Just as I was about to sit down and punch out another post about what I think the 49ers should do in this shorten offseason, they have already re-signed QB Alex Smith to a one-year, $5 million contract, and it was announced that ILB Takeo Spikes will not be returning to the 49ers and instead is expected to sign a deal with the San Diego Chargers, following the footsteps of 49ers' former defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky. So for starters, I'll hit on these two moves first and then go into what I think the 49ers should do with the rest of their free agents. But I better do so quickly, as they weren't kidding. Things are moving fast!
Alex Smith, QB -- While most 49ers fans may be furious and wondering why in the hell we would ever give him another chance to be our starting QB, you can't honestly say that this wasn't coming. When the lockout was temporary lifted and players and coaches were allowed to meet for a brief period of time, Smith met with new 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh to discuss his future with the team. Apparently, the meeting went well, as Smith left the meeting with playbook in hand, and the zeal to organize player run mini-camps during the lockout. I, for one, like this move and can live with Alex Smith (82.1 RAT, 2,370 YRD, 14 TDS last season) being our starting QB going into the season. I have always been an Alex Smith apologist and believe that he has been given a raw deal. Seven season and seven different offensive coordinator can't be the easiest of learn situations. He also had the misfortune of having to play for maybe the two worst offensive minded coaches in NFL history (Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary) for his entire NFL career, and the one decent season he did have in which he showed some signs of progress, it was when he had QB guru Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator. I'm hoping that Harbuagh, also considered by many as another QB guru, can help turn Smith's career around. Not since the Battle of the Little Bighorn has there been a stand like the one Alex Smith is fighting for. Let's see if he can prevail.
Takeo Spikes, ILB -- I thought for sure that the 49ers would re-sign Takeo Spikes. Despite his age (34 years old), Spikes (109 TACK, 82 SOLO last season) has been a productive player and team leader for the 49ers, and offers intangibles that can be more value than his seemingly declining play. He helps shed blockers away from Patrick Willis and frees him up to roam the field and make the spectacular plays that we have grown accustom to seeing Willis make. However, I understand why the 49ers chose not to re-sign him. It's time to take the training wheels off of Patrick Willis and let him take control of this defense and team. Willis has it in him to be that emotional team leader that Spikes was, and over the years, I'm sure Spikes taught him well. NaVarro Bowman will likely be asked to assume Spikes' position and it is also time to see what he can do on the field as well. He provides much more speed than Spikes, but is smaller in stature.
Current notable 49ers Free Agents --
David Baas, C -- He was their starting C all last season and the open market on C's aren't screaming at me. The 49ers have little depth at C and with Eric Heitmann coming off of a season-ending neck injury last season, he can't be counted on to replace Bass if he leaves. And while Tony Wragge is a serviceable back-up, he is just that, serviceable. If there is a must-sign free agent on the 49ers, it's Baas.
Demetric Evans, DL -- He is a veteran DL who can be a back-up filler at all 3 down positions. Depending on what the 49ers ultimately decide to do with Aubrayo Franklin, they may re-sign him. Yet 15 tackles and 0 sacks doesn't jump off the stat sheet as well. I would rather re-sign Ray McDonald and look for a replacement for Evans on the open market.
Aubrayo Franklin, DT -- The 49ers had the luxury of placing the franchise tag on him last year, much too his displeasure, but they decided against that same course of action this offseason. Franklin (39 TACK, 38 SOLO, 0 SACK) ended up still having a productive season and remains one of the true DT in the league. The 49ers may be tempted to let Franklin walk and hand over the reigns to Ray-Jean Francois, but with the lost of Takeo Spikes, I think Franklin now becomes a must re-sign. He, along with Spikes, were the two main reason why Willis was able to run freely on the field and clean up tackles. Franklin and Spikes were great at taking on the blockers and shielding them away from Willis. If Spikes and Franklin both walk, that could be a big blow to Willis' production. Franklin is due for a big pay-day, and hopefully the 49ers will use some of their cap room to match any offer.
Dashon Goldson, FS -- Despite having great depth at safety and after spending a second round pick in last year's draft on USB's eerrr....USC's Taylor Mays, I think the 49ers should re-sign Goldson. He is great against the run (80 TACK, 62 SOLO last season), and isn't afraid to make a big hit. Two-years ago, he had 94 TACK's with 4 INT's. Dude is a tackling machine. The problem may be that he may command too much money on the open market and the 49ers may have to let him go.
Travis LaBoy, OLB -- For some reason, Mike Singletary was in love with Travis LaBoy (28 TACK, 21 SOLO, 5 SACK). He is a third-down pass rushing specialist who can't stay healthy. The 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this draft so he may be expendable. But, he may be more relevant to the 49ers now that they are moving NaVarro Bowman to ILB, but it's 50-50 that he stays or goes, and I'm 50-50 on the "do I care" meter.
Manny Lawson, OLB -- The only reason why I want the 49ers to re-sign Manny Lawson (59 TACK, 48 SOLO, 2.5 SACK) is because I know that if he leaves, he will get swooped up by a team like the New England Patroits or the New York Jets, and finally become the dominating LB everyone thought his potential could be. Lawson has all the skill sets to be a very good OLB. He has developed into a good LB against the run despite originally being a pass rush specialist. He is tall, athletic, and has great size. I know the 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this offseason and he plays the same position as Lawson, but I would rather see the 49ers move either Lawson or Smith to the other side and have them dump Parys Harrison or move him to a down lineman position. I don't think I'm going to get my wish, and I think Lawson finds comfort with a contender. We'll watch from a far Manny.
Ray McDonald, DL -- Eventually, you have to make a decision and re-sign some of your DL. Also, depth at the DL position and having a good DL rotation is vastly important to any good defense. McDonald (19 TACK, 0 SACK) is a prime candidate to come back. You can re-sign him to a decent contract and his skill set is still raw enough to were there is growth potential with him. If the 49ers are going to let Franklin walk, McDonald becomes a must re-sign. He can fill-in at DT as well as move to an end position.
Troy Smith, QB -- Really now?! Take your Heisman and autographed Ohio State jerseys back to Columbus. An NCAA investigator will be waiting for you there.
Brian Westbrook, RB -- Everyone got really excited about Westbrook signing with the 49ers, as the Gore-Westbrook, Thunder and Lightening combo would rule the NFC West. Unfortunately, the creative, offensive side of the coaching brain of Mike Singletary was non-operational, and Westbrook was seldom used. He will definitely not be back in a 49er uniform, nor would he want to be.
Tony Wragge, C -- There is always a spot on a team for guys like Wragge. He can play all interior offensive linemen positions and is a serviceable back-up at all of them. Guys like this always find their way onto an NFL roster and do have an impact during the season at some point. If they can re-sign him on the cheap, I would bring Wragge back.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
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