Arizona cuts Travis LaBoy: OLB option for the 49ers?
by David Fucillo on Apr 28, 2009 6:59 PM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintEarlier today the Arizona Cardinals cut 2008 free agent signee Travis LaBoy. The move was due in large part due to the the injury problems LaBoy has faced ever since being drafted by Tennessee. It's interesting because the Cardinals are willingly taking a decent sized cap hit in releasing a very talented player.
LaBoy played defensive end for the Cardinals, but his size could put him in position to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. Maybe it wouldn't work, but I figured I'd bring it up for discussion. So, should the 49ers look at Travis LaBoy as a possible pass rush specialist? He's recovering from a torn bicep that would keep him out of most pre-training camp workouts. If he waits until close to camp, maybe it's worth kicking the tires.
A look at LaBoy's ESPN scouting report seems to indicate a player who could fit in as a pass rush specialist in the 49ers 3-4, and also their 4-3 nickel as a defensive end:
He lacks the upper-body strength to control and shed blockers and can get engulfed by big offensive tackles. He has a tendency to play out of control and can whiff in space when trying to tackle. As a pass rusher he can be explosive off the ball and has started to develop some counter moves to go with his speed. He can burst off the block to pressure the quarterback once he gets free and has the speed to chase things down from behind. He has become pretty one-dimensional in his play and would really struggle if asked to play both the run as well as rush the passer.
The 49ers have plenty of cap space (don't have the exact dollar figure) so maybe this is a move worth considering. If you don't think LaBoy could work in the 3-4, feel free to say so. If he could work in the 3-4, one other interesting tidbit: LaBoy is represented by Octagon Football, based out here in the Bay Area, in Walnut Creek. Not a huge reason for him to come to the 49ers (or even the Raiders), but one more thing to consider.
So, what do you think? Given the injuries, should the 49ers look into Travis LaBoy? A possible situational pass rush threat?
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I would
definitely at least look into him.
His name was mentioned a lot in the two games we played the Cardinals, that’s for sure.
MURS for President!!!!!!!
I agree, his name was mentioned lots against the niners, plus if he is acquired by the niners, can he shed some plays that the cardinals run?
by sundaysfinest on Apr 28, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions
rod hood
he didn’t get released, did he?
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 28, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
yup
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
link
by David Fucillo on Apr 28, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions
that's surprising
I thought he had a pretty good season last year. arizona has a good draft, so they start dumping decent vets?
man I hope they nose dive into irrelevance and never make it to the playoffs again. ever. never.
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 29, 2009 6:40 AM PDT up reply actions
It must be the money, right?
I’m not totally sure, and I don’t know where to check, but I think that they are flirting with the edge of the salary cap and have to make some moves based on numbers rather than talent – anyone know their cap situation?
I think you're right.
I’m not entirely sure either, but I think they’re pretty close to the cap, and they still have to figure out a way to make Boldin happy (as I’m a firm believer they won’t deal him).
Depending on what kind of contract he wants
I think Laboy is worth a look. As a situational pass rusher he could be better than Green or Moore.
Yes to Laboy
he’s better than Roderick Green atleast.
by Andrew Davidson on Apr 28, 2009 8:09 PM PDT reply actions
I say yes
He’s a local kid too. Might take a lesser to deal to come back to SF.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
The only downside is...
That he doesn’t have a name like “Travis LaReaper”, to go with Bear, Gore, McKillop, etc.
Well, we're waiting....
I say go for it
"I'll be honest with you, I love his music, I do, I'm a Michael Bolton fan. For my money, I don't know if it gets any better than when he sings "When a Man Loves a Woman"
CAP $$$$
$26.11MM…..we have the money to add a few pieces.
by remembering9ergods on Apr 28, 2009 9:31 PM PDT reply actions
Meh,
why not? We got Walt Harris in a similar situation and that’s worked out pretty well. I don’t really see any problem with it, unless he wants a starters’ salary and role. He’s young enough and has the talent to do what the niners would want from him.
Is his injury serious? Apparently that’s one reason he was cut.
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
I've never been happier to have Crabs
Yes
He’s at least worth a look- I’ve seen him play and he’s better than the situational pass-rushers that we have now.
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength"- Philippians 4:13
I'm for this signing.
I’d be more for this signing than Leroy Hill.
Is he this year's Takeo?
last year Takeo was a steal – perfect fit for us. maybe the irony in not drafting an OLB pass rusher is we get a guy like this to fall in our laps. we do have some cap space and a glaring need
Bay Area Native...
My younger Bro played pick-up Bball with him once, said he’s an athletic Freak!
Um ya. sign him up.
Open the Hood
And Hood too. He could at least replace Strickland.
yes i agree
laboy and hood!!! i also wouldnt mind taking a chance on (OT) mark tauscher (ACL)
by remembering9ergods on Apr 29, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Hawaii Local Boy
Born in Honolulu, attended HS in Marin County, starred at the University of Hawaii in college. Travis was WAC Conference Player of the Year as a Senior.
Drafted by Tenn. he scored a HUGE signing bonus with Arizona, but had a bicep injury most of last year.
If he’ll sign for a reasonable contract with the 49ers AND is healthy, he could be another intriguing story and a good fit too.
by FortyEffin9erFan on Apr 29, 2009 12:12 PM PDT reply actions
i'm actually
starting to get a little excited about this becoming a possibility.
"I'll be honest with you, I love his music, I do, I'm a Michael Bolton fan. For my money, I don't know if it gets any better than when he sings "When a Man Loves a Woman"
apparently LaBoy has some Chiefs connections
let’s hope he doesn’t get snatched up by them.
49er faithful since July 11, 1985
Maybe Ulbrich could call him up
The Niners should have Jeff Ulbrich call him up and talk him into signing a reasonable deal with the team that he would fit in perfect with.
A deal laced with sack incentives could suit both parties.
by FortyEffin9erFan on Apr 29, 2009 2:10 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah.
Like Ulbrich is a deal clincher for any potential free agents.
Not any, just ones from Hawaii
Ulbrich and LaBoy know one another as both played here in Hawaii.
by FortyEffin9erFan on Apr 29, 2009 3:20 PM PDT reply actions
Not any, just ones from Hawaii
Ulbrich and LaBoy know one another as both played here in Hawaii.
by FortyEffin9erFan on Apr 29, 2009 3:21 PM PDT reply actions
how does that conversation go?
“hey, so we both played at the same college but not at the same time… want to come to SF and try to steal one of the linebacker spots from me?”
No, they know each other from working out here in the off-season
and have helped out at youth football camps here in Hawaii.
They don’t play the same position regardless if you think all linebackers are the same.
He is more of a pass rushing DE who is fast enough to sometimes drop back and cover, thus filling the ROLB spot of the 3-4 defense. Ulbrich is obviously not a consideration for that role.
by FortyEffin9erFan on Apr 29, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions
I’m all for this. These days, most youngish players that can start are quickly inked to extensions, so there won’t be many guys available – even after the June 1 cuts – like Travis. We’ve got the cap-room and the playing-time – pass-rush situations, at the very least – available, so McC needs to kick some tires.
Joe Martinez: My fingers are crossed and my palms are together for you.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
per Maiocco's
twitter page.
Tying up loose ends from yesterday’s Cardinals cuts. 9ers showing no interest in CB Roderick Hood. And DE Travis LaBoy not in plans for ’09.
"I'll be honest with you, I love his music, I do, I'm a Michael Bolton fan. For my money, I don't know if it gets any better than when he sings "When a Man Loves a Woman"
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