Posted By: JDC (28/02/2008 9:43:00 AM)
Comment: Matt, What do believe the Niners interest in Bryant Johnson formerly of the Cardinals. As you know, he is big and physical, and would be an starting receiver anywhere else except that he played behind Boldin and Fitzgerald.

Posted By: Robert (28/02/2008 7:36:08 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt, Any last minute guesses as to who we sign on Friday?

Posted By: Global Nomad (28/02/2008 7:20:45 AM)
Comment: I like Josh Johnson too. I just hope being in Santa Clara, he will be able to stay focused on football with his friends and family close in Oakland. He did not help himself at the combine so he could be there in the 4th round. But I have a feeling the Ravens will select him because of the Harbaugh brother connection.

Posted By: Razoreater (28/02/2008 6:28:35 AM)
Comment: we should target josh johnson in the 4th as our qb

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (28/02/2008 1:30:40 AM)
Comment: I see plenty of depth at OLB in Aprils' Draft.Guys like Quenton Groves/Cliff Avril/Lawrence Jackson and plenty of others, can be expected to contribute quickly. Look at a guy like (Rams) Leonard Little, he isn't the biggest guy or even a good cover LB, but he is persistent at applying QB pressure. We should have plenty of options to address this position without overspending in FA.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 11:45:01 PM)
Comment: Can we possibly have any interest in (OG) Pork Chop Womack?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 9:51:18 PM)
Comment: Matt, with respect to the integrity issues and the IT follow up plans. I believe there are simple security measures which can be added to the site whereby each of us, who appreciate your work, can log on legitimately without the need to deal with the childish exchanges we've witnessed here in the past couple of days. Probably nothing more then an ID/PW panel linked to a profile / DB list. Ridiculous that you need to be dealing with this nonsense in the first place. Kudos as always for your dedication to the 49ers Fan. I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say, you're The BEST.

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 7:28:26 PM)
Comment: wow...easy Myron....where are yu getting this quotes?...FYI this is the only blog i comment on. Where do you people come from? wow..i really under-estimated the effect i was having on some of you guys....you guys need to relax with mis-quoting me.

Posted By: Jeremy (27/02/2008 6:13:27 PM)
Comment: Love reading your takes Matt, what do you think about Kawika Mitchell? I think he's supposed to be a FA.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (27/02/2008 6:13:15 PM)
Comment: One thing for sure we will find out what other players think about coming to SF in this FA window. D-Line is a glaring weakness, but in truth it is our offense that has been the worst in the NFL (32th) in two out of the last three years. Unless Mike Martz can play left guard, left tackle, wide receiver, and QB I don't see how we will be that much better even with a good game plan. Right now we need more offense personnel not defensive. All you have to do is go back 3 years ago and see our draft vs Giants, Pats, Cowboys. There is a reason we are in sorry shape. Here's hoping McNolan gets it. PS Hate to say it but we might need to draft a qb in the 3rd-4th round.

Posted By: Jayroc AK (27/02/2008 4:14:27 PM)
Comment: Im with you stonerlab. No doubt briggs is a stud, or he's at least a stud with ulracher getting all the o-line's attention, but lets spend money elsewhere, we need a qb hound. It would be nice if the niners are the ones driving his cost up though for some other team...

Posted By: Myron (27/02/2008 4:11:23 PM)
Comment: Here is a sample of oneniners predictions, the way he treats fellow commentors, and his poor spelling. In May of 2007 he wrote: "You fake fans suck...of course he has great hands...its not the hands morons it is the concentration, how can he not have great hands....it was his first year so his concentration on the ball is going to be questions...how can he go through college and picked ion the first round and not have great hands. And for the guy dissing I cant wait till you eat those words..VD is goin to the probowl next season with you wearing a glove or not." So this is not a recent phenomena for the guy. Check it out at this web site, he frequents and writes insulting posts oin many:http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/18286.html?page=4 After the Briggs deal I have alot to say about the defensive and cap problems this is going to cause us, but will only comment after and if the deal is done. Let us hope that we did not pull the trigger on Briggs. Thanks for keeping it real Matt, I am looking forward to hearing your analysis either way. Keep up the good work Dawg.

Posted By: StonerLab (27/02/2008 3:53:44 PM)
Comment: I don't know how this Briggs deal keeps coming up without any merit to collaborate it's legitimacy. It's like it won't die, unbelievable! No way in hell this happens based on 2 points. First, the 49ers need speed on the edges to finally get QB sacks so where does Briggs fit in that? My second point & the most important point based on what McCloughan's has said recently...his words basically "we're not going to spend money for the sake of spending money...we're going to use the money wisely" to sign Briggs would basically use up ALOT of the 49ers cap money based on what he is asking for in the open market. I pretty much rest my case, enough said on this absurd theory already.

Posted By: Reno Roy (27/02/2008 3:29:09 PM)
Comment: Don't discount that rumors of potential FA signings are driven by player agents trying to build up their clients. IMO, the more you hear about specific players going to specific teams for large sums of guaranteed money, the more likely that info comes from unreliable sources/agents. As I remember, when the 9ers signed their FA's last year they were very quiet about it until it actually happened. Also, Berger will be happy to note that on the 9er website DC Manusky said that he wants to upgrade, in order: D-line, LB's and DB's. Oh, and thanks to Matt for taking care of the faux 'oneniner' situation. Like most of us, oneniner is passionate about the 9ers and his right to his opinion should be respected, if not the opinion itself.

Posted By: medford (27/02/2008 3:21:53 PM)
Comment: wat is happening with deshaun foster????

Posted By: Nate (27/02/2008 3:15:22 PM)
Comment: If they don't add a skilled-position player on offense I'll puke

Posted By: Pat (27/02/2008 2:30:52 PM)
Comment: to follow up on oneniners post, profootballtalk says... "Despite rampant rumors and speculation that the San Francisco 49ers already have a wink-nod deal in place with linebacker Lance Briggs, a source close to the situation tells us that the 49ers currently aren't even among the teams that are interested in his services....." this was posted a few hours ago.

Posted By: Jake BY (27/02/2008 2:26:40 PM)
Comment: Matt, if the niners have the chance to take Calvin Pace or Justin Smith who would be the better bet, why

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (27/02/2008 2:20:04 PM)
Comment: I agree oneniner & MM. It doesn't make sense to sign Briggs... Unless Nolan plans on playing a lot more 4-3. Otherwise, it seems like money wasted... I guess we'll find out soon enough =)

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 2:07:13 PM)
Comment: I don't believe the Briggs signing. I can't find anything online. http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm are always on top of this nfl rumors....their last comment today on the niner-brigss story was "For now, though, the Niners aren't in the mix."

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (27/02/2008 2:01:48 PM)
Comment: BTW Matt: the growth of your blog is huge. I remember reading this thing when there were just a few comments (5-10) and we checked back every couple of days. Now it's every couple of hours and you have 80-90 comments. Great Job!

Posted By: Cyrus (27/02/2008 1:56:42 PM)
Comment: Jon-- he said Fox Sports Radio, so maybe there's a link to an audio clip or something. Interesting nonetheless... IF this is true and IF Justin Smith is signed I would be highly suspicious that they're bringing the elephant back.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (27/02/2008 1:54:41 PM)
Comment: Otis: Agree with you about Martz, with improved QB play the WR's will be better. We don't need to freak out and sign Moss or overspend to try to trade for a WR. Hill will be good, we just have to let him get on the field. Signing Briggs is an upgrade to our LB corps, but an unneeded expense. Find a TED ASAP, McCloughin. Briggs is looking for around $35 mil in guarentees...wow! Don't give it to him. I hope Nolan lets the DL get after the QB a bit this year. expecting pressure to come from an OLB or a blitz didn't work last year. Let the dogs loose.

Posted By: Jon Ross (27/02/2008 1:53:55 PM)
Comment: Barkley, where do you see that article on Briggs, can't find it. I still don't buy it, makes no sense unless we go to 3-4 for sure.

Posted By: D in Portland (27/02/2008 1:53:31 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the FA analysis and thoughts Matt. Makes the "offseason" shorter....... Any interest by the 9ers in Carr as another QB option? Maybe if they don't find a project QB in the draft? Thanks

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (27/02/2008 1:53:06 PM)
Comment: Sounds like Briggs is all but a Niner. We have been like the Pittsburgh Pirates of Baseball circa 91-07 the last few years. Simply doing things a** backwards.

Posted By: Pat (27/02/2008 1:39:54 PM)
Comment: Otis, good analysis. The ends in the 3-4 aren't getting all the sacks. Paying $$ for Smith may not make all that much sense. The Pats, Chargers, Ravens, and Cowboys don't have ends getting big sack numbers. It's Vrabel, Adalius, Merriman, Phillips, Suggs, Ware type players rushing and getting sacks. Matt, you mentioned in your radio broadcast, that signing Smith may lead to a switch to the 4-3, where would that leave Jay Moore, Haralson, TBC and other tweeners we've drafted, signed? Does Manny fit the OLB role in a 4-3? Also, wasn't Manusky brought in for his 3-4 experience? Good interview by the way. I like the morning crews direct, smart questioning, which allows you to be informative and provide good info. They also allow you to talk. Ralph has a way of interrupting, getting off topic.

Posted By: Barkley (27/02/2008 1:39:53 PM)
Comment: Matt, they just reported on FOXSports Radio that a deal with Briggs to SF is all but signed. What do you say now?

Response: Here are my thoughts on the subject: http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=1028972. Dang. I hate it when I'm wrong. When that deal gets signed I'll be the first to a) admit I don't understand the 49ers' reasoning; and b) criticize them for doing it. --Matt M.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (27/02/2008 1:29:55 PM)
Comment: Otis- Good post. I welcome the signing of Pace. People can say he only played well in his contract year, but it was also the first time he played in the 3-4. He played the OLB spot well. I also like the fact that this will weaken the Card's defense assuming we sign him. I'll take him over TBC any day. TBC is very much like Rod Green - A situational pass rusher. Pace is pretty well rounded, and would make a good combo with Lawson & Haralson on the outside. Soap is very versatile. It was good we locked him up. He is still developing, but can play all 3 spots on the line in our 3-4. Soap, along with Fields and Franklin, will make a pretty stout line. Pace & Lawson should be able to improve the pass rush, along with our variety of CB & safety blitzes =) I also agree about Martz. While I expect us to add some WR's through FA and the draft, I think Martz alone will do wonders... Not to mention our new assistant OL coach.

Posted By: DAREALERIK (27/02/2008 1:28:30 PM)
Comment: oneniner you and your imposter should retire you both are really misinformed. Also i have posted before got two firsts etc. so im no bandwagon jumper. Lets leave the real reporting to Matt,

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 1:08:19 PM)
Comment: I didn't even know you could post a comment without your email add. ...I didn't think it was fair to you to spend your time on this, especially when there is FA news out there taking your time. THANK YOU again.

Posted By: OtisWasYellow (27/02/2008 1:03:16 PM)
Comment: Just my thoughts on current and future Niners. We all need to take a big deep breath and look at the Soap signing as us getting a player who hasn't reached his potential but even if he doesn't is still a solid football player in a NEED position. Please remember this - the 3-4 isn't designed to have the NT or even the RDE rush the QB - that is left up to the OLB's, Mike and LDE. Soap's job with his massive frame is going to be to gobble up a guard and center and in many cases throw that club out at the Full-back lead blocking - that is going to be his job. What I do see is him and Franklin sharing time w/ Soap getting the most time at NT and with some time at RDE. I want to ask you all about Ray MacDonald - did any of you see him play in those last 4 games last year? We he was afforded the opportunity to go out and play football and be restrained by the coaches in what's called a 'technique play' he looked good. Very good. He has one of the best jumps off the ball I've seen in a Niner uni since Alfred Williams - and yes that's how Alfred Williams made his living - getting off the ball and anticipating. Justin Smith is NOT what we're looking for in my opinion - if we want to truly rush the QB from a DE spot we need someone with way more speed then JS - I love his heart and motor but in the end for his size he is still relatively slow off the line. He does have good hands but lacks that finesse move needed to get after the QB. Calvin Pace is in the mold of a pass rushing OLB - he makes sense - I honestly think you could but his hand on the ground and watch him work his way into the backfield. He anticipates well and sees the field almost like a QB (i.e. safety on defense). A 3-4 scheme works because you never know where the blitz is coming from - never - that's why it's much more important to spend the money on an LB then a pass rushing DE. If you have 4 guys who can rush the passer - in order of position - Pace, Moore(I still think he got a raw deal and we'll see him turn it all around), Willis and Lawson - you are going to be in trouble if you're 3 down lineman can hold at the point of attack. Hence give me 3 guys who can play the run up front on 1st & 2nd then throw in Ray MacDonald (who I think could play the run quite effectively when matched on smaller Tackles and or TE's - yes that happens in the 3-4) on 3rd down and you're in a fairly formidable position... Offensively - man, typing hands getting tired and need to work so I'll be brief and I'm sure you all will tear me up for saying this - but under the new Martz system the WR's we currently have are pretty solid. DJ is an exact fit for this system. Battle would do very well in 4 receiver sets and Hill will be your stretch the field - open up the middle of the field guy - he isn't as quick as Martz likes the but he is fast when he starts going and if we play against a 2-deep zone fairly easy to run one safety off and come back underneath the route for 7-15 yards. Martz lives off it... Ok I'm done - feel free to comment - tear me apart - or ask me a question - keep in mind this is just my opinion... Hope you're all well... Otis Was The Yellowest Dog You'd Ever Meet

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 1:01:14 PM)
Comment: 14 mil does seem steep for a young OLB with that kind of experience.... I have a strong feeling J. Smith is getting at least 20 mil guaranteed. ....in terms of offense its my wish, my prayer and my guess, my gut feeling we are getting Hardy boy and an O-lineman in the draft. I am thinking of nicknames already "hard-man", "hard-niner", "hard-2-cover"...:)....can't wait for FA friday to see who are the new niners, this is exciting.

Posted By: John V. (27/02/2008 12:45:30 PM)
Comment: Matt, it appears that the 49ers emphasis on "high-character" players might be paying dividends to the team in free-agency. Agree/disagree? Did we see any financial savings from Sopoaga's deal vs. his potential open market offers?

Response: I think Sopoaga could have received more on the open market, but he really wanted to come back . . . and he proved it. --Matt M.

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 12:39:27 PM)
Comment: I always put my email address. ...it is a hotmail address....THANK YOU.

Response: I just went through and deleted all those unauthorized, juvenile comments posted under your handle. Sorry I didn't catch on sooner, Oneniner. I'm not real happy about it, either. That was time I could have spent doing something else. From now on, if there's a vicious back-and-forth among readers of this blog I'm going to require that the parties show the courage to put their email addresses on the comment. --Matt M.

Posted By: Zack (27/02/2008 12:36:56 PM)
Comment: Any comments on the D-Foster speculation? Great back and is an upgrade over Mo' Hicks, but it seems that there are quite a few rumors connecting the 49ers and big names. We have been told that we aren't a FA team, but here we are again in the mix on many top players and we just resigned maybe the top DT before he became available. Smoke screen or simply misdirection? Z$

Posted By: MATT MAIOCCO (27/02/2008 12:30:19 PM)
Comment: Oneniner, when you fill out your comments do you always put your email address? I'll delete the ones in which someone using the "oneniner" tag does not. Then, I'll check with my IT people to see if we can track down from where the offensive fake posts are coming. Thanks.

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 12:23:54 PM)
Comment: HS Teachah ...not true. I only use one screen name, I don't need to keep explaining myself. I think the people that read the blog know what i am about (see previous page) and they know who is the fake (I was actually suprised people could tell the difference). The guy below using my name is just plain pathetic.

Posted By: HS Teachah (27/02/2008 12:01:01 PM)
Comment: oneniner, has roughly five screenames often with, generic names on here. Follow the trail...whenever he gets into a beef all of these new bloggers with generic names come to his aid and take his side, often sharing his scathing rhetoric and directly pointed at the commentor he is feuding with. This becomes obvious when you carefully follow the trail. Matt do not fall for oneniners tricks, he is monopolizing your blog with pseudo commenters to defend his behavior. You really need to get a more accountable system, for oneniner has hijacked your blog and his new enemies have made it matched his disruptive antics. I have never posted before, but have, for the past year, enjoyed reading your comments section, I think it is really a unique form linking your readers with the stories. I also appreciate the time and dedication you spend on this blog. Thank you very much.

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (27/02/2008 11:58:22 AM)
Comment: Hi Matt, Jerry Jones has been saying that the owners will void the present contract with the players in November. I've read that this will lead to the end of the salary cap by 2010 or 11. Matt my question is will this mean that revenue sharing will be affected and will the sport become like MLB with the richest teams like the Yankees and Red Sox being the main players every year.

Posted By: Niner Dog (27/02/2008 11:48:10 AM)
Comment: There is a holistic aspect to the Niner team. Meaning, if the offense improves!!! everything will look better, including players we might not think of as top notch. Last year's games were all uphill. That has to change. Need to play downhill--that will only happen if the QB position improves dramatically. We will know Friday what we need in the draft. If we sign no WR in Free Agency, then that position becomes a priority. The question is, however, when do we draft that WR? Can we wait until the third round so we can upgrade and fill other needs with our first two picks (OT, DE, ILB, CB). I would like to see the Niners consider trading the first pick for a high 2 and another 3. Free Agent "realistic" potentials are: Justin Smith, Bobby McCray, Antwan Odom, Calvin Pace, Drew Carter, Andre Davis. Let's see what shakes on Friday!!

Posted By: Jayroc AK (27/02/2008 11:11:38 AM)
Comment: What do you guys think between Berrian or Bryant Johnson? Who would be a better bang for the buck on martz's system or pass on both?

Posted By: kem99 (27/02/2008 10:58:45 AM)
Comment: Matt -- Will you be camped out at and blogging from 49er HQ again this Saturday like you did last year?

Posted By: Pat (27/02/2008 10:56:06 AM)
Comment: Thanks Matt. So if we are paying Sopoaga quite a bit of money, wouldn't that indicate they are expecting him to be more of a full time player? I couldn't imagine them paying him that much to split time/backup Franklin.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (27/02/2008 10:47:16 AM)
Comment: If we just add Smith, this team has gotten marginally better...if that. A pass rushing OLB is needed. Maybe it could be Quetin Groves in the draft. Just let it be known that this defense still needs upgrades at several positions. LDE is a hole(Fields isn't a starter), ILB, OLB, RDE(if we don't sign Smith). We could use another CB to push Walt Harris to Nickel CB.

Posted By: Erack (27/02/2008 10:45:57 AM)
Comment: Love the articles Matt, thanks. What are your thoughts on the potential signing of Justin Smith? Do you think this will signify a switch to 4-3, or do you think they will still use him in the 3-4 and put him in a place where he would be less familiar with?

Posted By: GW from Santa Rosa (27/02/2008 10:43:35 AM)
Comment: Matt - Thanks for sharing your opinions/estimates of what the 9ers may do. I am surprised that there are so many rumors about defensive players. Is that just because there aren't a lot of "quality" offensive players in free agency? Will you be blogging from 49ers HQ on Friday, like you did last year? I really appreciated your reports.

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 10:42:55 AM)
Comment: Again whoever you are stop using my name. Stop being a coward and show sum common sense and respexct for the blog. Its funny how you don't like me but still wanna be me. Matt can you please delete the first comment made by the imposter.

Posted By: Cyrus (27/02/2008 10:41:48 AM)
Comment: If I may make a couple of predictions: Saints WR Devery Henderson and Titans DT/DE Randy Starks. Maybe Jake Scott, Colts guard. Just players I think would make a lot of sense and won't cost too much either.