This morning, many of my readers are digging through the Inside the 49ers archives trying to find predictions they made which turned out to be correct and bragging about them. That’s always fun, so I’ve got a new prediction contest for you: Who will be the 49ers’ newest quarterback next season, assuming Trent Baalke trades or releases Alex Smith?
Will the 49ers sign a backup, like Josh Johnson? Or will the 49ers trade for a quarterback? Or will they draft someone? And if so, who will they draft?
If you get this question right, you can brag in the comments section for years.
49ers RSS feed
Loading ...
Gonna go with Jason Campbell.
Pleasa no way
And from way, way, way, way out of left field, Jason Campbell!
Draft pick and Josh Johnson.
We’ll see in a couple months.
I don’t see this GM and head coach going with Colin Kaepernick as the most experienced QB on the roster, but you all are clearly so much better attuned to what the front office is thinking than I.
Yeah he could do those Subway commercials!
Of course not!
absolutely no to campbell!!!
“If you get this question right, you can brag in the comments section for years.”
Except then they’ll spend days scouring the past years worth of posts to find all the other things you’ve been wrong about.
I won the contest here for describing Anthony Davis’ youthful glee in camp last year and to tell the truth I haven’t found much cachet coming from that award.
Tolzien becomes the #2 and a draft pick becomes the #3. Do I have to give the name of the draft pick because frankly at this point you might as well pick it for me for all I know about the later round QB’s?
Whoa- I actually agree with Coffee. Though the draft is hard to predict- if there are no QB’s that Harbaugh/balke like they will bring in Josh Johnson or another 3rd stringer.
Tolzien is going to be a starter in the NFL someday. If he gets any playing time next year- people are going to be wowed.
“Tolzien is going to be a starter in the NFL someday.”
Now that’s funny.
Draft pick. To be trade bait in 3 years.
Baalke should draft one every couple of years and use it as trade – bait in future years.
What’s the point of having a QB-coach-genius if we don’t maximize his skills
This is an interesting question. A lot of it hinges on what they think of Tolzien. If Tolzien is a legit number two, then they could bring in Hasselbeck after he’s released as an experienced emergency three. I’m assuming Hasselbeck gets released as I do not see the Titans paying a backup almost $6 million.
I also do not see the Niners using the first five rounds to draft a QB. What I do know is that Harbaugh has a plan. Maybe he has his eyes set on a sleeper pick that none of us know about.
It likely won’t happen, but I’d love to see Vince Young brought in to camp.
Vince would awesome, but only cause he would blow his entire salary on a huge block party and I may get an invite.
Hasselback again? How about Kolb, Palmer, Vince Young, remember, all guys you said could come in and do better than Alex? Wow Bay, you really are losing it now.
Nice try FDM. Remember Harbaugh tried to get Hasselbeck in here once. Stop being bitter that I pointed out all of YOUR inaccuracies and lets be friends.
My inaccuracies? Bay, you have been doing it for years. And yes we can be friends when you start calling it straight.
Bay,
Hasslebeck has already said he would be willing to work with the Titans to be back. He said he and his family loved Nashville. Young sounds intriguing until you really think about it. The guy was cut from the Bills because they thought Tavaris Jackson was better. That was his third team in three years, he just doesn’t get it. Then he takes out a $300,000 loan during the lockout to throw HIMSELF a birthday party. He needed the loan despite earning almost $30 million during his first five years in the league, not even including endorsements. It’s no wonder this guy did so bad on the Wonderlic, he isn’t very bright. Dumb asses and the QB position don’t mix.
Scott Tolzien is the backup and he is better than AS just wait and see
At least he looks better than Alex and seems to have that potential. But he has to actually play some for us to KNOW .
He will get a lot of playing time this preseason.
I think Tolzien is fighting it out with Josh Johnson for #2.
If Kap ever gets hurt and Tolzien gets playing time,we may be trading Tolzien in a year or so when and if he wows the League with his play. We have seen in recent years how quality backup QB’s can be great trade bait after they are developed.
And JJ should be able to do all the things Kap can do in our offense,but to a lesser degree in several areas. He has the wheels and arm but not necessarily the accuracy.
Either Josh Johnson will be our #3 or a draft pick between round 4-6
Does anyone want to take a stab at a late round QB Harbaugh might want?
Matt Scott, Arizona.
Here’s a blurb :”Scott showed nice dual-threat ability as a runner and passer this year. The senior completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,620 yards with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also ran for 632 yards (506 net) with six touchdowns. “
Somewhere in the pick range of #150-180.
Matt Scott is a guy I’ve been touting-great fit imo!
Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma, 4th round.
He’s got a cannon and Pistol experience.
Grant, that’s two of the reasons I went with him. Not a fast 40, but is still pretty mobile and a player Harbaugh could work with and challenge Tolzein for the #2 spot.
I also believe he was recruited by Stanford and UCLA before deciding on Oklahoma.
Spaceborn says:
February 21, 2013 at 11:09 am
Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma, 4th round.
Grant Cohn says:
February 21, 2013 at 11:10 am
He’s got a cannon and Pistol experience.
——————————–
I thought you wanted LATE round QB prospects? Landry is gone by the end of the third.
Aaron Rodgers’ younger brother Jordan Rodgers. He a nd Tolzien will compete for the backup job.
Yes, Coffee, he did say late, but I went with a QB I see as a player that the 49ers could really take a look at. I did that instead of just plucking a name out of a hat to make it a late round scenario.
Grant, would I still get credit by picking the right QB even if it is not after the 4th round?
Yes.
If you needed any other doubt about whether or not Klein is seen as a legit NFL QB then read this: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000143843/article/collin-klein-will-be-invited-to-join-tight-ends-at-combine
JaMarcus Russell ….He’s been working out ….lol
Russell could be worth a look. If he doesn’t work as a QB they could always take a look at moving him to DE.
Yeah…. DE….. Dead End.
Rusell is running what a 5.2, so shouldn’t he be considered a NT instead of DE?
He can play both sides under center, lol.
I think they will sign Josh Johnson and let him compete with Tolzien again for number 1 and 2 QB spot. Tolzien barely beat him out for number 3 last year and Jonson looked as good or better than Tolzien to me. I don’t see any QBs worth a draft pick.
Sorry I meant compete for number 2 and three spot. Not gonna compete with Kaep lol.
Alex Smith will be the #2 QB, and they will draft Matt Scott in Rd 5 or Colin Klein in Rd 7 to compete with Tolzien to be #3.
I was just going to ask about Colin Klein. I think he’s a better prospect that Scott. Bigger, stronger arm, more accurate.
Barrows seems to think it’s unlikely Alex Smith will be on the team next year.
That’s interesting because I just read this about Klein:
“Klein was a great college player, but his arm isn’t strong enough to be a starter in the NFL. His throwing mechanics are a real problem as well.”
He averaged 8.7 yards per attempt as a senior (Kaep averaged 8.4). Klein drove the ball down the field with some zip from what I saw. His arm is not special, but I think it’s pretty good, and better than Scott’s.
Yes, Klein has a slow release, but so did Kaepernick. It seems the 49ers coaches are good at fixing that.
and this doesn’t sound to good either :”Klein looked terrible at the East-West Shrine. His accuracy was awful and his arm strength was weak. WalterFootball.com heard scouts laughing at some of his throws.”
I don’t see Klein in the pistol. Too slow. Good as pocket QB only.
Have read that. Just a hunch.
Question is: Does Smith want to go through this process again? All of his potential landing spots are looking at him as a bridge to the future QB.
I would guess he wants a shot to compete for a starting job next season, and he wouldn’t get that on the 49ers.
Inaccurate ,inability to anticipate,slower than Scott…
What ‘skill’ does he have that qualifies him to be a ‘good’ NFL player?
Watched him play 3 full games and I came away unimpressed.
He will be a clipboard holder for somebody.
Klein’s delivery leaves a lot to be desired. Not as bad as Tebow’s, but once again you are dealing with a part of the QB that has muscle memory locked into the brain after millions of reps. Klein will end up at TE or FS or could be an outside backer with his athleticism.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3119/alex-smith
Jack,
“Although his statistics under quarterback-guru coach Jim Harbaugh might lead fans to believe otherwise, Smith is not highly regarded around the NFL. He’s viewed as a borderline starter and short-term stopgap solution.”
The powder is still in the air from that pimp slap to the Milky Blues Cult.
Grant,
Is it possible that Alex Smith comes back after his outright release?
Obviously, that hinges on not garnering any interest by other teams.
And will other teams view AS as a system QB only and be scared off by his limited ceiling?
We may find out that there aren’t too many teams (if any) that may willing to wait for AS to take a couple of years to grasp a new playbook.
Stranger things have happened, which in this scenario means that Alex could come back at a new and very lean contract.
AES,
The better question to ask might be, “Which teams have the cap space to give $8.5 mil to a stop gap QB?”
Arizona Cardinals: -$3.3 million cap space
Kansas City Chiefs: $13.2 million cap space
Buffalo Bills: $16.7 million cap space
Jacksonville Jaguars: $23.8 million cap space
Clevland Browns: $44.7 million cap space
And for those who think we should keep Smith:
San Francisco 49ers: -$1 million cap space
Grant: Kap did NOT have a slow release. He was clocked before the draft in 2011 at the ESPN’s sports science and he had a faster release that most NFL QB’s .
He just LOOKED like he had a slow release because of his long arms .
Since the draft the Niners have quickened his release up even more so that now he may have the quickest release in the League…and with his canon arm the ball gets to the receivers even quicker yet ,so lets stop this “slow release” fairy tale !!!
Hammer,
If Alex stays, does that spell the end for D.Goldson?
I would rather they re-up D.Walker then AS.
I don’t see the offense changing to a full-fledge pistol. There just aren’t that many CK’ out there who could run the pistol with the success that he has thus far.
I wouldn’t even trust J.Johnson with that prospect.
They keep Tolzein, and run a watered down version on the pistol with more emphesis on the pass to fit ST’ skill set.
Not necessarily AES.
Sean Renfree, Duke, UFA
Denard Robinson if he is available in the 5th rd or later. They will use him initially as a hybrid eventually as a BU QB. If not Robinson then Colin Klein in the 7th rd with Tolzien as our #2 next yr.
Good thinking.
Bad thinking Grant. They are both great athletes but nowhere near football players.
I just took a look about what some services say about Klein. He runs a 4.7 and as a freshman was a wide receiver, so I assume he can catch. Maybe he could be a backup tight end and qb. You know how they like multi-function players as backups.
Also has running skills of course.
Yeah and Denard Robinson could return punts.
He’s got that 4.3-4.4 speed. Might be too small for QB.
He needs to be able to catch the ball first.
Isn’t Denard Robinson going to the combine as a WR? Maybe he could be the next Battle?
as a U of Mich alum, it’s about the only college football i watch (and then, sparingly). watched enough to get a clear picture that Denard, while a great athlete, has terrible accuracy. so not surprised that he switched to receiver at the end of the season(?) and is apparently going to the combine as a wr. he wasnt just kind of inaccurate, he was horribly inaccurate (esp when it mattered). hope he makes it as a swingman of sorts, but doubt he’s on anyone’s roster as a qb.
What about Tim Tebow? Imagine what might be possible. Tebow can be TE, FB, TB, Punt/Kickoff Team, emergency QB, providing depth in 5 different positions. Imagine what Harbaugh/Roman can do with Tebow.
only if he agrees to be the Grand Marshall of the SF’s Pride Parade with Chris Culliver at his side.
I would pay to see that.
Do they have to get married first ?
oh god..no Tebow the guy is just a gadget and not a NFL QB
I wonder now about Tolzien. Tolzien struck me more of a pocket passer type. He’s not immobile but didn’t appear to be a running threat. When the offense was tailored for Alex Smith it made sense to have a back up like Tolzien. However, now that the offense is tailored for Colin Kaepernick which now incorporates elements of Kaep’s dual running threat skills, does Tolzien still make sense? I know Roman can simply re-tailor his offense to fit Tolzien, if the need ever came up. But would it be better or more efficient to have a QB who has more of Kaep’s skill set so the offense doesn’t have to re-engineered in the event that Kaep can’t start? Josh Johsnon seems to be an obvious veteran answer (but I think he’s still signed with the Browns).
I agree. New offense and I think Josh Johnson would be better #2 and Tolzien at 3.
What percentage of the 49ers O is the pistol? I’m guessing 40% or less. So if tolzien had to play he might only run the pistol 20% of the time. He runs a 4.8 40 i think thats quick enough to run the pistol the difference might be a 6 yd gain for ST where CK might get 20. I think ball handling is more important than speed in the pistol at least untill you hit the open field
Tolzien seems to move right down the field and looks great until he throws an INT. I sure hope his ball handling has improved.
@Gr8… Tolzien did not look good in the last 2 preseason games and i was surprised that harbaugh kept him over JJ but i trust he had his reasons he is the ” QB whisperer”
Agreed, but I think JH was thinking of Tolzien as backup for AS even if Kaep started. If Kaep went down, AS would start. If AS went down then ST comes in for AS. I’m not so sure if ST is a great replacement for CK.
Old Coach,
The real question isn’t what percentage of the 49ers’ offense is pistol, but rather what percentage is read option out of the pistol.
The pistol doesn’t require a mobile QB, necessarily. The beauty of the pistol is any play can be run out of the formation.
I think they sign Seneca Wallace. Matt Moore would be a great backup, but there’s a good chance he would rather go somewhere he feels that he can start. I would like to see Tebow as Kaep’s backup, and yes I’m being serious. I still think that Tebow would succeed as an NFL quarterback in the right system with the right coaches.
Regardless of who they sign in FA, I think they draft a quarterback late. Does anyone think Zac Dysert will still be around in the 6th?
Tebow spoke at a virulently anti gay\anti semetic church this week. i do’nt see him playing in S.F.
What does that have to do with the Santa Clara 49ers?
Old Coach, he cancelled his scheduled appearance at the church, just for the record.
troll alert
@LSX thanks i was not aware of that
please no tebow
Wait, scratch what I said about Seneca. I forgot about all his “locker room politics” that ran him out of the league.
I can definitely see the 49ers bringing back Johnson if he is available, and so long as he is interested. If Alex is gone then having Johnson at training camp will mean still having 3 QBs that know the system and thereby getting more quality reps for the whole offence.
But I wouldn’t be surprised to see another veteran brought in as well. The value of having a veteran with starting experience on the sideline to help a young starting QB can’t be underestimated. Jason Campbell isn’t that bad an option. He’s started, but at this point he knows he’s a backup, and he’s got the experience to be able to help Kaep from the sideline.
Is Josh Johnson signed with the browns?
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/4706/josh-johnson
He is a FA. http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story/0ap1000000138649/article/2013-nfl-free-agency-unofficial-list-of-2013-nfl-free-agents
Cleveland Browns
Unrestricted free agents:…Josh Johnson, QB;
Everyone expects Johnson to be available .
Did you guys hear about the “Jim Harbaugh Rule”? The NFL competition committee passed a rule for coaches to remain on the sidelines and not wander onto the field. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/clark-judge/21737156/nfl-to-head-coaches-stay-where-you-belong–on-the-sidelines
Why don’t they try to enforce the rules they have now instead of just making up a bunch of new rules that they won’t enforce(unless it is against us !).
Just look at any game the Seahawks play or look at the SB and you will see they let the Hawks and Ravens cheat on almost every play and did almost nothing to stop them. They even let a Ravens player push a referee and instead of throwing him out as the rules require they didn’t even penalize him at all or even fine him later !!! At least 3 times I saw a Ravens player punch a Niners player in the face ,right in front of a Ref ,and they never threw a flag !!!
So ,next year if Jim Harbaugh steps on the line he will be penalized and probably fined but if Pete Carrol runs onto the middle of the field and slugs a referee and then kicks him while he is down,no problem right ?
The “John Harbaugh Rule” should be, two guys cannot mug a player and tie him up on a kickoff return. ;)
This article says that [Alex] Smith and his wife met with Baalke after the Super Bowl, with both sides discussing what they thought about the situation [upcoming season]. WTF was the wife doing at that meeting?
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21742712/49ers-looking-at-all-options-regarding-alex-smith
Speaking of check out this link. Also read the caption below Smith’s wife’s picture lol.
http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/2012/10/10/top-15-hottest-wives-and-girlfriends-of-starting-quarterbacks-in-the-nfl/?utm_source=NR&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=@{cmpsubid}
LOL, that’s funny Bay.
Nick says:
February 21, 2013 at 12:33 pm
WTF was the wife doing at that meeting?
—————————————
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/matt-maiocco/baalke-no-timetable-smith-decision
“General manager Trent Baalke had dinner with 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and his wife, Liz, after the Super Bowl to discuss the future.”
Having dinner apparently, is that so shocking?
The 9ers may not have too many options. BGradkowski is available and @ $2M a yr is affordable, and others here mentioned TTebow.
In terms of a drafted QB, I’ll agree with our bud Hightop’s mock draft and go with Matt Scott.
BTW, BG ran a 4.59 40 at the combine. He could run the pistol in a pinch if needed
Thanks for the shout out…sorry to see you and Jack seem to irritate one another so …I enjoy having you both on this spot!
Between Scott, Klein, Rodgers, Robinson, and all the other late round QB prospects being discussed, I think Zac Dysert is the best. I would love to draft Landry Jones but I have a feeling he will be gone by the late 2nd or early 3rd.
I watched a lot of Dysert in college and was pretty impressed, especially considering how terrible the rest of his team was and the constant turnover on the coaching staff. Am I the only one high on him? I think Dysert has a ton of upside and would be a great fit here, especially giving him time to develop under Harbaugh.
Ryan Aplin | Arkansas State, QB could probably be had in round seven and ready to listen carefully to the Whisperer…
Giovanni Carmazzi will finally get his chance.
Giovanni better get back into playing shape, his time is now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1Y3yJMwqnk
Listen to this Eric Davis video. Good stuff on Revis.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000143219/article/richard-sherman-talks-darrelle-revis-feud-on-nfl-am
Tolzien steps in as #2. he’s a baby drew brees if u ask me.
Well he has about half the arm strength if that’s what you mean
You don’t know that…
I’ve seen all of his games in college and all of his throws in the preseason. So, yes, I do know that
Grant did you have a relationship at all with Alex? Any 49ers that you hope to build better relationships with?
Robert Alford- SE Louisiana, CB He has speed, ball skills and competes all the time. If the 49ers are lucky, they might be able to get him at the top of the 3rd round.
I like that kid too Razor, seems like a baller, coming from a small school he ‘shouldn’t’ come in with the WR\DB look at me complex.
The way he competes should push Carlos to be better as well.
It seems like there are more CB’s in the NFL from small schools than any other position
Razor
Way to go and copy – verbatim – from CBS Sports.
Grant. Just read a report that says 49ers unlikely to release smith.
Any inside info on this? Does that mean he’s going nowhere or they trade?
Mr. Hammer will be handling all quarterback questions. It was determined that he is the resident blog whisperer.
Guess I’m better off asking Hammer. Ill get an answer. Lol
Not such a bad thing if AS goes to Arizona.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000143262/article/alex-smith-reportedly-on-arizona-cardinals-radar
There are two ways to take that:
1. The 49ers are unlikely to release Smith.
2. The 49ers are trying to keep Smith’s trade value as high as possible by maintaining they will not release him.
Bingo Grant!
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7475/nick-foles
This makes too much sense.
Last I heard Kelly wanted to coach him, and that the Eagles like him. What is heard right now is so loud that you need to wait, and listen to the whispers leading up to March 12th.
@Razor i ca’nt see the eagles going into the season with M.Vick as their starter and them not having a BU that they love. I believe they will keep Foles.
They have a veteran who has started in the NFL already on their roster to back up Vick, and could utilize Dixon as #3.
This makes more sense for the Chiefs if they could pull it off than trading for Smith. By trading for Foles instead of Smith they will only be on the hook for $2.24 mil over the next three years compared to $17 mil over the next three years for Smith.
This allows Reid to acquire a young QB who he already knows, save the money to retain Bowe, build the core of future succes (the o line), and still have money to go after additional free agents.
Coach,
They got Dennis Dixon.
Foles isn’t going anywhere with Vick currently a question mark.
Howie Roseman, the general manager who owner Jeff Lurie credited Monday with the evaluations that led to the selections of Foles and the rest of the 2012 draft class, is still on the job and will be whispering into the ear of Chip Kelly. Which may mean something or may mean nothing depending on what Kelly really thinks of Roseman. Foles played well behind a patchwork OL. Andy liked him alot.
Razor,
Why do you insist on passing on the words of others as your own?
I could be like you and post the link, but I like saving steps. P.S. I never insisted they were mine.
According to The Arizona Republic, there are decision-makers within the Cardinals’ organization who are high on Smith. Curious…Arians runs a vertical offense, not one of Alexs’ strengths.
Smith could very easily be back if he cannot get a better deal elsewhere. JJ is a bust, couldn’t even make it in the out-of-business bush league last year. I think Tolzien will get a hard look next summer and if he’s decent in the pocket will be shipped out for at least one #1 when the seaon is over. The pistol is not a be all and end all — might be old news next year depending on how Colin rounds out over the off season. And there aren’t many “clones” of CK. He’s in a league of his own, has been since high school.
Tolzien will be shipped out for “at least one #1″……ok then.
What color is the sky in your world?
Blue…
I think if Tolzien gets a goo shot during preseason — which he hasn’t in the last two years — he’s going to shine. He might not be right for the Niners but with some polish and confidence — thanks coach — he might be a very valuable commodity for some other team.
Gavin Escobar -SD TE might be an option if Walker walks.
I think Coffee has it right: Matt Scott from AZ is the logical late 4th or mid 5th round selection.
Chris Mortenson reports: The 49ers, are highly, highly unlikely to release Alex Smith. IS THAT REALLY NEWS? And this just in from me, the Giants are unlikely to trade Buster Posey before opening day.
Off topic, but here’s an update on the Revis-Sherman feud:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000143219/article/richard-sherman-discusses-darrelle-revis-feud-on-nfl-am
Anybody else think that all that is missing from Sherman’s media visits is a diaper, a pacifier, and a wittle wattle?
Amen -what a tool.
I have very confidential inside information, that I heard from a friend of a friend of a friend whose friend is a Janitor at 49er headquarters, and he over heard Jimbo , while he was cleaning his office that Elvis Grbac, will be coming out of retirement, count on it, and please keep this quiet, don’t want the friend of a friend whose friend is a janitor to lose his job. Elvis back in the building.
Jack Hammer says:
February 21, 2013 at 3:56 pm
AES,
“The better question to ask might be, “Which teams have the cap space to give $8.5 mil to a stop gap QB?”
@Hammer
Agreed, but that would certainly include us as well. AS will not come back at that price tag. In my earlier scenario, AS would be released (from the books) and brought back as a free agent under a very lean contract.
Obviously, that is predicated on him not receiving any interest once he hits the market.
AES,
He will be back on the 49ers at around $4-5 mil is my thinking. That will allow the team to save $$ that combined with other moves will provide the space to re-sign Goldson if they choose, or go after other possible players.
Starting QB with known loyalties by key players, who lost his job to the backup phenom? That probably wouldn’t work on any other team with any other player, but with Alex Smith and the 49ers, it might just work.
I don’t see that as probable Jack because $4-5 million is too much for a backup QB.
Nah, even with him at $4-5, the 49ers QB position would be the best and cheapest 1-3.
You could make him the highest paid backup. What’s that? Around $2 Million?
He would not take that pay cut because there would be no benefit of doing so. Trading or releasing him are the only two options.
Thanks for those numbers MidWest.
Smith will not get an offer over $5.5 if he hits the open market.
At that number the team saves $3mil against the cap and he won’t have to uproot his young family.
If all he’s worth is $5.5 million, and he does not want to uproot his young family, surely he’d take $3.5 million. I figured he’d want to start somewhere and prove the naysayers wrong.
I think he would get at $6 million Jack with incentives. Judging by the numbers the Bills and Chiefs could afford him at that price after cutting their starting QBs while the Jaguars and Browns could sign him, have a QB competition, and then release the one who loses.
Which sounds better though Razor: a two year deal worth $16-17 million or a four year deal worth $22-24 million? One offers more money yearly while the other offers a better chance of security.
Jack,
Your scenario is not happening period. Why? Because he won’t be happy in that role for another year. You have to get in your head AS is leaving. He’ll take the lesser amount to start. If he signs with another team, he can always build a performance incentive into his contract that states if he attains mutually agreed upon achievements, they’ll renegotiate his contract. Not a big deal. Additionally, it’s not about money for AS, it’s about starting. He won’t be a niner in June. Why are you so adamant he is staying? Are you worried if AS leaves?
Midwest,
He isn’t going to Buffalo. That job will be decided between Fitzpatrick and Jackson. KC looks good until you realize that after trading for Smith and signing Bowe (11.4 minimum) they are -$5.7 against the cap.
Based on the teams you have focused on that leaves Cleveland, which I think sticks with Weeden, and Jacksonville.
Hofer,
Smith as the backup would give the 49ers the best possible chance of being in New York on the first Sunday of February 2014.
If it proves out that I am incorrect, oh well, there’s a first time for everything. ; p LoL!!!
Jack,
CK gives the 9ers the best chance to be in NY unless you believe that a running QB will get hurt? Jack, AS isn’t going to help the 9ers after how he was dislodged in an unprecedented move that didn’t yield a SB. Not an ego thing, he just wants to start period. Who can blame him?
“…..unless you believe that a running QB will get hurt?”
Brady, knee blown out while in the pocket.
Manning, jaw injury while in the pocket.
Young, career ended while in the pocket.
Jack, cutting Cassel will save the Chiefs an additional $7.5 million and Tyson Jackson could also be on the chopping block if he doesn’t restructure his contract as he hasn’t lived up to it. If he gets cut, that is an additional $14.7 million added in cap space and bringing it to a total of $35.2 million. That would be more than enough to resign Bowe, sign or trade for Smith, sign their rookie class, and maybe even make some noise in FA.
As for the Browns, it is believed that both Lombardi and the new owner didn’t really like the drafting of Weeden last year. Smith would be a cheap option for them and leave plenty of room to entice Wallace (as rumored) and maybe another big money FA. Though Lombardi might not care for Smith, he might believe that he is the best stopgap option while they develop another QB.
Jack, I don’t wish injury upon any player, especially a 9er player. We’ll have to see how these dual thread QBs do longer term. RG3 was injured last year running against the Ravs, so that is example number one. TBD.
BTW, why do you think having AS as the backup helps the 9ers chances in NY in Feb of 2014??
*dual threat*
Wow, $14.7m for a DE!
Smith is the best backup QB in the league. If he were to be needed he gives them a better chance of winning than any other alternative.
I agree with that Jack, but I don’t see it happening.
MidWest,
AS played nice even though he wasn’t happy and did it for the unity of the team in 2012. A class act. In 2013, that won’t be the case. AS will not be a full time backup in 2013.
I agree with that as well Hof. I was just agreeing that if Smith decided to backup Kaep in 2013 he would easily be the best backup in the league, but as I said I don’t see that happening.
Anything is possible but I can’t envision Smith deciding to pack it in and become a backup at the age of 28 especially with all the teams in need of QB’s. The Smith sucks rhetoric is alive and well out there again, but there are teams where he would be a projected starter and I think the Niners can get a pick for him. I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks.
This is not a great draft for QB’s but if they take one around the 4th round, then Matt Scott, and Zack Dysert as mentioned would be good candidates as would Sean Renfree from Duke who is getting some positive reviews.
Maybe Jordan will get his wish and JJ will be brought back because there isn’t much out there. Matt Cassell and/or Brady Quinn will be available, Bryan Hoyer is out there, but it’s not a good crop which is why I think there will be a market for Smith. There aren’t enough good options for teams with QB deficiencies.
>>Smith is the best backup QB in the league. If he were to be needed he gives them a better chance of winning than any other alternative.
The best of all possible worlds, Jack. It keeps Smith on the 49ers radar so Grant can continue to go to that well for page hits. And I don’t have to go to the bother of changing my avatar, so bay, MrE, etc can continue to fixate on it when I drop in here from time to time.
(btw, I had a nice graphic for a new avatar all ready – 6 lombardis. Oh well)
Ribs
Change your avatar, you loser-loving jacktard.
Ask, and ye shall be answered!!!
They will draft EJ Manuel in the fourth round.
Has anyone brought up the line of thought that AS may not want to come back to the 49ers?
He certainly knows that the only chance of ever playing again is if CK were to go down. Does he risk his career over that possibility?
Can AS ever trust the 49ers brain-thrust of having his best interest at heart?
I said it during the playoffs and I’ll say it again, I firmly believe that this ship (AS’ playing days in SF) has sailed.
I would also feel very uncomfortable with having AS back if he fails to find interest elsewhere. Coming back under those circumstances smacks of desperation.
AES,
Grant asked for predictions, so I looked into my disco ball and this is what I saw.
As a wise man once said, “locknot it in!”
I prefer In the lock is not.
AES, agreed. AS is done in SF.
@Hammer,
Are you talking about Bernie Madoff? (lol)
I second that AES.
Is that like a pensieve?
Exactly Razor!! LoL
Nnamdi Asomugha looks like he will be released. Should the Niners go after him in FA?
Can he play FS?
No. Mike Patterson would be the best potential Eagle free agent for this team.
Actually I don’t see any good Eagle FAs, even if Asomugha was released.
One thing is almost for sure, don’t see AS being on his next team for eight years, when he is done, he will probably be a temporary stop gap for three or four teams
TBD Neal. The same thing was said about Kurt Warner and now he is a lock for being a first ballot HOFer. Different QBs and style I know, but you never know.
MWN
You’re right about not knowing the future. However, with recent history as a reminder, I agree with Neal on this one. Alex Smith needs more than one year in a system in order to feel comfortable. Which team will be that patient if he stinks it up in his 1st year?
I think it has more to to do with him having a coach that knows how to coach a QB and running a offense that’s motto is RUN RUN RUN…OH @#$% THAT’S RIGHT! WE CAN PASS TOO. DOWN BY THIRTY POINTS HUH? OH WELL, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. You know the type of offense that Nolan and then Singletary loved to run.
As for which team would be patient? The Chief fans had to deal with Cassel and Quinn. The Jaguar fans had to deal with Gabbert. The Brown fans an older yet inconsistent Weeden and the Bill fans Fitzpatrick. Need I say more Trolls?
MWN
I was going by what Urban Meyer said that Alex Smith would be “nonfunctional” until he was entirely comfortable with an offense.
STT,
Don’t you think it’s possible that Smith as grown in that regard?
Both the Chiefs and the Browns will run a West Coast type of offense which the kind that Smith has performed better in Trolls, so I’d say he will be comfortable with either teams’ offense.
What are the key dates to know about the FA’s that are going to be available?
“We didn’t get a lot of production from the class. But if you look at the players we drafted and the positions we drafted, they were coming into some loaded depth at certain positions.”
Hmmm, sounds strangely familiar, oh that’s right myself and about thirty others all said this after Grant blasted Baalke for having a lousy draft.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/matt-maiocco/nfl-scouting-combine-qa-trent-baalke
Draft for depth. If you have to draft for starters you’re not very good.
Draft future starters. Its the way that Baltimore has managed to stay successful for so long, and how the Steelers did it before them. The guys you draft should be taking over from guys that are hitting FA 1-2 years after you draft them.
The Steelers of the ’90s and early to mid ’00s are a good blueprint to follow. Steelers didn’t have the money and salary cap space to compete in FA, so they would tend to have high turnover of players leaving, but they’d always be able to replace them with another guy already on the roster. That’s good drafting – and keeps yourself ahead of the game.
With great QB coaches the 49ers have I wonder how TBOW would do as the backup?
I’m actually a fan of T.Tebow.
I absolutely wish him well and hope he has a successful career. I just do not see him as a good fit for the 49ers.
This sounds like a complete parodox, but Tebow’ fierce competitive nature is the one thing that scare me off.
I’ll never forget how while playing for the Bronco’ he came to the sidelines and TOLD his coach “no one else get’s the ball here” speaking of himself.
While some people hailed that as the sign of a great and fearless character, it put up a red-flag for me because no QB should circumvent his coach (play call) and call at any time during a game.
Yes, I like Tebow, but his own competitivness may be hurting him.
and call *a play for himself
Tebow needs to give up the QB idea and become RB.
I dont know if Josh johnson is still under contract with the Browns but hes the best man for the job. Let him come in and beat out Tolzein again and hopefully he’llget the backup job. He clearly knows some of tge offense and he can run whst he needs to be taught with regards to the pistol.
Damned auto refresh! Grant if your IT guy doesn’t fix this soon, I’m going to hack this and fix it myself! :P
OK, totally lost my snarky comment on guys being right here. Some are for sure, some are soooo wrong it’s hysterical.
So yeah, as I was saying (before refresh hell wiped it all out) I’m going 90% draft, 10% FA.If Harbaugh is this mystical “QB Whisperer” (which is now a lame cliche) let him build a stable and start trading them out for picks.
My pick would be Matt Scott in the 5th or 6th. Decent Shrine game, considered a dual threat and could probably handle this pistol thing just fine. Decent accuracy. He just didn’t have a ton of games sitting behind Nick Foles. Should be a good backup in the league and maybe more.
If not draft, pull JJ back in if he’s waived and see if you can do anything with him for a year. He’s not as good as Tolzien in some respects but he had some potential – and he’s probably cheap.
Yes . Matt Scott is the guy I like as well.Don’t be surprised if this guy shines at the combine fellas.
Ha, that’s funny. I didn’t read anything of the other posts until now. A bunch of you guys picked Scott, too. Great minds think alike :)
For old time’s sake: Nate Davis!
I heard Favre is thinking about a comeback.
I think Alex will be our #2 next yr.
I think Tolzien will be just fine as the back up. I was hoping Harbaugh could get his hands on EJ Manuel. But after a strong senior bowl, and now a stellar combine, he has likely moved up to the 2nd round. But the 49ers can still get a good one in Colby Cameron from Louisiana Tech. He is VERY good QB currently flying under the radar. Don’t sleep on him
I got it, Tim Tebow!!!!! Harbaugh can fix his sorry mechanics and make hime trade bait in 2 years