the NFL are drifting toward a big play mentality on offense, rather than a ball-control/smash the ball down the field philosophy.

Awesome post Mad...probably the only thing I could play devil's advocate here is that we also made a strong effort to sign Becht, a true blocking TE which again, places a large emphasis on the running game. That said, it "could" mean we want to free up Davis more and make him more exclusive to receiving. But again, this doesn't bode well from getting away from the most predictable offense in the league.

This FA period thus far still has that "bargain" feel to it in hopes of finding another diamond in the rough (e.g. Bly, Harris, TKO, etc.).

I'm wondering if ANY of the FA's we bring in will actually be upgrades at the key positions we need upgrades at (OLB, OL, Secondary & ST) to make a real run this year or if these potential signing will just be more depth (push the guy ahead of you).

Mar 13, 2010 at 1:39 PM

Dominate
Member
Posts: 1,883

IF we were to sign Pitts it would be for depth and a chance to compete at LG. I think they are commited to Baas. My 2 cents. They did give him a pretty hign tender, indicating he does hold some value to the team.

Mar 13, 2010 at 1:44 PM

LottOfDefense
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Posts: 2,754

I get the feeling the 9ers are going to draft your nemesis at #17 and plan on having Mays start in place of Lewis. He is the exact description of what McCough has described this offseason.

Mar 13, 2010 at 1:49 PM

ninerfan21
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Posts: 6,924

Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
There is no doubt the team did not have confidence in Hill's ability to get the ball downfield, and signing Carr tips the idea that the Niners intend to launch the ball further down the field in 2010. This would make sense, as the highly competitive teams of the NFL are drifting toward a big play mentality on offense, rather than a ball-control/smash the ball down the field philosophy.

Awesome post Mad...probably the only thing I could play devil's advocate here is that we also made a strong effort to sign Becht, a true blocking TE which again, places a large emphasis on the running game. That said, it "could" mean we want to free up Davis more and make him more exclusive to receiving. But again, this doesn't bode well from getting away from the most predictable offense in the league.

This FA period thus far still has that "bargain" feel to it in hopes of finding another diamond in the rough (e.g. Bly, Harris, TKO, etc.).

I'm wondering if ANY of the FA's we bring in will actually be upgrades at the key positions we need upgrades at (OLB, OL, Secondary & ST) to make a real run this year or if these potential signing will just be more depth (push the guy ahead of you).

Pitts would definitely be an upgrade for us. Is he one of the top 10 guards in the nfl? no, but he's a solid starter, a smart kid, and a good locker room presence. Maddog, Barrows suggests they might plan on using Pitts at RG to help out a rookie at RT.

Mar 13, 2010 at 2:22 PM

#10

jreff22
Veteran
Posts: 67,457

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Originally posted by jreff22:
Do you really expect us to be serious about Pac Man........?

A couple of years ago, I would say no. However, it seems like Singletary has a big heart for kids who make mistakes in life. If he feels like Jones can be a good citizen, then maybe so. I think he was pretty disgusted by our PR team last season, and may be more inclined to take a risk in that department than others on the squad. He also doesn't mind those shorter, shiftier nickel and dime corners.

Just make me happy and say this is all a smoke screen and Spiller will be ours in April.

Mar 13, 2010 at 2:49 PM

#11

NoOffseason
Veteran
Posts: 307

Interesting thoughts. I would agree on Chester Pitts and the thinking behind Pacman Jones is kinda intriguing.

I would think that Ayodele would not be brought in to actually compete with Spikes for his starting job, I would think the Niners are interested in him because they do not think Spikes can be healthy for a full season (similar to last year) and want to hedge their bets.

Also, since Ulbrich retired, I think we actually have two backup spots to fill on the inside linebacker position, for Spikes and for Willis, because if I remember correctly Ulbrich used to be the backup to Patrick Willis.

Now heaven forbid we actually need Willis´ backup player to step up, but right now, both backup spots would be more or less automatically filled with McKillop and Wilhelm and I guess bringing someone like Ayodele in would be good competition for those backup spots.

Otherwise, I would agree with the rest, I think and since we are already kinda into the "free agent bargain bin" period, I do not believe that there will be any elaborate smoke screens any more. Those are only fun with the big-money free agents anyway

Mar 13, 2010 at 7:32 PM

#12

9eridiot
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Posts: 174

Maddog,
Thanks for the insights. Any thoughts on Pashos and why they'd let him walk and be signed for a relatively cheap $3 mil?

I hope you're right about Smith - he looks like he's ready to do big things, but I've always had my doubts about Baas - since the moment he was drafted just never felt like he wanted to be here.

Mar 13, 2010 at 7:53 PM

#13

MadDog49er
Hall of Fame
Posts: 19,400

Originally posted by ninerfan21:
Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by MadDog49er:
There is no doubt the team did not have confidence in Hill's ability to get the ball downfield, and signing Carr tips the idea that the Niners intend to launch the ball further down the field in 2010. This would make sense, as the highly competitive teams of the NFL are drifting toward a big play mentality on offense, rather than a ball-control/smash the ball down the field philosophy.

Awesome post Mad...probably the only thing I could play devil's advocate here is that we also made a strong effort to sign Becht, a true blocking TE which again, places a large emphasis on the running game. That said, it "could" mean we want to free up Davis more and make him more exclusive to receiving. But again, this doesn't bode well from getting away from the most predictable offense in the league.

This FA period thus far still has that "bargain" feel to it in hopes of finding another diamond in the rough (e.g. Bly, Harris, TKO, etc.).

I'm wondering if ANY of the FA's we bring in will actually be upgrades at the key positions we need upgrades at (OLB, OL, Secondary & ST) to make a real run this year or if these potential signing will just be more depth (push the guy ahead of you).

Pitts would definitely be an upgrade for us. Is he one of the top 10 guards in the nfl? no, but he's a solid starter, a smart kid, and a good locker room presence. Maddog, Barrows suggests they might plan on using Pitts at RG to help out a rookie at RT.

Last year, I stated that it might be in the best interest of the Niners to shift Rachal to LG in the future, especially since he struggled this year with the instability of the right side of the line, and being beat by the faster undertackles of the league. It may be best for him to take on the NT for each team, and being sandwiched between Staley and Heitmann is never a bad thing.

Mar 13, 2010 at 7:57 PM

#14

MadDog49er
Hall of Fame
Posts: 19,400

Originally posted by 9eridiot:
Maddog,
Thanks for the insights. Any thoughts on Pashos and why they'd let him walk and be signed for a relatively cheap $3 mil?

I hope you're right about Smith - he looks like he's ready to do big things, but I've always had my doubts about Baas - since the moment he was drafted just never felt like he wanted to be here.

My best guess on Pashos is that the team did not see him as a starter, and also his limitation to only playing RT. Most GM's, coaches, and scouts really want guys who can play on both ends, especially when it comes to reserves. And, that is what Sims can do. So, it just appears to me that the team is committed to drafting a RT early in the draft.

Baas is a below average guard, and this is an area the team has to upgrade soon.