Posted By: JBforHOF (02/03/2008 2:44:00 AM)
Comment: Fans of John Brodie, QB of the 49ers from 1957 to 1973, and the great San Francisco 49ers, are helping get John R Brodie, enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are asking all fans of the 49ers to write or fax a nominating letter to the hall of Fame, for Brodie to be enshrined as a senior candidate. We have made a webpage and there are addresses and sample letters you can use. The cut off date for a 2009 nomination is March 1, 2008, so we need the letters sent soon, please. Here is the address: Send your letters to: Pro Football Hall of Fame Attn: Nomination Committee 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708 or Fax: 330-456-9080 here is the page with the sample letters: http://johnbrodieforfootballhalloffame.bravehost.com/samples.html There is also a Myspace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=308917219 and an online petition, for fans to sign: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/johnbrodie/ Thanks so much for your help, despite having suffered a severe stroke in 2000, Brodie is still active and follows his beloved 49ers. "Many people we have contacted are surprised that Brodie is not already in the Pro Football Hall of fame because of his awesome stats as a football player. In his seventeen year career with the San Francisco 49ers, John Brodie was one of the foremost quarterbacks in football. A quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 1957 through 1973, a 17 year run, John Brodie threw for 31,548 yards and tossed 214 TDs in 201 career games. He appeared in the Pro Bowl in 1965 and 1970. He was named NFL/NFC's Most Valuable Player in 1970. His statistics clearly show him to be worthy of the honor of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon a football player and John Brodie is more than worthy of such an honor. He was among the leading passers in the league throughout the 1960s. His best statistical year was 1965 when he led the League in passing average (3,112 yards) and 30 touchdowns. When John Brodie retired from the NFL, he ranked third in the NFL in career passing yards."

Posted By: Cerote (01/03/2008 3:22:28 PM)
Comment: Niner Dog - i could live with that idea... four picks in the 2/3 rounds sounds good. I would even like the positions you noted, but I would prefer they draft another Many Lawson type pass rushing OLB with one of those picks instead of a CB. Hope we grab Drayton Florence out of FA... Also with the DL pick I would want them to draft a NT, Simon Fraser would be a good sleeper signing in FA (good size for a 3-4 DE and could be relatively cheap). DON'T shift Soap to DE, he is more of a run stopper than pass rusher. His pressures come when he rushes up the middle and bursts through the opponent's O-line... that's exactly what we need with Smith motoring on one side and hopefully a 300+ lb DE on the other side. I do like the idea of drafting a FB early on day two also. Great to hear the fans buzzing about the team's moves... gotta love this part of the off-season. Go Niners!

Posted By: ny#1:9ersfan (01/03/2008 2:34:54 PM)
Comment: I say the 9ers need to make a deal to go after roy williams he already knows martz's system and he is big and physical then we wouldn't have to draft any wr he would be a perfect fit and we would have one of the top receving cores in the leugue Go 9ers what do u guys think of that

Posted By: faithful (01/03/2008 1:53:49 PM)
Comment: The San Francisco 49ers reached agreement with free-agent defensive end Justin Smith on a six-year, $45 million contract that includes $20 million in guaranteed money, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d806f8b2f&template=with-video&confirm=true

Posted By: sean (01/03/2008 1:50:58 PM)
Comment: personally i really cant see them taking a WR in round 1 with martz track record at drafting smaller players. I think what they are going to look for is a player suitable in the slot with speed. and hope hill can break the starting lineup. I can really see them taking a tackle in the first then WR or OLB in the second. J walk is to big of a risk/reward type player that i dont think woul really put us over the top in the first place

Posted By: ninerfan986 (01/03/2008 1:30:57 PM)
Comment: Justin Smith has been signed!

Posted By: GH (01/03/2008 1:28:54 PM)
Comment: I hope we don't draft another WR in the 3rd Round, I mean how many 3rd and 4th round WR's do we need? I think we have drafted 3 in the last 2 years. If we are going to spend a pick I would have at least hoped it would have been our 1st on someone like Hardy as others have mentioned and grab a OLB with our 2nd.

Posted By: NinerFan (01/03/2008 1:26:40 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, I'm wondering if justin smith signed already? Will there be a press conference like last year free agency?

Posted By: 49er fan in Brazil (01/03/2008 1:05:27 PM)
Comment: Matt, with the addition of Justin Smith I think it's more clear that we will go after an OL and a DE/OLB with our first 2 draft picks... Probably a speedy WR with our 3rd pick and then adding some depth with 4-7th round picks (CB, DL, ILB and S). Does that make sense to you?

Response: Three words: Best Player Available. --Matt M.

Posted By: Mind of McCloughan (01/03/2008 12:57:00 PM)
Comment: Sorry for this, Matt, but it bugs me when there's a hair to be split. 12:01 am ET == 9:01 pm PT. It was still Thursday for everyone outside the eastern time zone, but by the "league's free agency clock" in New York it was already Friday. Of course you wouldn't have reported the contact as happening on "Friday" from your time zone because it was still Thursday, but by my (poorly) stating how it was already Friday from the league's perspective, I was (indirectly) showing how it wasn't tampering even though you had (correctly) reported it as Thursday contact. I wasn't disagreeing with your reporting of the facts at all as we each were actually saying the same thing, just in different ways.

Posted By: Niner Dog (01/03/2008 12:27:34 PM)
Comment: Hear this: the Niners trade their number 1 for another 2nd and another 3rd. 4 picks in first 3 rounds--the premier rounds. They draft a WR,DL,CB,OL--all needs! Later rounds--another WR-a smurf! Power FB for short yardage...

Posted By: ninah fan (01/03/2008 12:06:24 PM)
Comment: So you guys really think with Smith and re upping with Soap we will be better then last year with Douglas and BY? How can we assume all of a sudden Smith will be a double digit sack man? He is to small to be a traditional DE in a 3-4 so he is going to be a pass rusher comming outside, but he isnt that good a pass rusher. So we stuck with him and Soap for the next few years, thats a little bit of a concern for me.

Posted By: 3MTA3 (01/03/2008 12:05:25 PM)
Comment: MB posted this in his blog about Walker... Just got off the phone with Kennard McGuire, who represents Javon Walker. I asked McGuire if he thought the 49ers would ratchet up their interest in his client. McGuire said he and Walker haven't decided which teams they will flirt with. "Javon's just getting back from vacation," he said. "We're going to sit down pretty soon and talk." There's no doubting that Walker is a rare talent at receiver. He led the Broncos in receiving in 2006 with 69 receptions, 1,084 yards and eight receiving TDs. Teams, however, will be careful to check out the knee injury that forced Walker to miss most of the 2005 season. "It wasn't an issue last year and it's not an issue now," McGuire said when I asked about Walker's knee. Really? I was under the impression that Walker missed half the season after requiring surgery on his right knee.

Posted By: Danny (01/03/2008 12:01:57 PM)
Comment: Matt - Any chance of the 49ers making an offer to Steelers OT Max Starks who was slapped with the transition tag which requires no compensation if PIT doesnt match the offer? Also, any chance of SF going after WR Donte' Stallworth if/when the Patriots release him or trying to trade a draft pick to DET for WR Roy Williams? Thanks.

Posted By: James (Santa Clara) (01/03/2008 12:00:59 PM)
Comment: Jeff, it's on ESPN.com in a piece about Walker getting relased. But if Matt says we're not going after him, I'll believe him. I just wonder why we wouldn't.

Posted By: Chad (01/03/2008 11:56:40 AM)
Comment: Any word on if we're interested in Jacob Bell? We desperately need to fill some holes on the Oline and I think he would be able to help do that. Plus he'd most likely come pretty cheap.

Posted By: Jeff (01/03/2008 11:51:51 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt, has the contract with Justin Smith been signed yet?

Posted By: Erik (01/03/2008 11:42:22 AM)
Comment: James-- Where did you read that tidbit about Walker?

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (01/03/2008 11:40:50 AM)
Comment: Next up - Javon Walker. A good #1 WR possibility, assuming he can stay healthy. That would put a nice end to our FA signings. Onto the draft =)

Response: It's 11:42 a.m., and I'm re-re-reporting that the 49ers are not going after Javon Walker. --Matt M.

Posted By: Mind of McCloughan (01/03/2008 11:38:49 AM)
Comment: _Jerden, I'm sure he meant "12:01 am ET, Friday morning", which most people would refer to as late Thursday night.

Response: Nope, I meant 9:01 p.m. (PT), which is Thursday night. --Matt M.

Posted By: _Jerden (01/03/2008 11:34:06 AM)
Comment: "The 49ers fought hard Thursday night to convince Smith to make his first free-agent stop with the 49ers, and not in Minnesota." might want to take that out if it would be considered tampering

Response: We're on the West Coast. Free agency began at 9:01 p.m. our time. --Matt M.

Posted By: James (Santa Clara) (01/03/2008 11:26:35 AM)
Comment: ESPN's Michael Smith reports the Niners made contact with Javon's agent and that he is intrigued with playing for Martz in SF.

Response: It's 11:41 a.m., and I'm re-reporting that the 49ers are not going after Javon Walker. --Matt M.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 11:21:29 AM)
Comment: 49erSlakeshow- Trevor Laws is 6'1'' 305 pounds. He is too small to play NT, but I think he would be a great 3-4 DE.

Posted By: 49erslakeshow (01/03/2008 11:17:28 AM)
Comment: We still need a NT and I have my hopes high on Trevor Law..maybe 2nd rd. pick.

Posted By: Berger (01/03/2008 11:15:36 AM)
Comment: EastCoast-I don't know where to draft Bryant. Take him in he 2nd if needed. Hopefully McCloughan is on it. Frank Okam would be good too, but I think I like Bryant because of his mean streak. I've got three players targeted for the 3rd round, we have only one pick. I like NT/Byant, DE/Langford and WR/Dexter Jackson. I doubt any will last until round 4. My solution. Bryant round 2, I don't think he'll be there in rd 3. Pick one of the others in rd 3. Probably Jackson.

Posted By: Aaron (01/03/2008 11:08:24 AM)
Comment: Matt, if the season were to start today what do you think the depth chart would look like at WR? I think we're all expecting to see an addition in the form of a first day pick, but could we also see some subtractions before the season starts?

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 11:04:11 AM)
Comment: Berger- Where would you draft him? 4th round? I agree. He is the only legit NT prospect in the draft. 6'5'' 330. Huge man. Almost as big as Shaun Rogers, but Bryant seems to have his head on his shoulders.

Posted By: http:// (01/03/2008 10:55:33 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt, you are the King of Kings of Niner news. The hybrid 3-4 defense that the Niners is going to run, does that give us a hint that Nolan is about to bring back the "Elephant" position that was made famous by Fred Dean, and Charles Haley. If I look at it Smith might be to small to play DE in a typical 3-4 defense, but as a "Elephant" guy that rushes the passer he would be perfect for the elephant position. So I can see at LE Issac Spopoaga, NT Aubreyo Franklin, RE Ronald Fields. Then at OLB corp Manny Lawson, ILB Patrick Willis, Dontarrious Thomas, and OLB/DE Justin Smith. Your Thoughts!!!

Posted By: Terry Donahue (01/03/2008 10:54:10 AM)
Comment: Matt - Can you explain the Thomas signing. Right now we have Lawson, TBC, Jay Moore, Haralson and Roderick Green at OLB. We have Willis, Brandon Moore, Ulbrich, and Thomas at ILB. ESPN says "Vikings coordinator Leslie Frazier's base 4-3 scheme hasn't been a good fit for Thomas, but his raw talent remains apparent. The Vikings like Thomas and probably will work to bring him back, but he may be better off in a slightly different scheme." Does Thomas bring more athleticism than B Moore or Ulbrich? And is that required in 3-4?

Posted By: Berger (01/03/2008 10:52:39 AM)
Comment: I would like to see Red Bryant drafted for NT. He will not start in year one but will eventually be a stud NT. He has a wonderful nasty streak and enjoys the game. He would give us depth this year and be the starter in one or two years.

Posted By: Traj (01/03/2008 10:47:56 AM)
Comment: Matt, I really like Ray McDonald and Melvin Oliver getting a chance to play more once they are fully healthy. I think they can provide more of a pass rush. Then, Parys Harralson will be back as well as Manny Lawson for the LB corp. I really think they should concentrate on WR, OL, and DB in the draft instead. Traj.

Posted By: allen49stars (01/03/2008 10:46:02 AM)
Comment: I still can't believe we didn't get one of the 4 DT that were traded, our biggest need! Our secondary is good enough to make the playoffs. The LBs are good enough to make the playoffs; with a healthy M. Lawson, Willis and you get TBC replaced with a guy like Derrick Harvey (I say trade up to get V. Gholston). The DL is absolutely not good enough! Our DL could have looked like this: 6 man rotation for DL, DEs Justin Smith, Jevon Kearse, Marques Douglas and Melvin Oliver. S. Rogers and A. Franklin for DT, hopefully all this spending doesn't takes us out of the T. Suggs, A. Haynesworth and J. Allen sweepstakes next year, all difference makers. I also think we should have tried to get Jerry Porter. My draft hopeful for the 1st pick; DE P. Merling, OLB D. Harvey, DT K. Balmer, WR L. Sweed or WR M. Kelly. But, we will probably end up with OLB Q. Groves, DE L. Jackson or WR J. Hardy. This is a cool website; it puts every mock draft on one list and updates them. http://www.hailredskins.com/MockDraft.htm

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (01/03/2008 10:41:03 AM)
Comment: No way we move up the Draft board in Rd 1, maybe a slide back for additional mid round picks is feasible? There are bound to be some additional releases coming prior to the Draft and if there are some 2nd tier visits to be handled, we'll know soon enough. Can't see a Day 1 QB either. I'd hope for Ainge or Woodson to slide awhile and or another option late on Day 2, if at all. Berger, agreed on Goldson, he's a hitter, and he can cover, so I don't see a Draft need at S too early. I'd go CB ahead of S. Gotta look for younger OL and DL help early.

Posted By: Alex (01/03/2008 10:34:54 AM)
Comment: what are the chances they stand him up, and make him a pass rushing OLB?

Posted By: Bugdiver (01/03/2008 10:27:10 AM)
Comment: Hi Matt! I know you're really busy right now, but how many extra pounds of muscle/bulk do you think we could add to J. Smith to make him a more prototypical 3/4 lineman? Do you think this is something Nolan & Co will consider?

Posted By: Cody Pickett (01/03/2008 10:26:17 AM)
Comment: To me, it's looking more & more like 49ers "first day" draft picks will be WR Devin Thomas and ORT Carl Nicks. (I've been thinking this for a couple weeks, but my previous thoughts, now unlikely were they conceivably might take a 3-4 DE like Kentwan Balmer or a 3-4 OLB like Quentin Groves.)

Posted By: shobbrobb (01/03/2008 10:05:27 AM)
Comment: Nolan?...nuff said Mr Nolan want to run the 3/4 but h keep aquireing 4/3 personel and employs the 3/4 on the field. Let see we have 2 good DT,s and Justin and RayMac with Willis in the middle how hard can this be? the only reason it hasnt happenend is because its way too obvious which is the Nolan way,just like the QB situation he only will do it when forced too!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (01/03/2008 10:04:36 AM)
Comment: I agree about no stud NT's in the draft, but there are a few guys are decent prospects. Simms would be a good pick-up for sure. Gholston will be long gone by the time we pick, particularly after his combine. It will cost us too much to move up, I think. Things may cool off for a bit, and I don't see us signing another WR. Maybe a depth OL?

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 9:57:53 AM)
Comment: If we are going to play the 3-4. we don't need anymore 3-4 DE's. Especially if the decision is to go with Smith and Sope as those 3-4 Ends. As Berger suggested, we need a stud NT, but there is about 3 of those in all of football. Wilfork, Hampton and Anderson. I don't consider Kris Jenkins or Shaun Rogers as Stud NT's. There isn't a stud NT in the draft. I like our defensive line right now in a 3-4. I don't like it as much in a 4-3 because I don't think we have another 4-3 end on the roster to pair with Smith. Terrell Suggs would be absolutely perfect for this team. Too bad he is in Baltimore. A true hybrid DE/OLB would fit this team so well. Vernon Gholston would be amazing. I think Groves is too small to play with his hand down.

Posted By: Pete in New Hampshire (01/03/2008 9:56:43 AM)
Comment: I agree with Berger. Compared to a week ago, we are much more solid on the d-line. I think people who confuse Douglas with Smith will be surprised, and it would be great to get Douglas back to bookend Smith, but too many teams need defensive linemen for that to be likely. As far as the Viking fans razzing us about Smith, who are they kidding? You put Peterson on last year's Niners and Hostler is a solid young coaching talent. They better realize that even Peterson can be shut down, and even Barry Sanders never got a ring -- remember Wayne Fontes? -- but Lenvil Elliot did. Anyway, Beger, we do need a rusher, and now I know why Seiffert used to drive me nuts drafting linemen #1 year after year. We have to start doing it again this year. Look at the Giants and Patriots and how many #1s on on their lines.

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (01/03/2008 9:53:17 AM)
Comment: NEED . . . MORE . . . NEWS . . . GROWING . . . WEAKER . . . I know . . . when you know it, you'll report it. I'd personally love to hear that Travis LaBoy or Clark Haggans will be in for a visit soon.

Posted By: Berger (01/03/2008 9:52:53 AM)
Comment: Cerote-Just my opinion, but I think Dashon Goldson(SP) is going to be an excellent FS in this league. I expect that he will take the spot from Roman this year.

Posted By: shobbrobb (01/03/2008 9:50:37 AM)
Comment: Berger,great realstic analysis its good to see some realistic people on this blog.Defensively we are short 3 or 4 players top flight safety ,pass rusher and one more d-lineman,But i hope that this years signings will allow us to Draft a QB on the first day,it would be great to be able to allow Martz to develop quality rookie from scratch in his system,hes done really well with leftovers...Trent Green,Kurt Warner,Marc Bulger and the last lions QB who threw four 4000 whatever his name was..(thats my point)my wish list for the draft would be No 1. J Hardy (Wr) and Chad Henne 2nd or 3rd round ,OL 2nd or 3rd round...give Martz Henne and the rookie receiver and we cill be back on track!

Posted By: Cerote (01/03/2008 9:43:56 AM)
Comment: Thx again for the info Matt. Glad to see the Niners for a second year in a row make a splash signing for a spot of need. Granted Smith is no Clemens, but at the top of the list of what's available in FA. I hope they go after Simon Fraser from the Browns... he's 6'6, 300 lbs, and the year before last he started 5 games and recorded 4.5 sacks. Oh yeah he's only 24 yrs old too. That would allow us to keep Soap at NT and allow us to run the 3-4. In this scenario Smith would be the smallest of the three at 275/280 lbs. If we draft another speedy pass rushing OLB (Lawson-esq), with Willis "the tackling machine" and Moore/Ulbrich at MLB, and Lawson/draftee at OLB, the 3-4 would work nicely. I do hope we address the FS spot. Might have to be via trade though, there's nothing out in FA that I can see. Or we could shift Harris to FS (since he is getting long in the tooth), and pick up a nickle corner like Gay or Florence who are both young UFA's that shouldn't "brake the bank". With Clements and Spencer at CB, and Lewis at SS... that would be a solid Defense. And it only requires two upper-second tier FA's (shouldn't cost too much)and a 2nd or 3rd pick in the draft (not "big bucks" either). Then we can concentrate on Offense with the rest of our picks/trades.

Posted By: Bruce (01/03/2008 9:38:14 AM)
Comment: Thanks, Matt. I was originally skeptical about the idea of flexing between the 3-4 and the 4-3. With the Smith signing and last year's draft, the team is about equally strong in the 3-4 or the 4-3. In either base we still need a seriously disruptive pass rusher. But both bases should be strong against the run. With a stud pass rush outside linebacker (and some offense for a change) this could be a pretty good defense.

Posted By: Berger (01/03/2008 9:35:23 AM)
Comment: We now have a decent D-line. It's not great, not even, very good, but it sure beats what we were looking at before we signed Sope and Smith. What we need now is a stud NT and a bona fide pass rusher. From what I saw of Haralson last year, there is a possibility he could be the pass rusher. It would probably be wise to draft one more, just in case. The versatility of this line is looking good. We are getting close.

Posted By: Pastor Dave (01/03/2008 9:33:53 AM)
Comment: Matt, Around 7:00 am today I had a few minutes to check for any news on FA signings. Nothing on Webzone, nothing on ProFootballTalk, but lo and behold you had just posted the news confirming Smith's signing! Thanks for going above and beyond in your efforts to keep us updated!

Posted By: Pintor98 (01/03/2008 9:31:57 AM)
Comment: Matt, What do you think of the Niners picking up someone like K. Bell ILB and J Kearse as a situational pass rusher?

Posted By: Pete in New Hahampshire (01/03/2008 9:29:00 AM)
Comment: Hey Cody, you musta fallen off the bronc a few too many times if you can't figure out why Nolan is suddenly Mr. Flexible about 4-3/3-4 schemes -- HE DOESN"T WANT TO GET FIRED. That man will whore himself out to any solution to save his job, no offence. Expect him to constantly say or do anything to win. Compared to prior performance, that may be an improvement, but stop letting it confuse you. To give him some credit, I don't expect him to start bringing in multiple felons, but he may be a little more flexible about character. Smith is high motor, and opposing offences have to deal with that every play.

Posted By: Chris (01/03/2008 9:22:37 AM)
Comment: So with the Smith signing, is there any other "big" name FA's they will go after? Where do they go now? Any trades possible, ala DJAX from last year?

Response: As I wrote to James below . . . don't hold your breath for any "big names." I'd expect them to do some work on "second tier" guys and then hit those spots (OL, pass rusher, WR) in the draft, too. --Matt M.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (01/03/2008 9:17:03 AM)
Comment: OOPS. Re my comment "if 49ers switch to a 4-3 with JSmith at his customary LDE, who is the designated pass rusher to play TRDE, Melvin Oliver?" . . . I completely forgot Ray McDonald, who can play either 3-4 or 4-3, but who, as a 280+ pound DE with an explosive first step, might be even better in the 4-3.

Posted By: sandip (01/03/2008 9:15:18 AM)
Comment: Matt, how does the 49ers cap number for 2008 look now?

Response: I don't know, but I can give you a wild guess. It all depends on how the Smith deal was structured. If they gave a big chunk of his guaranteed money in the form of a roster bonus, which would make a lot of sense, it could be as little as $10 million. Otherwise, you're probably looking at somewhere around $15-$17M. They still have to sign draft picks and they want to keep a nice cushion to start the season, so even though they could sign a few more guys to decent contracts, I'm not sure I'd expect it. Remember, they said they weren't going to just spend money to spend money. --Matt M.

Posted By: StonerLab (01/03/2008 9:14:16 AM)
Comment: Matt, With all the excitment the last 24 hours I was a little remiss in giving you kudos as well for keeping up with the 49er Empire's HUGE appetite for up to date news on FA. It must have been very challenging but rewarding as well. Great job on what I call a "watershed moment" in the history of your blog, Outstanding! As for Cody's lack of knowledge on JSmith. You can't just look at a player's physical stat & say he's not a player. That would be pretty stupid, if you look around the League there several successful DE's with those physical stats who can get after the QB. Your statement Cody has no merit & JSmith will prove it on the field this season not on a piece of paper. Enough said.

Posted By: Jeff (01/03/2008 9:10:04 AM)
Comment: Actually, Matt, the blog was "stuck" last night and not accessible for a while.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (01/03/2008 8:58:23 AM)
Comment: Lest I forget, Matt? A Wikipedia link to Holts Summit MO? Too Original my Friend, how does Len Pasquarelli handle a move like that? You Go Matt.....Top Shelf. Is this like a good spot for an offseason GPS moment? JSmith, you, are H-E-R-E.

Posted By: Jay T. (01/03/2008 8:57:31 AM)
Comment: It's possible that the 49ers will switch back to a 4-3 (although, a hybrid makes a lot of sense too) largely because Patrick Willis is such a presence behind the line and can close the gap so quickly. With a guy like that out there, you have to wonder if 4 LB's is more than you need most of the time anyway, so you might as well line the 4th pass rusher as the line to begin with. Just a thought.

Posted By: Weary9er (01/03/2008 8:57:25 AM)
Comment: I'm really pleased with the 9ers free agency- we didn't spend an arm and a leg and we improved the team; Smith will be a big help on D and with Lawson, will make an impact on our rivals! Can't wait!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (01/03/2008 8:51:01 AM)
Comment: Let's not forget the offense was a failed experiment with Hostler and Nolan was not the guy to direct anything meaningful on that side of the ball. Martz will have no trouble devising a plan and putting the talent in the roles needed to execute the plan. I'm expecting a complete 180 from last years' situation. Change was needed and Mad Mike knows how to run an offense. Time for the QB protection phase.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (01/03/2008 8:48:10 AM)
Comment: For the life of me, I can't figure out McNolan's "plan" for the defense. . . . After 3 full years of jettisoning 4-3 guys (Anthony Adams) and aquiring gujys who seem to be exclusively 3-4 guys (Abrayo Franklin, Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Harrelson, Jay Moore, even Manny Lawson & Ron Fields), now McNolan pays $8 mil/yr to a 275 pound DE who seems too small to play DE in a 3-4, and not quick or skilled enough to play OLB in the 3-4. . . . And even playing in a 4-3, Smith has averaged only 6.27 sacks per season - Not terrible, but more like journeyman stuff, not a huge upgrade. (His sacks likely would go down in a 3-4, of course.) . . . It's beginning to look like the group of mismatched parts that Dennis Erickson left behind. . . . BTW, if 49ers switch to a 4-3 with JSmith at his customary LDE, who is the designated pass rusher to play RDE, Melvin Oliver?

Posted By: Kolohe (01/03/2008 8:41:51 AM)
Comment: So with the signing of Smith who would you say is next on the list?? or is McCloughan and Nolan done??

Posted By: Utah 9er (01/03/2008 8:39:07 AM)
Comment: Great Job Matt! How many hits did your site have yesterday?

Response: Unofficially, there were 62,411 visits and 114,075 page views. I'm pleasantly surprised the server didn't crash. Thanks to everyone for a tremendous day. --Matt M.

Posted By: StonerLab (01/03/2008 8:38:45 AM)
Comment: wsmith, One of the well documented & obvious "weakness's" of Nolan is not utilizing his personnel to their full potential (1 example QB Hill) Nolan missed on a great opportunity during the tail end of the 8-game losing streak when all hope for the Playoffs were extinguished. Nolan should have gotten Jason Hill alot more playing time at WR to get him more experience & to see what they have in him. After all why did they draft him then?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (01/03/2008 8:36:33 AM)
Comment: Having JSmith now has me leaning toward Trevor Laws as the next high motor addition. Credit to the earlier post for Calais Campbell, I'm good with that and see the need for that taller passing lane obstructor inside, but I've been sticking my 2cents in for Kendall Langford in that role. He should last until Rd 3 IMO. If you saw the Senior Bowl, Laws and Langford played side by side and immediately commanded the attention of the interior lineman. Soap can easily handle an OT head up and I feel he's better outside then inside holding ground, he needs to display that motor. The D is looking very Hybrid, no problem with that. The Draft will provide more LB youth and speed.

Posted By: Parker (01/03/2008 8:36:13 AM)
Comment: Smith is a high-motor player that can take up space in a 3-4 or 4-3. A nice (but expensive) insurance policy in case his twin in talent level, Marques Douglas, bolts for bigger bucks. But frankly opposing offensive coordinators are not going to be staying up late into the night scheming against this D line. Niners need a pass rush and Groves from Auburn could be that nice corner piece to finish the D-line puzzle.

Posted By: Timberland (01/03/2008 8:21:48 AM)
Comment: Matt, if we indeed switch to the 4-3, do you see the possibility of a late signing of OLB Lance Briggs if he comes a little cheaper than expected?? That'd be a heck of a LB corps with M. Lawson - P. Willis - L. Briggs

Response: Not a chance. --Matt M.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (01/03/2008 8:20:33 AM)
Comment: Nice way to start the weekend, I had visions of the helicopter ride taking him to Alcatraz and forcing Steiner to finish the deal before the return trip was allowed. Gotta hand it to Scot, target identified and mission accomplished. What's next? CB / OT?

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (01/03/2008 8:19:13 AM)
Comment: Matt, BTW what have your editors said about your blog? Last year we had a few guys on here, this year your blog was the place to go for information. Comments? there over 500! Now you're on KNBR almost as a beat reporter/insider. Congrats. All of your hard work has paid off. you have the respect of the fans and clearly (for the most part) this blog is the place to go for intelligent discourse about our beloved niners. Keep it up!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (01/03/2008 8:14:50 AM)
Comment: Sean: It's not that the 9ers don't want Douglas back, they just don't want to pay him a tremendous amount of money. Look for them to see if they can sign him to a lower level deal now that they have a replacement in the bag. This was a gooooood signing. Parag kicks butt! a contract at a lower level than last year. A bump in bonus money while we have space...great cap management. James in Santa Clara: I agree with you about the OL, WR and Pass-Rush (although I am less worried about PR now than a week ago). Luckily the draft is deepest at OL and WR this year! I think that's where we'll pick up some impact players. Hopefully McCloughlin will get us some talented studs. It's the coaches' job to adapt to the players. For all the talk about the Martz "system", he has done a great job finding players and adapting the offense to his roster in the past. Let Matrz run the offense and have Nolan concentrate of defense and trying not to call stupid 4th down plays.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 8:13:02 AM)
Comment: In a 3-4, I am guessing we'd go with Franklin at NT, Sope at LDE, Smith at RDE, Lawson at LOLB, Donterrious Thomas at TED ILB, Willis at MIKE ILB, and Quentin Groves at ROLB.....I am big Groves fan.

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (01/03/2008 8:08:48 AM)
Comment: Matt- Do you think the Smith (almost) signing closes the book on Marques Douglas coming back to SF? Thanks!

Response: In all likelihood, yes, unless he's willing to come back for about $2 million a year. --Matt M.

Posted By: James (Santa Clara) (01/03/2008 8:04:45 AM)
Comment: Okay Matt, what next? By my estimations the Niners need to go out and get some OL depth, another designated pass rusher and they still need to add talent at WR.

Response: And while that might be true, don't hold your breath for any "big names." I'd expect them to do some work on "second tier" guys and then hit those spots in the draft, too. --Matt M.

Posted By: StonerLab (01/03/2008 7:57:06 AM)
Comment: To add to my last comment... Dan you made a really dumb statement on Matt's last article yesterday about JSmith's responsibility in the 3-4 defense. You said that JSmith's job is not to sack the QB but JUST to hold the point of attack & let the LB's make the tackles. HUH? what's he suppose to do on obvious passing downs?...just basically hold the line of scrimmage? NO...of course not, he's going to be going after the QB every possible passing down wether it's the 3-4 or the 4-3.

Posted By: PWillis (01/03/2008 7:52:40 AM)
Comment: Matt, do you think that if I get 200 tackles next season that coach will take me on a dusk helicopter ride over the south bay too?

Posted By: StonerLab (01/03/2008 7:49:57 AM)
Comment: This is great news! I have to hand it to McNolan, I think they've actually done a better job in FA this year than last year. And as JC9er pointed out the 49ers did without breaking the bank as well. Just a great job...kudos to McNolan. And for you JSmith nay-sayers...you guys are going to be eating your words. Not so much that JSmith is going to be the "end-all" of our lack of pressure & QB sacks but from the stanpoint of getting every penny out of him because this guy has a motor that has only 1 speed & he neverhas to leave the field. If he get's 8-10 sacks this year (it's do-able) while doing what he does at the point of attack it will justify getting him. Awsome!

Posted By: wsmith (01/03/2008 7:48:59 AM)
Comment: I'm a big Justin Smith fan, but I still don't understand McNolan's continued misunderstanding of the WR position, which they have butchered in their 4 years here. They have shown they cannot draft the "unknown" and find a #1, why won't they bite the bullet and sign a "known" such as Berrian, B Johnson, etc. Yes you will overpay, but at least you aren't getting a Brandon Williams, Rasheed Marshall, or Marcus Maxwell. Berrian or Johnson would clearly be a #1 on this team, but instead we sign 95 year-old Bruce? The argument that Martz will improve the passing game is valid, but he always had a #1 - Holt, Roy Williams, etc. No interest in Javon Walker??? What exactly did Jason Hill do last year? McNolan has proven they have no eye for WR talent, sign the "KNOWN"!!!

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 7:44:08 AM)
Comment: Thanks Matt.

Posted By: gmanb95 (01/03/2008 7:39:55 AM)
Comment: Guys, I know it is always exciting to sign new players, but honestly if we don't move back to the 4-3 this is a HUGE mistake. Thanks's for all the great updates the last two days Matt!

Posted By: Sean (01/03/2008 7:38:47 AM)
Comment: Matt, what is the reason the Niners wouldn't want to re-sign Douglas? He's been at the minimum a solid player and last year very productive and will likely come at a bargain price. IMO you can never have too many d-lineman.

Posted By: rob_deluca (01/03/2008 7:37:10 AM)
Comment: also good job so far we resigned sopoaga and are going for smith also bruce ! 2 d line and a wr who should be our #1 pretty much at least scott m is helping where we need help and putting together a team instead of mike no brain just going for briggs and making us the sf 40 linebackers

Posted By: rob_deluca (01/03/2008 7:32:49 AM)
Comment: i heard somewhere 9ers might go for travis laboy i think antwan odom might be the best d line fa pickup i think we should go after him we lost b.y. so smith helps make up 4 it but we need 2 improve over last year on d line so odom should be the man we try to go after !!!!!!

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 7:27:20 AM)
Comment: Matt- That question is regarding a base 4-3 defense. Thanks.

Response: Sorry. If it's a base 4-3, it would probably be the speedy Dontarrious Thomas. --Matt M.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 7:26:34 AM)
Comment: Matt- Who would be a candidate to be the other OLB opposite Manny Lawson? Thanks.

Response: Could be Parys Haralson (though he played the other side last year) because the 49ers really like his pass-rush potential. Tully Banta-Cain is seen more as a situational player now. Again, it could be somebody they draft. --Matt M.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (01/03/2008 7:24:31 AM)
Comment: I have come to the conclusion that we will most likely switch to a 4-3 base defense. Do 3-4 Defensive Ends honestly make 7.5 million a year? I guess, but you can't give this guy all this money and have him stand up and do something he has never done before. A 4-3 defense would mean we would have to have a front line of Smith, Sopoaga, Franklin, and draft selection. Maybe Cailais Campbell from Miami??? We could then have Willis as the MLB, Lawson as the strong side OLB and how about another small free agent signing for our other OLB spot. What do you guys think?

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (01/03/2008 7:18:15 AM)
Comment: First. Great news. We won't need multiple picks used on the defense draft day.

Posted By: JC9er (01/03/2008 7:17:45 AM)
Comment: wow what a great signing.. They have played smart this year.. All the signings address neeeds with breaking the bank. Go niners

Posted By: Jason from Foster City (01/03/2008 7:16:05 AM)
Comment: Wow! I think the signing of Smith is great for the team. It's about time the Niners have a legitimate defensive end. Who do you think will play opposite of Smith. Thanks again! J

Response: It could be a number of guys. It could be Isaac Sopoaga or Ronald Fields in a (3-4), it could be Fields or Melvin Oliver, maybe even Ray McDonald, in a 4-3. It could be somebody who is working out for the draft right now. Or it could be another free agent (probably a little less likely). --Matt M.

Posted By: Darklord (01/03/2008 7:15:26 AM)
Comment: this move shoud switch us back to the 4-3