Steelers free-agent offensive tackle Marvel Smith has arrived at the 49ers facility. He will go through the usual routine of meeting with coaches and taking a physical.
Smith's physical is definitely important. A lower-back condition has limited him to 17 games the past two seasons.
The 49ers have taken a wait-and-see approach with offensive tackles in free agency. The club will probably be looking for a bargain with Smith, a former Pro Bowl performer who appears willing to have some form of injury waivers written into his contract to serve as a safeguard to the 49ers.
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Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter reported this morning on ESPN's "First Take" that a schism is developing between the coaching staff and the front office. Or, more accurately, that there is some feeling of discontent among the position coaches.
Trotter reported that GM Scot McCloughan and coach Mike Singletary talk about moves in advance, but the assistants are often left out of the loop. One of the examples cited was Titans free-agent receiver Brandon Jones, who was signed. "He didn't get high marks from the coaches," Trotter said.
The 49ers' front office was very quiet in the days and weeks leading up to free agency, as they clearly did not want to telegraph any of their moves before the signing period began.
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