49ers definitely raising the ante in the Kurt Warner sweepstakes
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 1:37 PM PST
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintFOOCH'S UPDATE 4:15pm: Not to surprisingly, Warner won't be making his decision today.
"Nothing is going to happen tonight," said Mark Bartelstein, Warner's agent. "He's going to have to sit down and talk to his wife and me. We'll get through today and figure out what to do from there."
______________________________________
Now that Kurt Warner is officially in the building (with his better half in tow), this situation takes on a whole new level of significance. The initial rumor was that this was all a ploy by Warner's agent to leverage a bigger deal out of Arizona. If that is still the case, then kudos to Kurt Warner AND his agent for playing this all the way out. I'm sure I could come up with more poker analogies, but I'll leave that to everyone else.
For now, we've got some commentary from Trent Dilfer on the 49ers-Warner-Cardinals love triangle. Dilfer's most interesting comment is that Singletary is in fact open to "all kinds of things offensively." Obviously that's not shocking, but given the comments up to this point, it certainly makes the team more amenable to Kurt Warner.
Arguments have ranged from salary to potential decapitation with a bad offensive line. I continue to think the money isn't such a big issue. Say they give him $15M this season (just for argument's sake). They currently sit with approximately $25M in cap space, potentially $29M if the increase of $4M goes down. Once they handle Jonas Jennings and Alex Smith, they clear another $10M in cap room. Given that it would likely be a 2-year deal and 2010 is looking like a capless season, it's even less of an issue.
As for the physical issues...I think the 49ers were already looking at an offensive tackle as a possible 10th pick. If they can find a solid option at right tackle, this offensive line could be quite solid in 2009. You're looking at Heitman, Baas, Rachal, Staley and unnamed RT. Rachal has a year under his belt and Staley will have a year at left tackle under his belt. I actually think the offensive line will be solid in 2009.
As for the personnel issues, I think the 49ers receivers have the potential to be solid options. Maybe not guys who will stretch the field a ton, but quality talent nonetheless. We'll have plenty more to discuss on this issue so I'll just leave it at that.
Much more to come on this developing story...
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Singletary and Warner's strong faith/ not such a bad idea after all
1. Does anyone think that Singletary being a very devout Christian could help win over Warner who is famously also very religious?
2. I like everyone else initially thought this was a bad idea. However after reading this, I’m less skeptical. Just because we want to run the ball a lot doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a good quarterback. At some point all of these teams that win with the run and a great defense find themselves in a position where they have to throw the ball to win (Tennessee, Chicago, Minnesota). The ones that are most successful have a veteran QB like Collins and the McNair/ Dilfer Raven’s teams as opposed to mistake prone youngsters like Tavaris Jackson, Boller and Grossman (I know Grossman got to the Super Bowl, but that was in spite of him). Given that the Niners defense is improved, but FAR from great, this will probably be the case even more. Given our cap room and little interest in the free agents out there this year I think this could be a good move. Especially if 2010 is capless.
Funny Story
I just signed up to the AroundTheHorn twitter owned by Toni Riali (I’m a slave to technology fads) and asked him his opinion on the matter of Sing’s and Warner’s religion love being a winning point in the negotiations. He replied directly to me (twitter rules) saying that he hadn’t thought of it, but its possible. But he also believes that it shouldn’t happen for the Niners or Warner’s benefit, it helps no party.
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 2, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions
i hope we land warner
not only would we improve at the qb position but wed essentially take out any chance of a Cardinal repeat as NFC West champions. Killing 2 “Birds” with one stone hahaha…ihave way too much time on my hands
The Cards don’t have much of a chance at repeating with Warner. And remember, the team still has Q, Fitz, and Breaston in the WR Corps. While Leinart’s career hasn’t blasted off, it could at any given opportunity with the talent he’d be throwing the ball to, especially after learning from Warner.
I don’t think we need to sign Kurt to make the Cardinals worse, I think we need to think about signing Kurt to make our team better.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed
I think Warner for two years would be a good move, help improve the team right away, mentor Alex Smith for two years… this could end up being a really good thing if it works out. I’d LOVE to get Jay Cutler somehow, but I doubt that’s going to happen, so I would happily take Warner.
by Smithisstilltheanswer on Mar 2, 2009 2:05 PM PST reply actions
hmm
what if this is a sign and trade for Jay Cutler?
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions
I've been thinking about that since this morning
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
while far fetched, it makes sense
it would allow McDaniels to get his “own” guy at QB via the draft, and have Warner hold down the fort until the rookie is ready. Perhaps, perhaps.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions
pretty sure Warner would be incredibly pissed off...
to sign with a team for the last two years of his career and then get shipped somewhere else a week later.
I don’t see it happening.
I know this implies to the NBA but assume it has to apply to most professional sports. When you sign a free agent there is a grace period in which the guy signed has to agree to the trade.
Even if there isn’t a rule . . . the 49ers front office would commit free agent suicide. Free agents would be afraid to sign with the team for years, and Warner’s agent would never work with the team again.
I haven't heard anything about that...
I’m not wild at all about Warner but I love the idea of undermining the Cards or at the least making them pony up some more cash
It's Funny
When Madden 09 came out, I started a franchise with the niners and I traded to get Jay Cutler on my team. I’d feel like some sort of prophet if that really came about.
It's funny that you say that
I remember playing a rendition of Madden 1997 on Sega Saturn. I put both Garrison Hearst and Charlie Garner on the 49ers squad. The game came out in 1996, prior to Hearst’s arrival in San Francisco.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
How about this?
When Madden 04 came out, I did season mode and during my fourth season (which is close enough to 2009 season), I made a trade to get Michael Vick to get him on the 49ers
Check my 49ers blogs at Mining the Gold Rush and San Francisco 49ers Examiner
Even Better
I traded to get TKO Spikes from the Bengals on Madden 01.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
Why wouldn't the Broncos just sign Warner?
Then they could trade Cutler and get a huge return. Not to mention the fact that Warner is 38 and there is no way he’s getting traded straight up for Cutler regardless, Cutler is just so much more valuable.
Note: If this actually happens, I am totally prepared to eat crow… and rejoice! ;-)
by Brendan Scolari on Mar 2, 2009 5:15 PM PST up reply actions
I was just dreaming
This is, after all, just a ploy to get the Cards thinking the Niners will sign Warner. :D
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 5:24 PM PST up reply actions
I thought the same thing... but a lil bit more complicated
I say we sign Warner, trade him for Cassel then trade Cassel to Denver for Cutler.. that way Warner is back in Haley’s system, Cassel is reunited with Mcdaniels and we get a up and coming Super star
Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.
I like that best.
I think we’d have to be giving up a draft pick in there, likes make it a 7th rounder. :D
That is the perfect dream.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 4:30 PM PST up reply actions
KC is rebuilding
why would they want Warner? Not to mention the Pioli-Cassel connection. I don’t see any way a trade like that happens.
by Brendan Scolari on Mar 2, 2009 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
The initial rumor was that this was all a ploy by Warner’s agent to leverage a bigger deal out of Arizona. If that is still the case, then kudos to Kurt Warner AND his agent for playing this all the way out.
George: “So… here I am. Ready to take you to the Hamptons.”
Mrs. Ross: “Sounds grand.”
George: “Do you have your bathing suits?”
Mr. Ross: “It’s March.”
George: “Speak now, or we are headed to the Hamptons. It’s a two-hour drive.
Once you get in that car, we are going all the way… to the Hamptons. All
right, you wanna get nuts? Come on. Let’s get nuts!”
PERFECT
Forgot about that scene. Works perfectly with this.
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 2:23 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
I tried to find the clip, but couldn’t.
“I figured I’ve been lying about my income for several years, I could afford a fake house in the hamptons.”
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions
I'm pulling for this nab
Gives us a couple solid years at QB at most which is plenty of time to develop Shaun Hill into something quite impressive, especially with a mentor like Warner. And if we can pick up Pat White in the third round or something, even better. We’ll have gone from having no depth to plenty of depth with a real athlete in Pat White. Or we could just get Jay Cutler but… c’mon, how far fetched is that?
Dennis Dixon
I was a big Dennis Dixon supporter last year. We probably could’ve had him with our Lance Briggs pick (doh!) and he didn’t really get a chance to show how capable he was leading up to the draft coming back from the Blown out knee. I think he could be as good as Pat White, if not better. Does anyone think the Steelers would part with him for a late pick? Would that ever happen? I realize this is a far fetched scenario, but I’m still bitter about him not getting a look.
Video
This is him 4 weeks after surgery, definitely not 100% at the time. This was the same guy who broke runs for home run touchdowns, played minor league baseball and had his team ranked #1 and a major run at the Heisman before he went down.
Yep, he's a beast
My step sister mentored him at Oregon and said he was a really nice guy and had his priorities straight.
"Preview Post"
I really should take my time, sorry. That video is 4 MONTHS after surgery. Not weeks. Any way I like him for our offense. Added pain was watching the draft with a huge steelers fan on day 2 hoping we could grab him
I Hope It's A Done Deal
I think signing Warner would be excellent for our team. He will bring out all of the potentail in our WRS and also rekindle everything him and Bruce had together. I think it is a great move to sign him.
Now I'm doubting Singletary
He got rid of Martz, who’s been a more succesful OC than Raye, because he wants to play “smash-mouth” football but now he wants to sign Warner at $10+M a year? It’s starting to sound like he has no idea what he wants to do. Raye and Warner seem like a totally odd couple.
I would have been OK with either the Raye hiring or the signing of Warner but I’m less than luke warm about having both of them.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
I had that same feeling at first.
I’m starting to turn however. But generally, I agree, it contradicts what Singletary’s plan is.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 2:44 PM PST up reply actions
The last thing the Niners need
Is for their semi-rookie HC to struggle finding his offensive identity.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 2, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions
true
It’d be nice to find an identity, but I give him a little credit for being willing to adjust to circumstances around him. Shows he’s not stubborn about things I suppose.
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions
Exactly
this is a win for both the 49ers and Kurt Warner. Singletary will look like a brilliant coach, with strict vision, but the ability to broaden that vision by “taking a look” at things.
Kurt Warner gets to call Arizona and tell them the 49ers have just offered $27 over 2 years, 13.5 guaranteed. Arizona says, 1. A: “Ok Kurt, we’ll give you $29, with $15 guaranteed.” or 1. B: “Good luck in San Francisco, Kurt.”
Either way, the Niners look smart for whatever the outcome. If they happen to land a 38 year old 2 Time MVP, so be it. If they don’t, kudos for exploring the option, kudos for driving up the price of a divisional rival. All it cost you was a dinner and private jet ride.
When we get Robert Gallery and Justin Fargas from Oakland, McCloughan will look shrewd. I think that’s the nod in this agreement. Ask me to elaborate that crazy thought, and I will.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions
I think...
… all the Cards in that situation would have to do is tell Warner they would match that $27M w/ $13.5M in guarantees and Warner would sign.
Gallery?
When are the 49ers gonna get Gallery? He’s signed through 2010.
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions
Via Trade
I have this crazy conspiracy that the 49ers are doing this “favor” for Bartelstein (Warner’s Agent) in order to get something in return. Maybe Bartelstein has the inside scoop on the Raiders wanting to trade Gallery. Since the 49ers warmed to the idea of “entertaining” the Warners for a day, Bartelstein could warm the Raiders to trading Gallery across the bay.
Call me crazy, but I think if you sprinkle in a little Justin Fargas, its a full blown conspiracy. To make it even crazier, let’s toss Jonas Jennings in the deal.
Just keep this in mind: Al Davis has lost his mind. So while it may be a fantasy, I feel its suitable here.
by Andrew Davidson on Mar 2, 2009 5:21 PM PST up reply actions
I am curious about why we'd get rid of Martz and then get Warner
Sure seems like if we were interested in making a run at Warner, we would have held off on firing the guy until we saw how it played out.
Ah well. I’d take him.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
This is why I’m afraid Singletary really has no vision, or at least doesn’t know what that vision is, for the Niners. He decides to go one direction with Raye but a signing of Warner would seem to point to an entirely different direction.
Next thing you know he’ll sign Jason Taylor and we’re back to the 3-4/4-3 hybrid.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 2, 2009 3:51 PM PST up reply actions
Martz's offense doesn't work anymore
In fact, I recall Warner saying that when he first started playing for Martz that at the end of his seven-step drop receivers were open all over the place. But not at the end of his time with Martz. I don’t think Martz would be a selling point for Warner. And Singletary’s decision to get rid of Martz was the right decision, whether or not Warner signs with the team.
I think that a lot of sportswriters went overboard in presuming that because Singletary wants to be able to run that he would abandon the pass. I’m sure Singletary noticed in 2007 how opponents’ defenses crowded the line of scrimmage because they had no respect for the Niners’ passing game.
I have no idea how well the Niners’ offense will do next year, but I would bet that Sing would love to have an accurate passer with a quick release to run it.
by Bob In Beaverton on Mar 2, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions
That's BS
I can point to Martz’ days in Detroit, and even SF, the offenses were better after Martz showed up. But Martz really isn’t the issue here, it’s that Singletary wanted a smash-mouth team so why pay $15M for a QB who been airing it out the last two seasons? If Singletary was open to a passing oriented offense then Raye was probably the worst hire of the OC interviewee’s
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 3, 2009 8:14 AM PST up reply actions
QB jersey
After buying an Alex Smith jersey a few years back I’ve elected to never buy a QB jersey again. Well at least the QB jersey of a current player.
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 3:25 PM PST up reply actions
I think...
… Rishi has a closet full of them he may be willing to sell you.
I think the Patrick Willis throwback
was the smartest decision I ever made
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
definitely my next purchase
Not sure when, but I’m gonna grab one.
by David Fucillo on Mar 2, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
it's really
the only sure bet, and I think even if he eventually leaves San Fran I will still root for him.
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
Willis Jersey
Gna get his when the new jerseys come out.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
Mee too..
and I won’t be upset, if he has to learn one more year from one of the best out there.. but the 49ers, better restructure his contract, and give him some faith, that while their are grooming the draft pick , Shaun will still have a solid chacnce, to compete with a solid team, before some rookie takes his place. I remember when we had Steve and Joe.. this is nuthin’ in comparison?
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 9:59 PM PST up reply actions
If we do sign Warner, I pray (to the Football God) that it's not fool's gold
I mean he’s been remarkable everywhere he’s been with the exception of New York, but let’s face it, the dude is old. Plus, we don’t have any super star receivers. I just hope for the best whatever turns out.
Not exactly true
He’s had stints of stellar play and stints of pretty crappy play. He sucked pretty hard his last two seasons with the Rams. I’m afraid that his recent resurgence has a lot more to due with the system/offensive talent surrounding him in Arizona that actually elevating his play and unfortunately the Niners don’t have the talent or that kind of system.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 2, 2009 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
He blamed the 7 step drop back of Martz system for his production drop off. Said in the last two years at St. Louis he was taking his seven step drop and receivers were no longer open . . . defenses had adjusted.
Yeah
And the Man is holding me down.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Mar 3, 2009 8:15 AM PST up reply actions
Disagree..
Josh Morgan is going to have a good year, in my opinion, no matter who’s QB. He just needs to protact himself a little more, talk a bout a born playmaker..
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:01 PM PST up reply actions
I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this name.
As well as a few others: Kurt Warner instantly makes Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Brandon Jones a lot better.
More importantly, all 3 of these guys suddenly have the potential to run the deep routes that neither Alex Smith or Shaun Hill are capable of throwing. Morgan is a guy who can go up for the ball, and both Jones and Hill are speed guys who will will have their strengths neutered by having Shaun Hill at QB.
Remember, a very large part of this “smash-mouth, hard-nosed running team” is setting up the play action with the deep ball. Warner may not throw the ball 500 times in a 2009 49ers uniform, but I have no doubt he’d put up impressive throwing stats nonetheless.
Are you gonna be surprised?
If Warner is a 49er by the end of the week?
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
Yes.
But it would be a pleasant surprise.
Just because I’d kind of like to see it happen doesn’t mean I think it will. There’s a reason Arizona is sticking to their figure – they know they’re the most attractive option to Warner, and they know that he’d have to sacrifice a lot to go elsewhere.
I just really really don’t want Shaun Hill to be the starting quarterback next season. I wish the Niners would have gotten Cassel, but Warner would be just fine as well.
Why? Is there any reason to believe he can be a better option than any of Warner, Cassel, Cutler, or even Thigpen over an entire season? I don’t get the blind love.
WHY DONT YOU GO TO A DUMBER BLOG WHERE YOU WILL FIT IN BETTER?!?!?!?!??!?!
Just kidding budday. Some people just reeeeeaaaallly like Hill. Tread lightly.
Blind devotion.
by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 2, 2009 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
Shaun Hill
is, for some ungodly reason, a revered hero around here.
Why this is, I may never truly understand.
I think..
..it’s really becuase of that 1st down run with no helmet, ala Steve Young.. otherwise, I would be more than a complete idiot!
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:16 PM PST up reply actions
Don't worry..
.. everybody loses me..:)
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:15 PM PST up reply actions
..it doesn't matter..
So does the majority, I think, Shaun will stay a 49er and eventually be the man, after Warner leaves, (IF warner actually wants 5 million more this year, kinda a no brainer if you ask me, I got to give it to Jed, to eliminate the cards with one foul swoop!, Linehart will take at least a year or to , to get the ball to Fitz like Wraner did!) it’s a big swallow, but one that would have our #1 opponent, in cery dire straits!
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions
lol did you just +1 yourself
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
Warner = Boldin?
To be truthful, I have not read all 60 some-odd entries before mine, so if someone posed this idea; apologies. However, it seems fairly obvious that Boldin wants out of Arizona for a few reasons. One of the only things that would retain him as he has stated would be if Warner returns. The Cardinals I dont believe are complete idiots, but they’ve also proven to not be the most intelligent ownership/front office in football. So imagine signing warner for 2 years, Boldin demand a trade and we give up maybe a 2nd and 3rd round? I’m not sure if they’d budge for those exact offers, but anything short of the 1st round pick and one of our studs, I couldnt see that being out of the question. This is all hypothetical, but what do ya think?
Warner
He is tired of getting a beating from Willis. I’d want to be on the 9ers too if it meant I wouldn’t have to face Willis on sundays lol.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
Shaun would be insulted if..
Smith got over $10 million, but I don;t see Shaun Hill be so arrogant, that he couldn’t learna thing or 2 from Warner, the guys a fisherman.. BTW.. our hearts to those guys, in Florida,, that is just awful
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:13 PM PST reply actions
The Warriors..
..sucked last night. They couldnt swera more than they fouled
by Josh G and the Shaun Hill band wagon on Mar 2, 2009 10:18 PM PST reply actions
Forget Warner
Niner’s need a pass rush and now that Jason Taylor’s been cut from the Redskins, I suggest they pick him up.
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