Posted By: MaeLynn Vellmure (17/06/2008 12:02:02 PM)
Comment: This is a motivation for you Isaac. I believe in you & we all believe in you,.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 9:28:03 PM)
Comment: tgflynn, I meant no slam on Soap not being a point guy, only in terms of his fit there, not that he physically can't do it. I feel he's much too active to waste in the role of space eater. I like him more as an attacker, which I think is your point also. Get the 350lb channel marker type to play inside. Was it Sims from Auburn or Rubin from Iowa State, that tipped the scales at 347? One of those DTs ran reasonably well with that load attached.

Posted By: StonerLab (27/02/2008 2:54:40 PM)
Comment: Sorry Darren but your take about the 49ers being able to trade Soap wouldn't work considering he was in the last year of his contract. Teams aren't stupid to trade for a player who's contract was up would they? No of course not they would simply wait for the 49ers to release him then sign him. Besides, it's done now & hopefully he'll start earning his money.

Posted By: Darren (27/02/2008 2:30:07 PM)
Comment: The reason why I saw Sopo is a bad deal is because we could have traded him or just let him go and gotten a better player for him. Can Sopo get the QB or stop the running game? No, and that's why our defense ranks so bad because we keep bad players and not get any good ones. THe deal we signed him up for is a waste of money, what if it costs us good players in FA?

Posted By: hacman (27/02/2008 11:53:24 AM)
Comment: Thanks Pat & Randy. I didn't see that post earlier, lol.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (27/02/2008 11:37:04 AM)
Comment: Matt- Just a thought... Have you considered having PD's webby create a user account system similar to Sfgate? It would help with these imposter posters... Thanks.

Posted By: NYniner (27/02/2008 10:44:44 AM)
Comment: Marc, Razoreater...I agree with you Mark that we will again be a hybrid in terms of defensive scheme but I do believe with the personnel we have on the roster we can run a true 3-4 especially when Lawson comes back...I think that everyone is forgetting about Brandon Moore, I would love to see him and Willis inside together...who knows about Briggs, he definately could set an edge for us but he definately wouldn't be an edge pass rusher...I think we will be surprised come Thursday...

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (27/02/2008 10:32:06 AM)
Comment: hacman- As Steve pointed out below, we acquired Jay Moore and Brandon Williams.

Posted By: Erik (27/02/2008 9:55:22 AM)
Comment: What is the facisnation with Pace??? He has had 1 decent year (contract year) and the rest were not so good. I'd rather save the money we might give him, and make a run at Jared Allen next year. If we get Pace that's just like signing TBC all over again. Pace had 6 sacks last season. Last year when we signed TBC he had 5.5 sacks with the Pats the previous year. Say no to PACE! Upgrading the offense should be a bigger priority than wasting money on him.

Posted By: Pat (27/02/2008 9:43:08 AM)
Comment: hacman- not sure 100%, but I'll say, the 3rd either got of Brandon Williams, or, it helped us move up as part of a trade to get Manny, the 4th is either Joe Cohen or Dashon Goldson... just a quick thought

Posted By: hacman (27/02/2008 9:34:34 AM)
Comment: Random question here which anyone who knows could please answer- Who were the players that the 49ers drafted with the picks that Washington sent over from the Brandon Lloyd trade? I think they got a 3rd & a 4th from separate years...Thanks in advance

Posted By: tgflynn (27/02/2008 9:27:12 AM)
Comment: I think this debate about 3-4 vs 4-3 is fruitless. Why not take Nolan at his word that we will play both. I think the Sop resigning reinforces Nolan statement, It seems to me he is a perfect fit for this scheme. As a NT he is 325lbs and one of the strongest players in the NFL to say he can't hold the point is absurd, His problem is that he is too aggressive for NT, rather than reactive and tying up o-linemen. But he is still a great change of pace to Franklin and must be accounted for. When they play 4-3 he is the perfect disruptive tackle ala a young bigger Warren Sapp. If we can sign both Smith and Pace the defense could be something else.

Posted By: barffly (27/02/2008 9:20:19 AM)
Comment: I think this is a good move for the most part. The bottom line is we need someone to play the position, and Soap was about the best (somewhat proven) option we had. I don't follow college too much so I'm no draft guru, but I have read that the DT class is pretty weak this year past Dorsey and Ellis. If that's the case, then getting the hometown discount seems alright for the top DT prospect in a weak FA class. I wouldn't mind seeing Rod Coleman here as a situational guy if the price is right. He would add some depth and versatility to the D. I agree it is a hybrid defense the Niners are looking for. It's close to what Nolan ran in Baltimore, with Adalius Thomas adn Terrell Suggs playing OLBs on the depth chart, but basically lining up as three-point stance DEs on the line (Suggs was a DE in college, and AD started his career as a backup 4-3 DE and special-teamer).

Posted By: Wally Champ (27/02/2008 8:47:24 AM)
Comment: Woohoo! Yes! Great move. Soapoaga is a very high motor guy who's got size and seemed to get better as the season went along. His best football is ahead of him. I'm very happy about this.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (27/02/2008 8:35:02 AM)
Comment: BTW: I agree with the comment about oneniner. If you've been here for a while you realize he's crass and argumentative, but not profane and into personal attacks

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (27/02/2008 8:33:14 AM)
Comment: Don't sign Briggs. He'll get eaten up as a TED. We have bigger issues that everyone can see, DL, WR and pass rush. DeShaun Foster and Fossum were in talks and the 9ers will announce the signings later (maybe in a couple of days?) Soap was a good signing, you have to be willing to pay to keep the talent you developed and if his contract is for $4 mil a year, it seems like a reasonable contract at a below market rate. This gives us some flexibility for next year too, let's not eat up our entire cap in one bite.

Posted By: oneniner (27/02/2008 8:24:20 AM)
Comment: Plz whoever is posting under my name should stop using my name to insult people. It is really childish and unproductive. I don't get the point of being disruptive with someone else identity. Nobody is saying you have to like me or read my comments, at least show a little respect to Matt's workplace.

Posted By: StonerLab (27/02/2008 8:08:06 AM)
Comment: So Berger & EastCoastNiner where in agreement that no way that (Briggs) happens. The 49ers so far have done everything right this past week so let's keep the mojo going.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 8:01:44 AM)
Comment: I wouldn't mind testing the availabilty of OT Wesley Britt from the Pats either? He's a young OT with limited mileage?

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (27/02/2008 7:57:01 AM)
Comment: Berger- He is going to want that kind of money. I think it would be a foolish move for this team. What happens if Briggs is the only one we sign? We can't possibly play Briggs at the TED LB spot. That simply isn't his game. Without Smith, we can't shift to a 4-3 either because we possess no 4-3 DE's that can rush the passer. The smart move would be to sign Smith(play him at 3-4 RDE) and sign Pace(play him at 3-4 rush ROLB).

Posted By: Berger (27/02/2008 7:52:26 AM)
Comment: EastCoast-I would like to have Briggs, but I don't think I want to spend the kind of money needed to get him. I would think he's going to Miami. They need him more than we do and they have cap room, too.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (27/02/2008 7:48:59 AM)
Comment: AOL Sports reported that the Niners were preparing to throw 35 million in guarentees at Briggs. It could be a lie, of course. But if they do sign Briggs, it would be a disaster. He is overrated and does not fit our scheme. Stay with the 3-4 and sign Smith and Pace. It makes so much more sense.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 7:45:42 AM)
Comment: Berger, Matt provided you with my email address, gotta share the Ocean City DE plans when you're ready.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 7:38:41 AM)
Comment: Matt, not sure if this was addressed prior to now, but, has Larry Allen and BY's money been accounted for yet with our cap number? Technically, we still have them as active roster guys on the payroll don't we? Smiley and Harris should exit also? Watch Miami this weekend, Tuna has a big bucket-o-bait to share with the South Beach Seekers in this FA pool too. Briggs and Pace should see some quality action there especially.

Posted By: Berger (27/02/2008 7:35:47 AM)
Comment: razoreater-Your D-line scenario sounds good to me.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 7:26:53 AM)
Comment: Let's remember the golden rule of FA. It's a bidding process. If the league believes we're capable of throwing big money at Briggs, maybe we backdoor Justin and/or, someone else? Don't we just love the drama? I'd like to nab CB Drayton Florence, if the rumor is accurate, without killing the budget. Trouble there is the price for CBs went way up after our deal with Nate last year. The nice thing is that we have money and we appear to have an organized plan of attack. That's a whole lot better then we had 4 years ago.

Posted By: ZURDO (27/02/2008 7:15:20 AM)
Comment: IMHO I like the move... the guy played well at the end of the year, and wants to be a niner. I just love having enough cap space to have need to be informed about our teams moves on late February. Now lets hope for a couple of good upgrades on each side by the end of free agency.

Posted By: StonerLab (27/02/2008 7:12:38 AM)
Comment: Whow...Whow...Whow! Hold up there partner(EastCoastNiner) Where did you hear the 49ers were signing Briggs? I don't see that happening at all now for sure. The 49ers are poised in getting Justin Smith & possibly Pace as well so I don't see where Briggs comes in from both an economical & scheme stand point. Marc-NJ49er, well said about having a little respect for others on Matt's blog...are some of you people in Junior High or what? Grow up! otherwise stay out altogether. Rich in San Ramon, your right somebody is using "oneniner" name. I know oneniner can be a loose canon but it's obvious that it's not him. Just ignore the Loof(?)

Posted By: Razoreater (27/02/2008 7:11:53 AM)
Comment: matt how will our approach to an improved pass rush be addressed differtently this year with repect to DL&scheme?

Posted By: Giovanni Carmazzi (27/02/2008 7:10:11 AM)
Comment: Now we need either Roosevelt Colvin or Vernon Gholston

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 6:58:32 AM)
Comment: Perhaps Manusky is mixing up the strategy on'D' also? With the number of fast LBs coming up for grabs in April, maybe they want the thicker inside guys for certain packages with the edge guys almost playing the CB schemes? Hard to see the plan, but they've got a template in mind apparently. Spells Hybrid to me.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 6:49:10 AM)
Comment: Moss and T.O. would spell nuclear meltdown Razoreater. Egomaniacal owner plus 2 ME First WRs? I think they'd devour from within with Mr Ordinary Wade Phillips in charge. Drop 6 and smack the first guy to leave his feet.

Posted By: Razoreater (27/02/2008 6:42:40 AM)
Comment: its hard to follow nolans train of thought as it pertains to the defense, he keeps trying to make this defense a 3-4 when its a 4-3 personnel group and now wanting to add briggs?another headscratcher PS.lets hope dallas doesn't get moss

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 6:41:57 AM)
Comment: Rich, San Ramon - it's not worth the rebuttal. Not quite sure what a loof is, but then again, who really cares?

Posted By: JB (27/02/2008 6:41:52 AM)
Comment: Agreed with the previous posts about the ugly turn this blog has taken on. I would hate to lose this forum as I check it constantly during the work day to pass the time. Matt, thank you for your patience and the continued effort on your part to keep us updated. It is appreciated.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (27/02/2008 6:37:53 AM)
Comment: Woke up to see some things on this blog that I haven't seen before. Let's take the language down a few notches...and I think someone is using "oneniner" that is not the oneniner we all know.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 6:36:06 AM)
Comment: EastCoastNiner, I agree, Briggs? I don't see it either, I'm more concerned about the price tag and feel the money could be better spent on another player like Pace or Berrian.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (27/02/2008 6:15:28 AM)
Comment: So I hear that we are signing Lance Briggs.... What an awful move. I hate it. We have to move to a 4-3. He isn't a TED LB. He doesn't rush the passer. We still can't get a pass rush. We simply run things like the Pirates run things in baseball. A** backwards.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (27/02/2008 5:49:58 AM)
Comment: Soap is no superstar, but look at the alternatives. He at least provides some stability, (he will still need help), which can be obtained via the Draft, so don't panic people. Lots of time to complete the makeover plan, it's February, FA moves are yet to occur. We kept one of our own while we shop for more pieces. And while we're at it, stop with the personal attacks, this isn't the Jerry Springer Show. Show a little respect for the team information and football opinions we all come here to obtain. If you don't like what someone has to say, so be it, you can disagree and rebuff without taking it to personal character assasination levels. Where would you all go for this sort of Team coverage if Matt decides to pull the plug? Not funny anymore, give everyone the courtesy you'd like given to you when you opt to share thoughts here. Don't abuse a good forum.

Posted By: Medford (27/02/2008 5:07:13 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt what is going on with ur blog why are people arguing for? I could hear enough bad words with everyday life I come here for an escape from reality. ANYWAY HERE IS A QUESTION R THE NINERS GOING TO SIGN FOSTER?

Posted By: Razoreater (27/02/2008 5:02:10 AM)
Comment: our season hinges on productive OL play immediately followed by QB execution or darrens nightmare scenario will play out, if we don't start sacking, hitting, like a bunch of crazed wolves on the opposing qb we'll never advance to the superbowl.My concern is Sopoaga gonna be better now that he has his $ or is he gonna be his underachieving inconsistant self?Also i think we should be prepared to jump in front of pittsburgh for brandon alberts if he his still there

Posted By: Medford (26/02/2008 11:55:41 PM)
Comment: If Matt is right and the first few years of the contract r not that high in $ then its ok. Good luck to Brandon Lloyd alot of people bashed this guy alot but he is a very nice person he was always signing autographs and visting with fans when everyone else was in the locker room.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (26/02/2008 11:42:28 PM)
Comment: Yes Darren, we realize things in 49erLand haven't exactly been successful or exciting of late, but in February there's room for a little off season optimism is there not? Keeping Soap provides a little leverage for Draft expenses if nothing else?

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (26/02/2008 11:17:25 PM)
Comment: Darren- I didn't realize you were a football expert... I guess Stanford automatically makes you one. Sorry, I'll stop feeding the troll.

Posted By: Hunter S. Thompson (26/02/2008 11:08:48 PM)
Comment: A 28 year "expert" that posts on other peoples' blogs? Darren, if you're going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it, or else you're going to be locked up.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (26/02/2008 11:08:34 PM)
Comment: Darren, you lost hope in February? Good Lord, man, get ahold of yourself.

Posted By: Global Nomad (26/02/2008 11:07:01 PM)
Comment: Does anyone know what teams are interested in Marques Douglas? He seems like he is not a priority to keep. Which is sad, he was talking on KNBR about wanting to come back and all the community service he does in the Santa Clara area. He seemed very sincere, but John Clayton is reporting he is all but gone...Matt have you heard anything?

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (26/02/2008 10:44:48 PM)
Comment: Keeping Soap was all about a reasonable price tag. Obviously any good deal involves both sides being happy. That said, I feel he's a better fit at DE, his strength is movement, not holding point. Having a younger man like Laws in the mix is a nice thought as we posture for Draft picks, but the edge is where we need to be more aggressive. Dre Moore could be had on Day 2 along with a host of other options including guys like Kendall Langford. On the offensive side, I too like Bernard Berrian, see what the weekend brings. Let's not forget DJax and Lelie are still here and now have a bonafide OC to play for, so life on the offensive side should be much improved just by having Mad Mike at the controls.

Posted By: Darren (26/02/2008 10:29:16 PM)
Comment: Hey Randy, I haven't been banned from this blog so I'm going to be here anytime I feel like it. York and Nolan are going to make the 49ers look bad again, but you the 49er.com wannabe are too blind to see it. I pity you. I am a 28 year expert, you are a nobody. Watch the 49ers go 0 and 8 outside the division (NFC/AFC East), New Orleans, Seattle, and see us just beat Rams/Cards/Lions for another dismal season buddy. It's going to happen. And I did have some hope, but keeping Sopo and Ulbrich just ruined it.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (26/02/2008 10:16:52 PM)
Comment: Darren- You must be joking. Signing Soap has cost us the upcoming season? He's actually a key cog in our 3-4. You wouldn't understand that though... Keep playing your Madden'08, and leave the Niner talk to the big boys.

Posted By: Darren (26/02/2008 10:07:20 PM)
Comment: I don't get it. He's done nothing since he's got here. I'm tired of you fans saying he's a great team player and all around nice guy. He's not even a hard worker. He did nothing out there. He didn't get the QB. Tell you what, I'll take my Madden 08 and put in the so called 49er defense and let's see how Sopo does as a so called defender. He's going to play poorly. This is very bad news we are keeping him. But I guess you 49er fans like it when we finish poorly. I expected better things, this is not better people. It's no wonder I hide my face in a paper bag every year.

Posted By: Razoreater (26/02/2008 10:02:00 PM)
Comment: sopoaga franklin laws upfront?what do u think Mr. Berger?

Posted By: servegmo (26/02/2008 10:00:28 PM)
Comment: love it, great news... Matt thanks for all the hard work... go niners

Posted By: Darren (26/02/2008 9:48:59 PM)
Comment: As they say on Deal or no Deal, TERRIBLE DEAL! AWFUL! That is the worse thing this team has done. This is not how you build a defense. Oh well, Nolan just sealed his fate now. He's gone by week 8 now on the 49ers because we're not going to get a defense now. You 49er fans should be as disgusted that we signed Engelberger II that did nothing on this team! He can't even sack the QB! He's the worse player we have! Our season just went out the window!

Posted By: Patrick in Mission Viejo (26/02/2008 9:35:21 PM)
Comment: Great news Matt. It sounds like we got a pretty good deal, but Soap is still getting a nice paycheck. When you find out the actual numbers, I would be interested to hear your take on how much Soap might have left on the table to stay in SF.

Posted By: larry B. (26/02/2008 9:10:31 PM)
Comment: Matt, what does that do to their cap space? The more I thought about this signing it is probably the best move for them. I would think that this would make Calvin Pace more of a priority over Justin Smith now.

Posted By: Maurice in Stockton (26/02/2008 8:11:37 PM)
Comment: Word on the street is that the 9ers will announce 2morow the signing of RB DeShaun Foster and return man Allen Rossum.Matt can you confirm these rumors????

Posted By: Berger (26/02/2008 8:10:00 PM)
Comment: I thought Sope would get 5 to 6 million per year in FA. If we are paying 4, that sounds like about what I thought it would take and a nice home town discount. Now he needs to step up and prove he's worth it. Hey Matt, weren't we paying BY about 8M?

Posted By: Berger (26/02/2008 7:59:47 PM)
Comment: Jon in SoCal- Sope can definately play DE in the 3-4. We already tried it last year and he moved very well. But that was at RDE. I just read that the 49ers want to play him at Bryant Young's LDE. I can't tell you for sure, but I think he'll do great. There are not a lot of 325lb humans with his agility. Now, hopefully he'll come to camp in good shape. If we can get a NT and an edge rush, I believe we should make a play-off push. The big unknown is the offense. I think Martz alone is worth 100 points. A dominating D should give another 50-100. It is really hard to know what we need on offense with the OC and QB sithation we had last year. I trust Martz and all are discussing. I read earlier that Berrian wants to come to SF!

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (26/02/2008 7:55:47 PM)
Comment: Marco- FA and the draft hasn't even started yet. I'm sure they will address the offense as well. Plus, Martz alone is a big improvement on that side of the ball.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (26/02/2008 7:51:43 PM)
Comment: John Clayton from ESPN is reporting the Sopoaga deal as 5yrs for $20m... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3266068

Posted By: D.J. (26/02/2008 7:45:43 PM)
Comment: Hi Matt. What ( if any) Free agent WR do you see the Niners signing/ trading for? I would like to add Roy Williams, word is the lions would trade a 2nd round pick in 09 for him.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (26/02/2008 7:41:53 PM)
Comment: Does McNolan hate the offense side of the ball? They are going after more defensive free agents?? He has the worst offense in the NFL and I don't see any personnel moves to get better. Now if we could figure out how to play defense for 60 minutes and win. Let's see who he signs? PS Ravens Football is not the model!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (26/02/2008 7:28:12 PM)
Comment: Rob: I kinda asked this question to Matt earlier, but you can't see it because the blog is jacked. He basically said that the contract numbers weren't released (team choice), but the numbers basically come out in the end. He'll let us know ASAP, but until then, we're in the dark about the cap. Parag's on top of it though, so I expect us to be fine

Posted By: Rob in SacTown (26/02/2008 7:16:06 PM)
Comment: Can you explain how signing Sop impacts the Cap space for Friday? By the way, you dominate Matt Barrows at the Bee.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (26/02/2008 6:59:27 PM)
Comment: Berger: Can Soap play LDE in the 3-4? Just wondering. Cuz if we sign Smith, we have a pretty good lineup with Soap, Franklin and Smith. Draft Sims with our second and that's a strong DL

Posted By: StonerLab (26/02/2008 6:57:36 PM)
Comment: Well, This as good as what I could have expected I guess with regards to how much the 49ers were going to over pay for a player (Soap) who really hasn't done anything since he was drafted. I don't feel great about this, I just hope he finally does something now that the 49ers showed him the money. As for the other targets in FA, I can't see the 49ers going after Justin Smith & Calvin Pace. No way that happens but I'll be happy if the 49ers just make the 1 move on defense and get Smith.

Posted By: AthensGaNiner (26/02/2008 6:49:48 PM)
Comment: Matt: I noticed that Soap's name is missing from this list of UFA D-Linemen on ESPN's website: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3263747 Any thoughts on the reason for the omission of a guy everyone is saying would have been the top FA DT?

Response: Maybe they took him off once he reached a contract agreement. --Matt M.

Posted By: niners6262 (26/02/2008 6:39:39 PM)
Comment: Kerry, Sure he isn't an elite player but he is still young and solid. It was not a must to resign him but I'm glad we did.Also the salary cap keeps going up......Players salaries will keep going up.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (26/02/2008 6:39:08 PM)
Comment: Berger- Thats fine. I have no problem with that. But I think that if we sign Pace, we have to play a 3-4. He isn't a 4-3 OLB and never played well as a 4-3 hand down DE. I'm down with a hybrid though. To be honest, I am okay with anything that works.

Posted By: Berger (26/02/2008 6:32:50 PM)
Comment: EastCoast- I don't know where they are going to play Sopoaga, but I would like to see him play DE in the 3-4 and DT in the 4-3. I think with Sope and Franklin playing DT in the 4-3 we have a very stout interior against the run, like Minnesota. Franklin would need to be replaced in passing situations and Sope could stay in.

Posted By: ninerkev (26/02/2008 6:32:03 PM)
Comment: Welcome back Soap! Right on. If they add Justin Smith and Calvin Pace then they will have quite a defense heading into the draft. Great move. Soap is solid and will be better this year.

Posted By: Weary9er (26/02/2008 6:31:52 PM)
Comment: All I can say I'm thankful that Isaac is a guy who knows who he is and what he already has and isn't hypnotized by the glittering promise of big bucks, that takes a good player away from a team that needs him and often doesn't work for the player either. I'm feeling better about things with him here.

Posted By: Berger (26/02/2008 6:27:42 PM)
Comment: Berger is happy:-) NEXT!!!

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (26/02/2008 6:21:42 PM)
Comment: Kerry- Sope is a true NT. There aren't many in the draft. Actually, there might not be one that can actually make an impact. With Sope as the starter and Franklin backing him up, the Niners have a nice NT corps. The fact that they are still going after Pace and Smith tells me they are staying in the 3-4 base. Good choice.

Posted By: Bud San Jose (26/02/2008 6:20:30 PM)
Comment: Thanks Steve!

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (26/02/2008 6:19:57 PM)
Comment: Matt- I think Paraag Marathe deserves a lot of credit... He has been setting up these player contracts to be very cap friendly going forward, keeping us out of cap hell. Kudos to him! Rollin'.

Posted By: Rich, DE (26/02/2008 6:19:12 PM)
Comment: Assuming he signed for much less money than he could have gotten on the open market, he's a respectable man for it. Looks good on the organization as well.

Posted By: Steve (26/02/2008 6:18:23 PM)
Comment: Bud, We got Brandon Williams and Jay Moore.

Posted By: Bud San Jose (26/02/2008 6:10:49 PM)
Comment: Matt who did the 9ers end up getting with the two picks from the Skins B. Loyd deal?

Posted By: oneniner (26/02/2008 6:05:19 PM)
Comment: I have a feeling we still get Pace and Smith.

Posted By: kerry (26/02/2008 5:53:00 PM)
Comment: wow, if we really paid $20 million for a guy that has 47 career tackles and 3 sacks, then we are stupider than i thought. his value is extremely inflated due to the lack of free agent DT's this year. I would have liked the signing if we gave him $1 mill or $1.5 mill per year, but this is ridculous

Response: Remember, the salary cap is $116 million. This deal could use up as little as $2 million in the first year. --Matt M.

Posted By: EastCoastNiner (26/02/2008 5:51:28 PM)
Comment: Does this mean we can't go after Pace AND Smith?

Posted By: Mike in SF #1 (26/02/2008 5:47:17 PM)
Comment: From one change fearing man to another, thanks for sticking around Isaac.

Posted By: Erik Egan (26/02/2008 5:41:54 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt- Thanks for all the info you always put out for the fans. Does this signing have any affect on our possible pursuit of Pace and or Smith?

Response: I don't think so. Sopoaga is a completely different player than those two guys, and it leaves plenty of cap room to get other stuff done. --Matt M.

Posted By: rob_deluca (26/02/2008 5:41:30 PM)
Comment: awesome we NEEDED to keep him

Posted By: Global Nomad (26/02/2008 5:38:07 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, thanks for the great reporting this busy week. I remember you wrote earlier this winter that Sopoaga like to get in the Bay Area because of flights to his home islands of American Samoa. Do you know how much of staying on the West Coast played in Soap's decision? Was he bluffing when he said he would be on a flight to other teams, or did he want to stay on the West Coast all along?

Posted By: Pat (26/02/2008 5:32:23 PM)
Comment: dcsham, can you explain what you mean regarding Sopoaga using the 9ers? I don't follow...

Posted By: dcsham (26/02/2008 5:30:27 PM)
Comment: Matt, do you think that by signing his extension that Sopoaga is "using" the 49ers to drive up his value 5 years from now, much as Lance Briggs is currently doing? By the way, nice try trying to block the IP address...

Posted By: Dan (26/02/2008 5:12:09 PM)
Comment: Hi Matt. What do think the 49ers' plans are for Sopo? Do you think they're going to use him as a DE this year in the 3-4 to eat up blockers, or do you see them keeping him at NT again?

Response: He has the versatility to be an end, but I envision him staying at NT . . . unless there's a greater need for him elsewhere. So we'll have to see who else the team adds to the mix. --Matt M.

Posted By: oneniner (26/02/2008 5:07:49 PM)
Comment: looks like he gave up money to stay......this is very good for the franchise......i just pray they didn't pay more than you are speculating Matt.

Posted By: scottptsn (26/02/2008 5:06:11 PM)
Comment: Matt do you think the 49ers view Franklin as the answer at NT or do you think they would like an upgrade there?

Response: They feel good about their nose tackles with Sopoaga and Franklin. --Matt M.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (26/02/2008 5:05:07 PM)
Comment: Hey matt: Is there some NFl rule that teams should release contract #'s? I know some do and some don't, but how are we supposed to know cap figures if we aren't aware of the