Posted By: Zubin (07/03/2007 10:51:49 PM)
Comment: hey matt what do you think of the latest rumor of niners trying to get darrel jackson from seattle seahawks? Do you think seahawks would let him go to someone in their own division?

Posted By: Bryan (Stockton) (07/03/2007 9:44:33 PM)
Comment: A health Darrell Jackson would be a great addition. Almost too good to be true considering a division rival would be supplying him. Trust me, I had him in Fantasy Football and he is injured all the time.

Posted By: Felix (07/03/2007 7:20:33 PM)
Comment: John, Where did you see the Michael Smith report? espn.com does not have anything about it. Matt, have you heard anything on this?

Posted By: wsmith (07/03/2007 6:27:45 PM)
Comment: We matched the offer sheet on Andy Lee - niiice!!!

Posted By: Tom in SR (07/03/2007 5:54:05 PM)
Comment: If the SF/Seattle rumors are true I gotta believe the Seahawks would want Smiley.

Posted By: ninersnation (07/03/2007 4:45:43 PM)
Comment: i hope we get darrell jackson for a reasonable trade...we should trade kwawme harris and a 4th rounder pick.

Posted By: Jon (07/03/2007 4:37:17 PM)
Comment: Michael Smith, from espn, just reported that the niners are trying to trade for Darrell Jackson. Any truth to that?

Posted By: wsmith (07/03/2007 3:49:12 PM)
Comment: BAD NEWS - we lost Eric Johnson to the Saints. I will miss him - a total class act and great pass catcher.

Posted By: Mateo (07/03/2007 3:34:24 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, how does the 49er's draft strategy change with the new FA additions?

Posted By: blitzonic (07/03/2007 12:29:53 PM)
Comment: Matt -- What ate the signing bonuses for Norris, Walt Harris & Wragge? You suggested late last month that the 9ers will drop from $37.2 to $36.4 after including Norris, which computed out to a bargain $615 SB if he's drawing the minimum salary for '07. But NFLPA's update lists him as making $695k this year instead, so is his SB only $315k?

Posted By: wsmith (07/03/2007 10:35:03 AM)
Comment: NinerGM - that video is hilarious - it deserves an Oscar.

Posted By: GG Ross (07/03/2007 9:57:02 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt, With all the new free agent contract talk we haven't heard anything in a while about Frank Gore's contract status. Has there been any progress made? Are the Niners ensuring that they are holding sufficient room for what is sure to be a huge contract thanks to the inflation seen this FA period? Keep up the great work!!!GGR

Posted By: NinerGM (07/03/2007 9:47:09 AM)
Comment: Well Matt,I'm so happy to hear we're looking to trade K. Harris. I don't know if you've seen this but I thought it was great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7PAlyMQnzI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2F49ersnews%2Ewordpress%2Ecom%2F2007%2F03%2F01%2Fvideo%2Dkwame%2Dharris%2D2006%2Dhighlights%2F

Posted By: wsmith (07/03/2007 9:30:58 AM)
Comment: I am happy to have Banta-Cain, but...it worries me that the Patriots let him go so easily. They are pretty good at judging talent, and they let a 26 yr old entering his prime walk away for pretty cheap, and their LB corp is VERY old. Hopefully TBC makes the Pats sorry they let him walk. I'm also still a little concerned that we are possibly going into the season with Lelie, Battle, and a rookie lining up at WR. Teams will load the box up on Gore again. I wouldn't mind us taking a flier on someone like Moulds with a 2 yr deal. Matt, how are AA and Barlow doing on the market?

Posted By: Scott (07/03/2007 5:35:17 AM)
Comment: Nevermind the last comment, as NFL.COM is incorrect: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Bradford Banta Dennis Bradford Banta, sometimes called Brad Banta (born December 14, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana), is a retired National Football League tight end. Bills | Banta Retires [b]Fri, 1 Apr 2005 21:54:26 -0800[/b] Gregg Pastore, of BuffaloBills.com, reports that Buffalo Bills TE/LS Bradford Banta has retired.

Posted By: Scott (07/03/2007 5:19:00 AM)
Comment: Matt, Living here in Arizona the Valley of the Sun, you sure make it a lot easier for me to follow my 9ers, and I thank you for that. Question NFL.com transactions for the 49ers shows we signed unrestricted free agent TE Bradford Banta! Who is he? And what does this mean for the other TE's on the roster after Vernon Davis, like E Johnson & D Walker

Posted By: Danny (07/03/2007 12:33:57 AM)
Comment: Regarding the reports mentioned below about additional signings - TE Brandford Banta has been out of the league for three years, so thats probably just someone at Sportsline confusing him with Bunta-Cain, whereas former 49ers FB Paul Smith signed with Denver, not with SF. Broncos | P. Smith signs with team Mon, 5 Mar 2007 18:25:21 -0800 The Denver Broncos announced the signing of free agent RB Paul Smith (Rams). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Posted By: Bob (06/03/2007 11:28:35 PM)
Comment: Matt - So with the signing of Banta-Cain, do you think Nolan will be targeting an OLB still on the first day? Because I'm not exactly blown away by Batna-Cain's numbers. Also, when can we expect Gore to receive a contract extension?

Posted By: klaus49, Germany (06/03/2007 11:08:20 PM)
Comment: Thanks gunit for that link to CBS Sportsline. The contract for Michael Lewis was the one where I feared the Niners had overpaid. But now it looks like a good one, with essentially only 3.5million guaranteed. Also, it seems the Niners are doing what Matt M. expected. They are using roster instead of signing boni, so that the cap space this year gets used and we don't have the financial burden of prorated signing boni in the later years.

Posted By: Michael (06/03/2007 9:57:02 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, of all the players that the niners signed thise year thru free agency, what player or players do you think might be a sleeper that might surprise everyone. For me eventhough I was stoked that they signed Nate Clements and we know what he will bring the table. However, of all the players that the Niners I think the signing of Michael Lewis might be their best pick up. I rival that pick up when we signed Tim McDonald back in 2003. Remember when picked up Tim McDonaled lot of people thought of him the same way being that he is more of a run stopper, that can play in the box, but is weak in coverage. However, Tim McDonaled was actually pretty good in coverage especially covering the tight ends. Moreover, Tim McDonald was a prennial All-Pro and he was actually the leader of that defense along with Ken Norton. Also, he was the sacrafical lam all those years when they restructured is contract every year so the Niners can get under the salary cap. So, to me Michael Lewis can be that sleeper the way Tim McDonald was as well. Your thoughts?

Posted By: Mike G. (06/03/2007 9:48:00 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, I checked nfl.com, and cbssportsline.com stating they signed a TE in Brandford Banta, and brought back RB Paul Smith do you have any knowledge of that? Also, if the Niners trade Kwame Harris and/or Justin Smiley what kind of draft picks can they get in return, and would they take cap hit, or not. Moreover, up to this point if you had to give the Niners a grade for there off season pick up, what grade would you give. For me I would give them a A-, because there might be a little question mark on how Ashley Lelie, and how he will develop into the team. Your Thoughts?

Posted By: rj (06/03/2007 9:43:41 PM)
Comment: i have to ask. on nfl.com/teams/transactions/SF it says we also signed a Bradford Banta, TE, today as well. any relation to Banta-cain? i have heard he was his uncle. why did he get signed if you know anything about him?

Posted By: Chris (06/03/2007 9:00:43 PM)
Comment: Matt - There are two different reports out there with the details on Banta-Cain's contract. Which one is correct? Is it ESPN.com's that says he signed a three year, 12.2 million dollar contract that pays him $4 million this season or is it NFL.com's that says it is a three year, 8.7 million dollar contract with 2.9 million to sign? Thanks.

Response: The number I'm now citing is three years, $8.7 million. --Matt M.

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 8:02:31 PM)
Comment: Seems that with the great offseason so far, it would be a shame to lose Lee. Although a punter, he definitely is the best one we have seen in years and we cant afford to let our special teams take a hit... matt, do you know if there are any poison pills in the contract? What are your thoughts on matching?

Response: To my knowledge, there are no poison pills. Just six years, $7.1 million with $1.66M signing bonus. --Matt M.

Posted By: gunit (06/03/2007 8:00:08 PM)
Comment: Readers of this blog...good article on cbs sportline re: signing of TBC and of the contracts signed by our FA's..in particular, Clements and Lewis. http://www.sportsline.com/columns/weblogs/entry/10030961 Matt, if the above article were true..then the 9'ers did a great job w/managing the cap, have even more $ under the cap than you figured in your previous entry, and got these FA's for a fair price(i.e not have to over pay for them too much.).

Posted By: Red & Gold (06/03/2007 6:34:07 PM)
Comment: Why did NE let TBC go? It's pretty obvious now--they wanted to sign Adalius Thomas. Duh.

Posted By: Brain Daddy (06/03/2007 5:17:12 PM)
Comment: Gah! We need to re-sign Andy Lee. He's the best punter we've had in ages.

Posted By: Big Daddy T (06/03/2007 4:30:49 PM)
Comment: matt...i dn't knw hw they are doing at 4949 but so far 2 rephrase itscompton point down below,'da 49ers IDENTIFIED people who will work in their system n dat my friend is the bottom line...i love da signing of this local kid from N.E...da stat comparison between him n porter was impressive and he's only 25...as another reader commented though i do query why? N.E. let him go?

Posted By: RednGold (06/03/2007 4:00:05 PM)
Comment: While the impact of Tully Banta-Cain to the 49ers defense is not yet known, Mike Nolan indeed made a right move in bringing in someone from a winning organization. Having been in the Super Bowl in a couple of times, TBC will help motivate this young team how to play in big games and win.

Posted By: Jon (06/03/2007 2:59:19 PM)
Comment: Matt, Adam Schefter reports that its a three-yeal, $8.7 million deal, which includes a $2.9 million signing bonus http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

Posted By: Baron (06/03/2007 2:55:36 PM)
Comment: Matt, thanks for all of your coverage during the past few days. Would it be possible for you to get some "official" terms on the contract with Banta-Cain? ESPN and NFL.com are reporting two REALLY different figures.

Posted By: itscompton (06/03/2007 2:30:27 PM)
Comment: There is a big difference between the spending sprees of the Redskins and what the 49ers did this year. The 49ers identified people who would work in their system and then went and got them, with Nate Clements being the only big ticket guy. The Redskins go after guys based mostly on thier hype without actually taking into account if they will fit with the team, thus they wind up paying guys like Archuleta big money and then benching them because the can't play in the defense the Redskins run. So far the track record for Nolan's gang with evaluating if free agents will be a good fit for our team seems to be pretty darn good.

Posted By: joe (06/03/2007 2:17:39 PM)
Comment: Thanks Steve. I figured it had to do with the "type" of free agent. Now hopefully the speculation is correct and we get the 3 and 4.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (06/03/2007 1:57:46 PM)
Comment: Matt - What's the mood at 4949? Giddy? Businesslike? Bummed about Adalius Thomas? If McCloughan really hoped for 5 to 7 new starters on defense, it looks like he's got 4 in the bag already.

Posted By: Steve (06/03/2007 1:43:27 PM)
Comment: Joe, both Allen and Harris were cut from their respective teams. Only UFAs count in the calculations of compensatory picks.

Posted By: Steve (06/03/2007 1:42:00 PM)
Comment: Signing Banta-Cain is the only move that has me nervous, especially if it's for the kind of money that's been thrown around lately. There's a reason that NE let him go, and last time I checked they were pretty good at evaluating talent.

Posted By: Joe (06/03/2007 1:32:46 PM)
Comment: Matt, great blog! Could you please explain why Larry Allen and Walt Harris (both in the pro bowl), do not hurt us in the Compensentory Picks calculations?

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 1:24:33 PM)
Comment: True, but why take the chance that you will have to spend far more money after this guy continues to put up these types of numbers. He will probably sign now for lower than 3 yrs from now due to lack of leverage, considering he has a few yrs left at 3rd round money.

Posted By: Paul F. (06/03/2007 1:19:55 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt. The niners moves in FA look impressive to say the least. But should we be concerned that this could turn into a Redskins debacle - paying for a boat load of free agents and getting little in return in terms of on-field production ?

Posted By: Jeff (06/03/2007 12:55:46 PM)
Comment: Felix, if we are up against the cap anytime soon then Nolan and McCloughan will have failed miserably at their jobs and we'll have more to worry about than whether or not we can re-sign Gore.

Posted By: Matt (06/03/2007 12:42:19 PM)
Comment: Any chance the Niners sign Lavar Arrington to an incentive laden contract - he is still available right?

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 12:22:52 PM)
Comment: Jeff, I would sign him because this is a year where the money is available, so why not use some of it for the guaranteed portion or signing bonus. If we are up against the cap in the near future when he is due a big deal, it will force us to make unnecessary moves. They can also get him for a bit cheaper than it will cost 2 yrs from now if he continues to produce 1500 yds/season.

Posted By: cervant (06/03/2007 12:21:41 PM)
Comment: With these FA additions & 8 picks in the first 4 rounds, there's going to be a lot of names from last year's roster who won't be here in September.

Posted By: Jamie (06/03/2007 12:16:05 PM)
Comment: Won't the niners receive a compensatory pick for Anthony Clement?

Response: No, he is expected to cancel out the Antonio Bryant signing. --Matt M.

Posted By: Jeff (06/03/2007 11:55:07 AM)
Comment: I wouldn't rush to sign Gore considering we still basically own him for another 3 years. I'd rather wait and see if his knees hold up. Why rush to sign him when we dont have to?

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 11:42:27 AM)
Comment: I think the Gore extension is the next thing to come....they needed to get the free agency issues resolved and now I think Gore gets his new deal...this guy is the best player on the club right now and it would be the perfect end to this free agency frenzy by locking him up.

Posted By: AJ (06/03/2007 11:28:55 AM)
Comment: Matt with all the free agent signings - it's great for the Niners. Have you heard anything about giving Gore an extension? This would be a great year to pro-rate is signing bonus

Posted By: AJ (06/03/2007 10:59:58 AM)
Comment: it's official! http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2789594

Posted By: itscompton (06/03/2007 10:58:34 AM)
Comment: Trevor, the 49ers are not looking to bench Brandon Moore. They are switching to a 3-4 full time and he will be inside while Banta-Cain will play one outside position with Manny Lawson (who is a stud pass rushing OLB/DE that will explode onto the scene THIS YEAR) on the other side. The 49ers now could use another good inside linebacker from the draft to take Smith's spot, not Moore's. However I think the most pressing need will be another DE that can play in the 3-4; Adam Carriker seems to be a perfect fit for the system and is rated as an early mid-round prospect. With the right kind of linemen in place the linebackers will be free to attack the QB more this year.

Posted By: Cyrus (06/03/2007 10:49:11 AM)
Comment: WCO-- I can almost guarantee that there will be no poison pill in Lee's contract. While the league and NFLPA have done nothing to formally address poison pills, word is that Seattle and Minnesota executives were sat down by league officials and informed how much the league disapproved of their actions. An owner with Rooney's standing, known as the consummate "league guy", would not allow his team to engage in such actions.

Posted By: joe (06/03/2007 10:43:53 AM)
Comment: I'm a east coast niner fan and I have been since 1970. I enjoy your blog, it helps to keep me informed on what the niners are doing. great job thanks, joe

Posted By: Jeff (06/03/2007 10:39:50 AM)
Comment: Trevor, I'm pretty sure Brandon Moore will be playing ILB, not OLB. It looks like it will be Haralson/B-C, Smith, Moore, Lawson.

Posted By: nostocksjustbonds (06/03/2007 10:35:27 AM)
Comment: John Clayton says the Banta-Cain deal is complete.

Posted By: NINERFAN (06/03/2007 10:29:46 AM)
Comment: WCO- Poison Pill for a punter? I doubt it.

Posted By: Trevor (06/03/2007 10:24:23 AM)
Comment: Matt, do you think the Niners are actively looking to get Brandon Moore back on the bench? He was a revelation when they moved him to the starting lineup last season, and now they appear to be trying to force him into a backup role, if their pursuit of Adalius Thomas and now Tully Banta-Cain is any indication. <p> Also, do you think there's any interest in Ed Hartwell, now that he's been released from the Falcons? Or would he still command more money than the Niners are willing to pay at this point?

Posted By: PastorDave (06/03/2007 10:16:59 AM)
Comment: I really like all the FA moves the 49ers are making. It seems York is committed to bringing a winning team to SF the right way. We all appreciate your informative site, Matt. You have become a

Posted By: Modesto Frank (06/03/2007 10:05:52 AM)
Comment: I have to think that the recent offseason moves by the Jets and Broncos have sunk Maurice Hicks hopes of getting a lucrative free agency deal. Banta-Cain should come int to start the 2007 season, but I hope Nolan drafts a stud pass rushing OLB/DE that can explode on the scene in a year or two...say a Lamar Woodley or Anthony Spencer. Keep an eye on two west coast receivers in the draft: Fresno's Paul Williams and Washington's Jason Hill. Also, Desmond Bishop would be a fantastic 4th round pick to upgrade the speed and athleticism at inside linebacker.

Posted By: severo (06/03/2007 9:46:35 AM)
Comment: Hey matt,even though the 49ers just sign WR ashley lelie do you think they'll go after california native Donte Stallworth or any other WR in free agency.

Posted By: WCO (06/03/2007 9:38:09 AM)
Comment: I hope Andy Lee doesn't sign a contract with Pitt...if he does, it'll probably have a "poison-pill" in it and we'll lose a good punter for a 6th rounder...he had his best year last year for us...plus he's young and should only get better...

Posted By: Robert S (06/03/2007 9:37:43 AM)
Comment: As much as I like the signings I still think we need that game changer(like porter). We need that player that that the opposing team needs to account for every play. I don't think Banta Cain brings that but then who does in this free agency. If we sign him I hope its not for big money. I'd rather find a suitable replacement throught the draft instead of offering a big contract! PS great job Matt!

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 9:26:22 AM)
Comment: I agree with the Porter assessment. He appears to have lost a step and $20 million guaranteed is too much for a guy with his mouth. Like the Banta-Cain move. Would prefer to move down in the draft a few spots and take Bowe. He is a solid receiver and a great route runner. Then go LB or DE in second round. The DE position is very deep this yr.

Posted By: Tim (06/03/2007 9:11:07 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt...if the 49ers do bring in Banta will that be the end of their free agent run? Also, I still would like to see the 49ers pick another LB in the draft, have you heard anything about the 49ers taking Willis with the 11th overall? Thanks.

Posted By: Kevin (06/03/2007 8:57:52 AM)
Comment: Matt, do you know which teams are looking to pick up more picks? I was wondering about the Niners' chances of trading their 2nd pick and one of their 3rds (and possibly a 4th) to move up to the bottom of the 1st round to take a receiver like Ginn, Meachem, Bowe, or Rice.

Posted By: oneniner (06/03/2007 8:55:06 AM)
Comment: That is the risk with Banta....he wants starter money and he wants to start...i dont blame the guy he has two superbowl rings and wants to be a factor on a team..the only problem is he has never been a starter.....i like the guy because he can get sacks but what bout stopping the run.....i dont want us to sign him just to be a specialist......but then again who is our sack specialist?...(BY)

Posted By: Tom in SR (06/03/2007 8:53:51 AM)
Comment: Don't doubt Matt. We all (including Nolan) swung and missed on Adalius. But you've been on the nose so many other times. This is BY FAR the best site for current (and correct) 49er information. No bells. No whistles. Just the facts. Matt, after Banta-Cain, do you think the Niners BIG splash is over and they'll sit back for a while? And, what kind of draft prospects would they (or you) look at for a 3-4 OLB (Fast DE's or Big OLB's)? Your thoughts?

Posted By: BigK (06/03/2007 8:47:43 AM)
Comment: This is a great site Matt, I really appreciate the info you provide!

Posted By: ryan (06/03/2007 8:44:13 AM)
Comment: Matt, Do you see the Niners going after a another WR in free agency? If not, who do you see them taking in the draft?

Posted By: mark (06/03/2007 8:20:12 AM)
Comment: are Niners envisioning Banta Cain as a starter? a situational player?

Posted By: AJ (06/03/2007 8:06:01 AM)
Comment: Porter signs with the Dolphins. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2789401

Posted By: Felix (06/03/2007 8:04:52 AM)
Comment: Absolutely the best site for Niner fans!