Strong 49ers representation among HOF finalists

Jerry Rice, Roger Craig and Charles Haley have a combined eight Super Bowl rings with the 49ers. All three are finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.   Rice, the holder of every significant receiving record in NFL history, is a lock to be among the four to seven enshrines who will be announced as part of the Class of 2010 Hall of Fame on Saturday at 2 p.m….

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What comes first: leadership or victories?

Fifteen seasons have passed since the 49ers played in a Super Bowl. Back then, winning was a part of the team’s DNA, much the same way as losing has become part of the 49ers since many of the team’s leaders were fired after the 2003 season.   Eric Davis and Gary Plummer both played on the 49ers’ last Super Bowl team. They remain close to the current team in their…

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Return to 49ers hits Brown on a personal level

The 49ers hired Ray Brown, 47, as assistant offensive line coach on Jan. 27, the morning after Mike Singletary interviewed him at the Senior Bowl. He began work at the 49ers’ offices on Monday.   Today, he took part in a conference call with reporters after the club announced earlier in the day that he rejoined the organization. Brown played with the 49ers from 1996 to 2001, and was selected to…

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Position profile: Running backs

Today we begin a position-by-position breakdown of the 49ers with a look at the running backs.   A year ago, the 49ers were definitely in the market for a running back in the draft. Coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot McCloughan clearly stated that preference. Sure enough, the 49ers invested a third-round pick in running back Glen Coffee.

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What about McNabb or Marshall?

Here are two questions I’ve heard a lot in the past week: Are the 49ers going to trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb? Are the 49ers going to trade for receiver Brandon Marshall?   The answer to one question is “absolutely no.” The answer to the other question is “probably not, but it would not completely shock me.”

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Marathe receives promotion

Paraag Marathe, the 49ers’ chief negotiator and the keeper of the salary cap, received a promotion last week, the organization confirmed this morning.   Marathe has been promoted to the title of executive vice president of football and business operations. The past two seasons, Marathe worked in the capacity of vice president of football operations after spending three seasons as director of football operations.

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49ers talking with Brooks about extension

The 49ers have been in discussions with linebacker Ahmad Brooks’ representation about a contract extension, according to sources. As much as the 49ers would like to hammer out a long-term deal, there is no pressing need to get it accomplished immediately.   Brooks is believed to be one of several players with whom the 49ers are interested in working out long-term agreements. Brooks’ case is especially interesting because of the…

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49ers’ dollars better spent on retaining own players

The 49ers seemingly did nothing in the 2009 offseason to improve their pass rush. At least, they did not add anyone through the draft or free agency to make much of an impact.   But the 49ers’ pass rush was, in fact, significantly improved. The 49ers did not change their personnel, but defensive coordinator Greg Manusky focused on the pass rush in the offseason program.   The 49ers recorded 44 sacks,…

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49ers likely to receive one compensatory draft pick

The 49ers will likely have nine draft picks this year, as the club expects a late-round compensatory pick – most likely in the seventh round.   That would give the 49ers nine picks in the draft. The 49ers have their own selection in each of the seven rounds of the draft, in addition to the Panthers’ pick in the first round. Compensatory picks cannot be traded. The NFL typically announces…

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49ers’ Pro Bowl summary: First quarter

The 49ers have strong representation in the Pro Bowl with four players suiting up for the game. We’ll provide a summary of each 49ers player at the conclusion of all four quarters.   Here is how the 49ers players fared in the first quarter, which ended with the AFC leading 14-10:

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Goldson, entering contract year, looks for security

Agent Drew Rosenhaus said tonight he is not going to publicly disclose his strategy. But his newest client, safety Dashon Goldson, made it clear why he decided to switch agents as he enters the final year of his contract with the 49ers. Goldson is entering the final year of his initial four-year, $2.08 million contract. He was a fourth-round draft pick from Washington in 2007. If there is no new…

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Goldson will have Rosenhaus negotiate next contract

For the second time in two months, a young 49ers starter has hired notorious agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him. Safety Dashon Goldson, whose contract expires after the upcoming season, hired Rosenhaus, according to a league source and confirmed by the NFL Players Association. Goldson was previously represented by Peter Schaffer of All Pro Sports and Entertainment.

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Ulbrich lands job on Carroll’s staff in Seattle

There has been plenty of competition at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., this week. And a lot of that competition took place among individuals seeking jobs on NFL coaching staffs.   Former 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich said he feels fortunate to land a coveted position on Pete Carroll’s coaching staff with the Seattle Seahawks. Ulbrich confirmed ESPN’s report that he accepted a position as assistant special teams coach.  …

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Willis battles bursitis in knee, withdraws from Pro Bowl

Linebacker Patrick Willis will not play in the Pro Bowl on Saturday due to a minor knee injury. Carolina linebacker Jon Beason will replace Willis on the NFC roster.   Willis had some swelling in his right knee due to a case of bursitis. If it had been a regular-season game, Willis would most likely play, a team official said. Fortunately, the 49ers have a member of their training staff…

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