Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 18

San Francisco Chronicle

"Linebacker Takeo Spikes is listed as day-to-day with a strained hamstring incurred in the Chicago game, coach Mike Singletary said Tuesday. "If Takeo can't go, Matt Wilhelm will start," he said. Wilhelm, a seven-year veteran, was signed as a free agent by the 49ers prior to the Houston game Oct. 25 but it wasn't until the Chicago game Thursday night that he had a chance to play from scrimmage. Wilhelm had five tackles in relief of Spikes as he played most of the second half. "I prepare each and every week, whether I'm playing or not playing," he said. "With the three defensive linemen in front of me and Parys (Haralson) and Manny (Lawson) setting the edge, that ball wasn't going anywhere.""

LT Staley out 6 weeks with right knee sprain

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November 3

San Jose Mercury News

"Joe Staley was perched on a stool in the 49ers locker room Monday, his right knee encased in a bulky brace. Not far away, Nate Clements stood in front of his locker, his right arm tucked in a sling. They shared more than pain from injuries suffered in Sunday's 18-14 loss to Indianapolis. Both are durable players who now for the first time in their pro careers will miss extended action — which is trouble for the reeling 49ers. The biggest blow is Staley. The team's best offensive lineman suffered sprains to two ligaments in his right knee and will miss six weeks. Clements, who had just lost his starting cornerback job, appears to have the more serious injury and is expected to be out six to ..."

Crabtree preparing to start

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October 20

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

"While many of his teammates got their minds off football, Josh Morgan assisted new teammate Michael Crabtree with the 49ers' playbook. You see, who better to help Crabtree learn the "X" position than the guy who started the 49ers' first five games in that spot? In other words, Morgan is grooming the rookie to ... "take my spot," Morgan said, finishing the sentence his interviewer began. The 49ers apparently are intent on seeing a quick return on their investment in Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick in the draft. When the 49ers play the Houston Texans on Sunday, Crabtree will be in the starting lineup, Morgan said he has been told. "I'm helping him learn my position and take my position," ..."

Crabtree may start for the 49ers on Sunday

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October 20

San Jose Mercury News

"After an epic wait to get on the field, receiver Michael Crabtree is apparently making up for lost time. The recently signed 49ers receiver made such an impression during bye week workouts that he might start Sunday at Houston. Coach Mike Singletary held back on making an official announcement, saying the 49ers will wait to see if Crabtree continues to make progress during the week. But so far, so good. "I don't think that it's going to be too big for him," Singletary said. "To me, even though he's come in late, he looks like he's ready." Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick from Texas Tech, signed Oct. 7 and pledged to be ready quickly. He said that he worked out twice a day in the Tampa ..."

49ers, Ulbrich play it safe - concussion ends season

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October 20

San Francisco Chronicle

"Linebacker Jeff Ulbrich was placed on injured reserve Monday, two weeks after sustaining a concussion that probably ended his decade-long career with the 49ers. Ulbrich, a 10-year veteran from San Jose, picked up the latest, and last, concussion of his career on the opening kickoff of the Rams game on Oct. 4. He had a neurological exam at Stanford Hospital last week, the results of which compelled the 49ers to put him on season-ending IR. "That was the consensus, that it would be best for Jeff in the long run, " coach Mike Singletary said. "We want to make sure we take care of our players. That means we're taking care of the family as well. The reason we put Jeff Ulbrich on IR was related ..."

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has no interest in trading Josh Cribbs

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October 16

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns coach Eric Mangini said Friday he has "no interest in moving Josh Cribbs." In response, Cribbs' agent J.R. Rickert said, "It is unfair for the Browns to hold Joshua back. They should either give him an extension or allow another team to acquire him. Their current position of doing nothing is no longer fair or appropriate.'' Rickert made it clear that he and Cribbs want the extension -- or a chance to go somewhere else. A source told the Plain Dealer on Thursday that Cribbs would welcome a trade if they won't re-do the deal, which runs through 2012. At least five teams have expressed interest in trading for Cribbs, including Miami, Oakland, Jacksonville and San Francisco, according ..."

Browns' Josh Cribbs reportedly would like trade if new deal can't be reached

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October 16

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs wants to remain a Brown for the rest of his career, but if the team is unwilling to extend his contract, he'd welcome trade, a source close to the situation said. Cribbs, who signed a six-year extension in 2007 worth $6.77 million, is under contract through 2012. He has made it clear since the off-season that he wants a new deal in the form of a contract extension. In fact, he considered holding out at the beginning of the season. The Browns are believed to be unwilling to trade Cribbs before Tuesday's deadline, a source said. They prefer to hang onto him and perhaps work out a deal in the future. Cribbs is the prototypical player for coach Eric Mangini, one who ..."

Goodell warns Sanders

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October 14

San Francisco Chronicle

"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the issue of a possible conflict of interest involving the NFL Network's Deion Sanders, regarding his knowledge of Michael Crabtree's contract negotiations that eventually led to the 49ers filing a tampering charge against the New York Jets. Sanders was represented in his playing days by the same agent who eventually negotiated a six-year, $32 million contract for Crabtree with the 49ers, Eugene Parker. As well, wide receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State lost his NCAA eligibility for lying about having improper contact with Sanders. "He does have a job with the NFL Network and he has to be careful of any conflicts of interest," Goodell told ..."

49ers hope to see Gore, Crabtree on field

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October 14

San Jose Mercury News

"While most 49ers will get away during their bye week, running back Frank Gore plans on a stay-cation at the team's facility. He won't be alone: He has wide receiver Michael Crabtree to break in. "Me and Crabtree are going to get it done," Gore said Tuesday. The 49ers hope to have Gore (ankle) and the newly signed Crabtree back when their season resumes Oct. 25 at Houston. That's good, because the 49ers could use the help — from Gore, from Crabtree, from anywhere. They rank 29th in the league in total yards, 31st in first downs per game and 27th in third-down efficiency. The offense was so horrid Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons that coach Mike Singletary indicated changes are in store ..."

Saga finally over, Crabtree could debut with 49ers in two weeks

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October 8

Oakland Tribune

"All along, Scot McCloughan had a hunch. When things went quiet on the Michael Crabtree front, the 49ers general manager told his lead negotiator, Paraag Marathe, to stay patient. "This will come out of left field," McCloughan told him. "This will be something you don't see a week or two in advance." And so it happened, as a months-long standoff turned into whirlwind negotiations. The sides broke their silence Sunday and quickly hammered out a six-year deal that includes $17 million in guaranteed money. Crabtree's contract was complete by about 2 a.m. Wednesday. By about 1 p.m., he was on the 49ers' practice field. The No. 10 pick in April's draft will not play in Sunday's game against the ..."

49ers sign Crabtree

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October 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"In officially becoming a 49er in the wee hours of Wednesday morning after a prolonged impasse, top draft pick Michael Crabtree signed a six-year contract worth a reported $32 million, with $17 million guaranteed. An additional $8 million in unlikely to be achieved incentives could push the total value of the deal to $40 million, according to a league source cited by ProFootballTalk.com. The contract voids to five years if Crabtree achieves two incentives in the first four years of the deal: making the Pro Bowl twice or making the Pro Bowl one year and being on the field for 80 percent of the offensive plays in a separate season in which the 49ers make the playoffs. With such outstanding ..."

Finally - encouraging signs in Crabtree impasse

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October 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"In an attempt to end a monthslong impasse with their No. 1 draft pick, the 49ers on Tuesday met with wide receiver Michael Crabtree and agent Eugene Parker in what amounted to a first in negotiations between the player and the team that chose him 10th overall. Though San Francisco's reported offer of $20 million over five years, with $16 million guaranteed, has been on the table for months, Tuesday's meeting away from team headquarters in Santa Clara was the first time all five principals met in person. They being Crabtree, Parker, 49ers President Jed York, general manager Scot McCloughan and chief contract negotiator Paraag Marathe. By early evening, negotiation was reduced to Parker and ..."

Crabtree, 49ers finally meet face to face

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October 7

San Jose Mercury News

"As the first step toward seeing eye-to-eye, the 49ers and Michael Crabtree finally met face to face. Team officials and the first-round draft pick gathered in a Palo Alto hotel room Tuesday afternoon. There was no word on progress, but the meeting itself represented a milestone: Six months after Crabtree was drafted, this marked the first time all of the key parties sat in the same room. "The 49ers were happy for the opportunity to meet with Michael and his agent," team spokesman Bob Lange said. Team President Jed York, general manager Scot McCloughan and vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe represented the 49ers. Crabtree was accompanied by agent Eugene Parker. The Santa ..."

Sources: Crabtree, 49ers meet

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October 6

ESPN.com

"Michael Crabtree and his agent, Eugene Parker, met with San Francisco 49ers front office personnel for an hour Tuesday in the Bay area, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Sources said Crabtree and Parker met with VP of football operations Paraag Marathe, owner Jed York and GM Scot McCloughan. Indications are that Crabtree wants to play football for the 49ers this season, but there was no word on what kind of progress, if any, was made on a possible contract."

If Crabtree's talking, what's changed?

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October 6

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Ray Ratto

"So Michael Crabtree is in the mood to converse again? Assuming the indefatigable "multiple sources" are correct, we've got a new bend in the wisteria that this story has become, starting with: -- The offer or offers Crabtree and agent Eugene Parker clearly were expecting for 2010 might have evaporated, maybe because the New York Jets are taking the tampering charge filed by the 49ers seriously. It is the only sensible explanation that explains both the lack of discussions before now and the sudden interest in re-opening them. -- The two sides finally decided that not talking at all is silly, and that they are no closer now to agreement than they ever were. They're simply reacquainting ..."

49ers won't shun Crabtree despite hot start

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October 6

Sacramento Bee

"Amid rumors that Michael Crabtree soon will emerge from hiding, coach Mike Singletary on Monday was asked a question many 49ers fans have wondered about themselves: Do the 3-1 and NFC West-leading 49ers even need their long lost draft pick at this point? "Any guy that can play and that can help us win, I am never going to say, 'No, we don't need him,' " Singletary said. Crabtree is on Day 71 of his contract impasse with the 49ers, but in the past two days there have been signs that the freeze-out is beginning to thaw. NFL Network's Deion Sanders, who is a confidant of Crabtree's, hinted Sunday the wide receiver soon could be joining the 49ers. On Monday, ESPN cited two unnamed sources in a ..."

Crabtree to renew negotiations, sources say

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October 5

ESPN.com

"First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree left for San Francisco from Tampa, Fla., on Monday to renew contract talks with the 49ers, according to multiple sources. Crabtree was unavailable for comment. The Dallas native and former Texas Tech receiver has been training in Tampa the past few weeks in Tampa. Eugene Parker, Crabtree's agent, is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco on Tuesday. Parker declined comment when reached. Crabtree, the 10th overall selection in last April's draft, is the only unsigned first-round pick. He has missed the first four weeks of the regular season."

Deion Sanders dropping hints?

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October 5

Sacramento Bee

"Deion Sanders provided the biggest plot twist in the Michael Crabtree saga when on Sept. 4 he said there were two teams that were willing to pay Crabtree the money he was seeking. Sanders, who is a Crabtree confidant, added a little more intrigue Sunday during a 49ers-Rams highlight reel on NFL Network. During the segment, host Rich Eisen twice joked that the 49ers player catching touchdowns in the highlight was Michael Crabtree. (The highlights actually were of Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan). This was the exchange between Eisen and Sanders as the Morgan touchdown is being shown: Eisen:Looking to the end zone for Michael Crabtree! ... No. Sanders: Not yet. He could be brewing. Eisen: ..."

Gore to be sidelined three weeks

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September 29

San Jose Mercury News

"If the 49ers are going to rebound from their tough final-seconds defeat in Minnesota, they're going to have to do it without running back Frank Gore. Gore will miss at least three weeks after MRI results revealed Monday that he suffered a right-ankle strain and a right-foot sprain on the team's first play from scrimmage Sunday against the Vikings. The 49ers announced Gore's status via an e-mail sent Monday night and did not make any team officials available for comment. Earlier Monday, coach Mike Singletary said at his weekly press conference that the injury was unrelated to the ankle sprain Gore suffered against Seattle two weeks ago and noted, "It is not believed to be serious.'' If the ..."

Jets accused of tampering with 49ers' first-round pick Michael Crabtree

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September 21

New York Daily News

"The Jets' long-running pursuit of a high-profile wide receiver could land them in hot water with the NFL. The 49ers, embroiled in an acrimonious contract dispute with rookie receiver Michael Crabtree, have filed tampering charges against the Jets, sources told the Daily News. The Jets, through a team spokesman, denied the allegations. Although the specifics aren't known, it's not hard to connect the dots. Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in the draft, is threatening to sit out the season and reenter the draft in 2010. The 49ers may believe the Jets contacted Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, to let him know they'd be interested in trading for his rights, or in drafting him in 2010 with a ..."

Report: Crabtree offer is reduced

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September 15

San Jose Mercury News

"Michael Crabtree celebrated his 22nd birthday Monday. As an unwanted gift, multiple reports surfaced that the 49ers are poised to drop their offer to the No. 10 overall pick out of Texas Tech. Citing team sources, Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports wrote that Crabtree's continued absence makes him less valuable to the 49ers on a prorated basis and added, "Translation: The team just reduced its offer and will continue to do so with each passing week." A day earlier, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that the 49ers sent a letter to Crabtree "modifying" their offer. Responding to the Fox report Monday, coach Mike Singletary acknowledged that such a letter had at least been discussed. But ..."

Niners' draft pick could sit out season

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September 13

ESPN.com

"At this time -- and that's an important distinction -- there is every expectation that former Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree will not sign with the San Francisco 49ers and instead will sit out this season and re-enter the draft in April, according to multiple sources. The 49ers still want Crabtree, they still think he can make an impact, it's just that no one in the organization can now envision a way in which it would happen. Each side has dug in, remained entrenched in its stance, and shown no signs of budging -- none."

Deion says Crabtree feels he's being lowballed

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September 5

San Jose Mercury News

"Deion Sanders, who helped Michael Crabtree prepare for the draft, said Friday that the 49ers' first-round pick is willing to skip the 2009 season over a contract impasse. "Why would you settle for $20 million when you feel like you can get $40 million," Sanders said. "That's the problem." Speaking on the NFL Network, Sanders said two teams approached the 49ers about trading for the rights to the Texas Tech receiver. Sanders said the unnamed teams "will pay this kid, and he knows that." A 49ers spokesman said: "Those discussions never happened." The deadline to trade an unsigned draft pick was Aug. 14. On that date, owner Jed York reiterated his commitment to signing Crabtree saying, "We're ..."

49ers Marvel Smith looks as if he is through playing

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August 29

Sacramento Bee

"The 49ers parted ways with oft-injured offensive tackle Jonas Jennings this offseason and replaced him with Marvel Smith. Now it looks as if they'll have to say goodbye to Smith as well. The lower back issues that plagued Smith, 31, for the last two seasons in Pittsburgh haven't gone away, and the nine-year veteran likely will retire early next week, according to a source close to the situation. The 49ers announced Smith did not take part in their Friday walk-through because of "personal reasons." He also will not make the trip to Dallas for today's exhibition game against the Cowboys. "Marvel is going to stay here and take care of some personal things that he needs to take care of, and ..."

49ers' Marvel Smith experiment may be over

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August 29

San Jose Mercury News

"Amid speculation that he is about to retire, tackle Marvel Smith missed the 49ers' practice Friday for what the team termed "personal reasons" and did not travel to Dallas for today's exhibition game against the Cowboys. The Web site profoot balltalk.com was among those reporting that Smith, plagued by back problems, is planning to leave the game. But 49ers coach Mike Singletary declined to talk in specifics about Smith's future. "Marvel needs to take care of some personal things," Singletary said. "That's all there is right now. We're going to give him the time, just like we do all the guys, to take care of what he needs to take care of." The 49ers signed Smith, 30, a nine-year veteran, ..."

49ers QB Hill back at practice, likely for Saturday

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August 28

San Francisco Chronicle

"After letting his strained lower back "settle down," Shaun Hill returned to practice Thursday and threw in individual drills while Damon Huard ran most of the plays with the starting offense in team sessions. Hill said he expects to play in Saturday night's preseason game in Dallas "as far as I know." "It feels good today," he said. "It was nice to be able to get out there and practice. It wasn't as bad as everyone thought. I knew it wasn't all that serious. It was smarter to let things settle down than to push through at this point in the year." San Francisco's starters are expected to play the first half against the Cowboys, with some continuing on into the third quarter."

Hill named 49ers' starting QB

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August 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"A man who took just two snaps, neither of them meaningful, in his first five years in the NFL is now the 49ers' starting quarterback. That Shaun Hill is one patient man. Monday's announcement by coach Mike Singletary that Hill will be the starter represents a case of (very) delayed gratification for Hill, who seemed destined for a career of third-quarterback obscurity until his life changed at the midpoint of the 2008 season. That's when Singletary yanked J.T. O'Sullivan and installed Hill as the starter. "It's been quite a ride," Hill said. "About made it through six seasons without taking a snap in the league. Now here I am about to start for one of the most storied franchises in the ..."

49ers' York: Crabtree deal will get done

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August 15

San Jose Mercury News

"As far as Jed York is concerned, there is no turning back in the high-stakes poker with first-round pick Michael Crabtree. He said he is confident the 49ers will get a deal done. "We're all in,'' he said. Speaking to a handful of reporters just before kickoff, York noted that Friday marked the trade deadline for unsigned draft choices. Earlier in the day, there were breakthroughs with some other top picks. The Green Bay Packers reportedly signed defensive lineman B.J. Raji, the No. 9 overall pick, to a five-year, $28.5 million deal that includes just under $18 million in guaranteed money. Offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, the No. 8 overall pick in last spring's draft, signed a five-year ..."

York confident Niners, Crabtree will make deal

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August 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"Although he is not directly involved in the negotiations, 49ers President Jed York sounded confident the club will sign top draft pick Michael Crabtree. The wide receiver from Texas Tech, picked 10th by San Francisco, is one of three unsigned rookies. Tackle Andre Smith (Bengals, 6th) and linebacker Aaron Maybin (Bills, 11th) are the others. "We'll get it done at some point," York said Friday before the game. "They've had discussions. We'll get it done. We're all in." However, the ceiling for Crabtree was apparently set when the Packers signed the ninth pick, defensive tackle B.J. Raji, for $28 million over five years, with $18 million guaranteed. Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, is ..."

NFL source: Crabtree-49ers stalemate probably will last until September

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August 12

San Jose Mercury News

"When, if ever, will Michael Crabtree sign with the 49ers? I offered my own prediction to a highly-placed NFL source the other day: Aug. 20, right before the team's second exhibition game. That's my guess. But the source immediately gave me a definitive, and somewhat bracing response: Nope, Crabtree's agent Eugene Parker and 49ers management are too ground in for any deal coming before August. The source said that Crabtree almost certainly will sign, unless he's crazy enough to start skipping game-checks, which he probably isn't, but that it won't be until in the weeks or days before the 49ers' Sept. 13 regular-season opener. The key: Parker doesn't want to budge, well, at least until ..."

Adviser: Crabtree could re-enter draft

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August 6

ESPN.com

"San Francisco 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree is prepared to sit out this season and re-enter the NFL draft in 2010, David Wells, Crabtree's cousin and adviser, said Thursday. "We are prepared to do it," Wells said. "Michael just wants fair-market value. They took him with the 10th pick and you have Darrius Heyward-Bey [the seventh overall pick by the Oakland Raiders] getting $38 million? This week is crucial. Michael was one of the best players in the draft and he just wants to be paid like one of the best players. This week is very crucial." Wells said he believes the Niners have made an offer but that it is not acceptable. Wells said Crabtree is ready to start practicing and was held ..."

Believe it or not, Smith should start

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June 19

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Glenn Dickey

"The good news for 49ers fans: Alex Smith is healthy again and throwing more sharply and with more confidence than he ever has in his troubled NFL career. Many Niners fans won't regard that as good news. They've castigated Smith with regularity and are convinced that Shaun Hill is the better choice at quarterback. But in truth, Smith has been fighting an uphill battle since he was taken as the first choice in the 2005 draft, coming to a bad team with a porous offensive line and inadequate receivers. Not surprisingly, he looked terrible. He made good progress in his second year, but then offensive coordinator Norv Turner took the coaching job with the San Diego Chargers. In his third season, ..."

What Falcons' release means for Vick's football future

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June 12

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Falcons' expected release of Michael Vick puts him one small step closer to a return to the NFL. It doesn't necessarily mean, though, that he'll be suiting up this fall. While Vick is now free to negotiate a contract with all 32 teams in the NFL, he still must be reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell in order to play. Further, Vick must find a team willing to accept the risk of signing him and his accompanying baggage. Goodell indefinitely suspended Vick at the time of his federal dogfighting conviction. Goodell has said that he won't meet with him to consider reinstatement until after his sentence ends July 20. Teams are free to sign suspended players, but any team that ..."

49ers' Willis in no hurry for extension

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June 7

San Jose Mercury News

"As much as Patrick Willis enjoys San Francisco, he is in no hurry to start talking contract extension. A few days after fellow 2007 first-rounder Joe Staley signed a deal through 2017, Willis said he will stick with the year-to-year approach. "I don't let my mind go that far down the road," Willis said Saturday, the second day of mini-camp. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker said, to his knowledge, the 49ers have not approached his agent, Ben Dogra, about extending his current deal. Willis has three years remaining on the five-year, $16.655 million contract he signed as a rookie and sounds willing to let it play out. "I love California," he said. "I love the fans. The weather, you can't ..."

49ers sign Bly to take over form Harris

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May 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"It did not take long for the 49ers to find a cornerback in the wake of Walt Harris' likely season-ending knee injury. The club Thursday signed 32-year-old Dre' Bly, a 10-year veteran of the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. Last year with the Broncos, Bly had two interceptions. He was released in February. "San Fran is a football town and has die-hard fans," Bly said in a conference call. "They have tradition. I'm glad to be part of it. I'm just fired up, man." Bly said one reason he's fired up is because he was waived for the first time in his career, released shortly after Josh McDaniels took over the Broncos as head coach. Bly spent the last two seasons in Denver, ..."

Walt Harris injured, might miss season

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May 21

San Jose Mercury News

"Walt Harris' season is in jeopardy after learning Wednesday that he has a torn right ACL. The veteran cornerback will have surgery "in the coming weeks," a 49ers spokesman said. The team put no timetable on his recovery, but the damage suffered during a non-contact drill earlier this week could keep Harris sidelined for all of 2009. Harris, who turns 35 in August, tumbled to the ground while covering receiver Dominique Zeigler on Tuesday, the second day of the 49ers' four-day organized team activities. The 49ers originally described the injury as "nothing major," but an MRI exam Wednesday revealed the extent of the injury. Harris' setback opens the door for Tarell Brown, the team's ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Santa Clara, 49ers reach finance deal on stadium

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May 20

San Jose Mercury News

"Santa Clara's City Council signaled late Tuesday that it has at long last come to terms with the 49ers to jointly finance a stadium near Great America, and is ready to bring the deal to the public. The only action the city took was to set a June 2 date for a special public council meeting to discuss and potentially vote on the complicated financial package that would use city redevelopment money, new hotel tax revenue and other funds to help subsidize a 68,500-seat, $900 million stadium. But 2?1/2 years after the 49ers first proposed leaving San Francisco, Tuesday's closed City Council session signaled the end of one chapter in the 49ers South Bay stadium saga, where the city and the team ..."

49ers have not ruled out drafting a quarterback

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April 23

San Francisco Chronicle

"Quarterback remains a position of interest for the 49ers going into this weekend's draft, but even if they doone with their first pick Saturday, he would not be expected to start as a rookie. Compete, yes. Be anointed the starter, no. That was the gist of what general manager Scot McCloughan said Wednesday as he discussed in general terms the club's draft strategy. He's of like mind with coach Mike Singletary in that the 49ers' approach is to draft the best player available regardless of position. If that's a quarterback, that will be the pick, whether it's in round one or round seven, if he's on top of San Francisco's board at the time. The 49ers have nine picks overall, one in each round ..."

Matthew Stafford's attitude turns off San Francisco

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March 26

Detroit Free Press

"Wrong answer. Ex-Georgia quarterback and Lions wanna-be Matthew Stafford aced his Wonderlic test at the NFL Combine, but he didn't impress coach Mike Singletary with his smart-alecky attitude during an interview with a psychologist the 49ers brought in, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The guy was asking about his parents' divorcing when he was in high school, Stafford said, and said it sounded like he had "unfinished business" with the split. Stafford said no and added he wondered how much he was being charged for the psychoanalysis. You know, some might like a little attitude like that in a QB -- I would -- but not Singletary. Singletary told a San Francisco radio station: "If you're ..."

Jets sign veteran cornerback Donald Strickland, according to source

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March 25

Newark Star-Ledger

"The Jets have signed veteran cornerback Donald Strickland to a three-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke on a condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the organization or player. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The signing fills a need for the Jets, who have been searching for a veteran cornerback since free agency began in February. The team had interest in former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy, who signed with the Cleveland Browns, and brought in Samari Rolle, another former Raven, for a visit last week. Strickland, a six-year veteran who spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, ..."

Niners in need of a QB upgrade

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March 24

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Glenn Dickey

"As Shaun Hill and Alex Smith began their battle for the starting quarterback job last weekend at 49ers minicamp, the possibility loomed that other quarterbacks might join the battle. There's one certainty: The 49ers must get this right if they're going to break out of their pattern of mediocrity. The current elephant in the room is Jay Cutler, who has been upset with Denver management since he heard that the Broncos might be shopping him. Cutler was a favorite of Mike Shanahan, but the young quarterback isn't sure new coach Josh McDaniels will be so supportive. Officially, the 49ers say they have no interest in Cutler - but they'd say that even if they were actively involved in trade ..."

Tackle Marvel Smith visits 49ers

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March 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"A former Pro Bowl tackle with a history of back problems visited the 49ers on Wednesday. Whether that's a good thing or not is uncertain. Free agent Marvel Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers came for a medical exam and a meet-and-greet with general manager Scot McCloughan and coach Mike Singletary. The 49ers took no action on Smith at the end of the day. The 49ers are looking for an upgrade at right tackle, a position manned by three players in 2008: Jonas Jennings (two games), Adam Snyder (six) and Barry Sims (eight). Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2004 but missed 14 games over the last two seasons with back problems. Smith missed four games in 2007 and 10 in '08 with a herniated disk before ..."

Free agent corner Strickland visits Titans

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March 18

Tennessean

"Unrestricted free agent cornerback Donald Strickland visted the Titans on Wednesday as the team continues its search for depth in the secondary. Strickland, a six-year pro, spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He played in 14 games last seaso, starting three, and finished with 38 tackles."

49ers deny making offer to Warner

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March 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"Despite reports to the contrary, the 49ers did not make a contract offer to free agent quarterback Kurt Warner when he visited the team on Monday. In an e-mail to The Chronicle, general manager Scot McCloughan said "no offer" had been made to Warner. It's possible that contract generalities might have been discussed during his six-hour visit. An ESPN report said the 49ers had offered more than the $23 million proposal Warner and agent Mark Bartelstein presented to the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday to retain the services of the two-time league most valuable player. Bartelstein also said the 49ers offered Warner more than $23 million. Specifics of Bartelstein's offer to the Cardinals are $12 ..."

Warner visits 49ers, results uncertain

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March 3

Arizona Republic

"Kurt Warner took a day trip to the Bay Area on Monday, but it remains in question if the Cardinals quarterback is ready to switch teams and become a 49er. The 49ers arranged for Warner and his wife, Brenda, to fly on a private jet from Phoenix to San Jose. They visited with 49ers officials, including coach Mike Singletary, at team headquarters in Santa Clara and Warner took a physical, part of the route for any visiting free agent. The Warners were due to return home Monday evening. "I'm sure he'll want to think about it," Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said on Monday night. "But he has a number of meetings (Monday night), so we'll see. Kurt can be a spontaneous guy." It's unknown ..."

49ers Trade Rumors