Roster moves

Monday, the 49ers acknowledged a mistake from recent years and sent DE Kentwan Balmer – a first-round draft choice in 2008 – to division-rival Seattle for the low, low price of a sixth-rounder in 2011.
Today, it was another admission as the Niners released WR Brandon Jones, a guy they handed $5.4 million in guaranteed money on Feb. 29, 2009 – part of a deal that could have paid as much as $16.5 over five years. Jones made $620,000 in base salary in ’09. Combine that with the bonus, and he made more than $6 million – for one catch. That’s what Jones registered last year, playing in eight games after he returned from a fractured shoulder.
On Aug. 2, Jones told the Press Democrat that he had counted on more playing time in 2009.

There is a lot of optimism in Santa Clara these days. Then again, that’s pretty much the definition of the NFL offseason. But have the 49ers really improved? To form answers, let’s look at how the roster has changed in the past year – since June 2, 2009. Here’s who has arrived and who has departed, position by position, and what it might mean for the coming season.
I invite you to weigh in.

The newest member of the San Francisco 49ers, receiver/returner Ted Ginn, seemingly gives the 49ers an answer at a spot where there were only questions a year ago.

The 49ers have officially announced the signing of free-agent quarterback David Carr, as well as the team’s agreement to trade quarterback Shaun Hill to the Detroit Lions.

The 49ers’ offensive line took another hit today as starting right tackle Tony Pashos was lost for the season with a broken left shoulder blade. He was placed on injured reserve today.

The 49ers have signed cornerback Jimmy Williams, a second-round pick of the Falcons in 2006. Williams was the No. 37 overall selection in that draft out of Virginia Tech.

The Jaguars plucked defensive lineman Attiyah Atiyyah Ellison off the 49ers’ practice squad. The 49ers filled the opening by signing fullback Carl Stewart, an undrafted rookie from Auburn.

The Miami Dolphins, whom the 49ers play next week, claimed 49ers receiver Chris Hannon off waivers today.  

The 49ers placed linebacker Ahmad Brooks back on their 53-man roster this morning, waiving receiver Chris Hannon to make room for him.

The 49ers this morning made a roster move to compensate for the rash of injuries at the wide receiver position.

The 49ers placed Jonas Jennings on injured reserve today, likely bringing a close to the oft-injured tackle’s career with the club.

Receiver Dominique Zeigler, who dominated on the practice squad like none other the past two seasons, got a much-deserved promotion today.

The 49ers this morning announced the signing of tight end Sean Ryan. To make room on the 53-man roster for Ryan the 49ers waived fullback David Kirtman.

The 49ers claimed offensive lineman Kirk Barton off waivers today to take cornerback Shawntae Spencer’s spot on the 53-man roster.

The 49ers this morning signed fullback David Kirtman (6-0, 238) off the Chargers’ practice squad to take the roster spot vacated when Zak Keasey was placed on injured reserve.