Michael Crabtree: Signing, Trading, Re-drafting
by Fooch on Aug 6, 2009 6:46 PM PDT
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A few folks in our existing Michael Crabtree thread threw out the idea of trading Michael Crabtree. While I don't see that as an option, it's led to a lot of discussion. As has the whole idea of Crabtree re-entering the draft pool.
So, I thought I'd take a look at the collective bargaining agreement and see what it has to say about potential worst case scenarios for the 49ers if they can't come to terms with Crabtree (although I think they'll work it out). Section 4(b) is probably the most important part for this particular discussion:
COLLEGE DRAFT
Section 4. Signing of Drafted Rookies:
(a) A drafted player may accept the Required Tender at any time up to and including the Tuesday
following the tenth week of the regular season immediately following the Draft, at 4:00 p.m. New York time . . .
(b) If a Drafted Rookie has not signed a Player Contract during the period from the date of such Draft to
the thirtieth day prior to the first Sunday of the regular season: (i) the Club that drafted the player may not
thereafter trade to another Club either its exclusive negotiating rights to such player or any Player Contract that
it signs with such player for the player’s initial League Year; and (ii) the Club that drafted the player is the only
Club with which the player may sign a Player Contract until the day of the Draft in the subsequent League Year,
at which time such player is eligible to be drafted in the subsequent League Year’s Draft by any Club except the
Club that drafted him in the initial Draft. (After the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, the
player and the Club may only sign a Player Contract for future League Year(s)).
Thoughts and brief analysis after the jump...
Part b is by far the most important part. If I'm reading it correctly, the 49ers can trade Michael Crabtree up until approximately August 14, a week from tomorrow (give or take a day). After that they would not be able to trade him.
If they don't sign Crabtree to a contract by the Tuesday after week 10 of this season, he is not eligible to play in 2009. However, the 49ers retain negotiating rights up until the start of the 2010 draft. At that point they would lose those rights and would not be allowed to select Crabtree in the draft (not that they would). So, if they sign Crabtree anytime after Tuesday/Week 10, the contract would appear to begin with the 2010 season.
Personally, I don't think it will come to this. I view any threats, real or otherwise, to enter next year's draft as merely negotiating tactics. Very stupid negotiating tactics. While it would certainly be a pain to the 49ers to have no 2009 1st round pick on their roster, Michael Crabtree is the one with everything to lose and nothing to gain. Mike Sando made the point perfectly:
Receiving money now beats receiving money later. He would have to earn more on a 2010 contract agreement just to break even. He also could not know how teams would view him.
I'd be willing to bet a whole lot of money that Crabtree would drop from #10 in the draft. Even if he managed to stay in the first round (no guarantee), a drop to anything below 15 would likely mean significantly less than he could easily guarantee himself by agreeing to a #10 slot contract.
No, I don't see that happening at all. Michael Crabtree will be a 49er. I think that's one reason I'm not in quite the tizzy that some folks have gotten into. It's a pain in the butt, rather disappointing and overall a general annoyance, but the man is going to be a 49er. It may take many weeks for it to happen, but it will happen.
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his camp is really pushing the envelope with this one.. this, “i was supposed to be the best player in the draft, so pay me accordingly” angle is childish and a reach. hopefully this doesnt anger and insult the niner management too much to where they let this guy sit out this year. does anybody know what he was offered to make him react this way?
by itsAteamGAME on Aug 6, 2009 7:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe he could still make a lot of money...
he could sign a UFL contract like Steve Young did with the USFL…40 million payed out through an annuity for 40 years, wait for the league to fail while he and Michael Vick completely dominate and then sign a huge NFL contract…. I guess the question would be could some team draft his rights next year even though he would be under a UFL contract and how long do they hold those rights…..the UFL kind of adds some flavors of the NBA draft to the NFL draft discussion in terms of NBA teams drafting players that already under contract overseas, like Rubio…
by thatguywiththebeardandthebanjo on Aug 6, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
actually as it says above that 2nd team would apparently hold his rights for ten weeks....
but does that mean he could be annually redrafted in perpetuity? Or does he become a walk on free agent at some point? I guess it doesnt really matter next year with the lack of CBA…
by thatguywiththebeardandthebanjo on Aug 6, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not in perpetuity
According to Section 8, if Crabtree did not sign by the 2010 draft, he could go back into the draft and be drafted. If he then did not sign with that team by the beginning of the 2011 draft, he would become a free agent:
If the player has not signed a Player Contract by the day of the next annual College Draft following the subsequent Draft, the player immediately becomes a Rookie Free Agent, with the right to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any Club . . .
by Fooch on Aug 6, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because we know
that guys out of organized football for two years always get big contracts.
by Bob On The Coast on Aug 6, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but...
if he went to the UFL he would be participating in organized football all be it the D-League and he would be on TV…. and I guarantee that they are salivating over a signing like this…. Steve Young is still getting his set for life pay checks… even if he had never made it in the NFL his life was taken care of…
by thatguywiththebeardandthebanjo on Aug 6, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
UFL
Actually, if he went to the UFL this season it would benefit the 49ers. Section 5 of this article says:
Notwithstanding Section 4(b) above, if a player is drafted by a Club and, during the period between
the Draft and the next annual Draft, signs a contract with, plays for or is employed by a professional football
team not in the NFL during all or any part of the 12 month period following the initial Draft, then the drafting Club (or any assignee Club) shall retain the exclusive NFL rights to negotiate for and sign a contract with the player until the day of the Draft three League Years after the initial Draft . . .
by Fooch on Aug 6, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
interesting....
I hope he signs in the UFL then…. that is a nice bargaining chip even as a trade…
by thatguywiththebeardandthebanjo on Aug 6, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but does that apply next year with no CBA?
I guess the answer to that is he is negotiating under the terms of the contract this year…. so it would apply…
by thatguywiththebeardandthebanjo on Aug 6, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
where there's smoke, there's fire
while i believe crabtree will sign with the niners, i do believe he is a diva. i don’t take this from the comments of the cousin (which sounds very ill informed). the browns were the only media viewed comment on him being a dive, but multiple times i have read comments on the yahoo stories about him of people claiming they were texas tech students who had seen crabtree on campus & knew him to be a diva with an entourage. i would gladly except this type of personality if he signs & proves to be as good as he thinks he is. i would even except some kind of contract dispute in the future after he has proven his worth. until then i am not a crabtree fan.
oh,yeah. i think the cousins statement was more of an overlie aggressive reporter digging for something than an ‘advisor’ making a statement
by fl_niner on Aug 6, 2009 7:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Texas Tech coach: Crabtree is no diva
Crabtree is clutch
by 10forTech on Aug 6, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
49ers fans: Crabtree is a diva
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
by 49erLou on Aug 6, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Moneytree is a diva… get his name right
by Sebaz49 on Aug 7, 2009 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its time to stop this BS and get a Rookie cap with set salaries based on draft position
This is a Joke?? Crabtree, his agent and his idiot Uncle are out of their minds.
No way should ANY NFL TEAM be forced to pay some unproven draft pick more than anyone else on my team simply because of their “potential”?
Its absolutely ridiculous…
Sure, Crabtree MAY turn out to be another Fitzgerald…
He might also turn out to be another JJ Stokes, Troy Williamson, David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Peter Warrick, Ike Hilliard, David Boston or any number of Detroit Lions high 1st Round WR draft picks (possible exception of Roy Williams?)
Every one of the bums above was drafted at pick #10 or higher? All were J U N K
…and has it come to anyone’s attention our Niners drafted damaged goods from the get go? Do we seriously know what shape Crabtree’s foot is in?
At this point, I could see Niners brass giving him an incentive laden contract and make the FOOL EARN HIS MONEY based on what he does on the field the next couple years.
…or they can be a bunch stoolie moron’s like the Raiders and give the kid $23.5 million guaranteed and hope he can learn to catch (Good Luck Hey-Bey, Rice started slow too).
Its long past the time the NFL instituted a NBA-style Rookie signing cap.
Make it a 2-3 year deal at, say, 5 million max per year with 50% guaranteed for the #1 pick with incremental decreases for each subsequent pick. Those chumps out there that say “Let ’em get whatever they can get, they may get injured”, would you be able to “survive” for the rest of your life on $5 – 7.5 million??? Please, get a real job.
Let that fool Crabtree STEW in his MESS!!
Morgan is gonna SMOKE his stats this year anyway?
B Jones from Tenn seems to be solid pick up, Jason Hill showed up late last season and I Bruce is still a pro’s pro that has every trick in the book.
Niners still have some steps to make to become a fully legit contender, but the WR corps doesnt seem to their most pressing need? Never shouldve drafted that ASS anyway…
by MurphNut on Aug 6, 2009 7:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
re-correct...
Call it IDIOT FAMILY then, he’s Uncle chimed in a Radio interview this AM…
by MurphNut on Aug 6, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
either way?
We’ve already got the $50 million dollar Albatross around our necks called Alex Smith?
(Ok, I’ll cut Alex a bit of slack simply because of the revolving door of O-Coords and the fact that Nolan was dead wrong questioning his heart after the shoulder injury…)
We’ve seen how repeated 1st Rd busts DESTROY a team for years (Any Kentwan Balmer sightings lately?) and, with a monster Crabtree contract, are we prepared to sit in Cap Hell again waiting for him to show-up or his contract to expire to pull the cord?
If nothing else, Singletary is bringing a FIRE to this club that hasnt been seen in decades — if ever. We were spoiled in the 80’s and 90’s by massively talented rosters and back-to-back HOFer QB’s? Falling as SF has the past 7-8 yrs was a given — but do we want to stay in this rut thru the next decade? Look at what Packer Fans had to go thru from 1967 til Favre showed up in 1992 — 25 yrs of mediorce misery.
Personally, not willing to make that sacrifice from some 20 yr old prima dona who may not be worth a turd anyway?
by MurphNut on Aug 6, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heard a real interesting suggestion on KNBR this afternoon...
Very creative…
Get that fool Crabtree out on the field in a 7 on 7 drill with Clements on him FT.
If he can burn Nate repeated and score on him — give him what he wants…
Otherwise hand the pansy a lunchbox and a couple bucks and tell him to GET TO WORK
by MurphNut on Aug 6, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smith
Smith renegotiated his contract down so he’s not making a huge salary.
Financially under McCloughan and Nolan the 49ers have put themselves in a position where big contracts like this haven’t decimated them in terms of the salary cap.
by Fooch on Aug 6, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
shut up and play...
I know that Crabtree isn’t the one making these threats and his cousin/advisor probably knows as much about contract negotiations as my mom does, but Crabtree needs to show his so called, “passion” for the game and either fire Parker or accept less and get to practice. Stop worrying about the few million that you won’t get and be appreciative that Niners picked you and will pay you more money than 95% of America will ever see.
I have said it before, I love the Niners till the bitter end, but I never liked this pick from day one. I hope #15 proves me wrong, but until then…I want to see #84 burn DB’s every Sunday.
by McBain10 on Aug 6, 2009 7:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
right twice
Killed me seeing BJ Raji gone at 9 to the @#$% Packers — he wouldve been a BEAST in middle of the Niners 3-4. Never wanted Crabtree to begin with…
Morgan is gonna be a legit star, no doubt in my mind…
by MurphNut on Aug 6, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Hated to see Raji go…but I wasn’t disappointed with the CT pick until now.
How does this dude think he is more valuable to the team than Gore and/or Willis. He needs to tell his agent and cousin to shut up…take his guarenteed 20mil (outrageous for having not even praticed yet) and play some ball.
by usafmattmansf49er80 on Aug 6, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
And I apologize as I completely overlooked the defensive tackle positions. Raji would have been a nice pick because I don’t think the players that the 49ers have right now can man that position adequately. Aubrayo Franklin and Isaac Sopoaga have both been disappointments.
by Waiting4JoshMorgan on Aug 6, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought...
Drafting Michael Crabtree was a huge mistake. There was a stronger need at the right tackle and defensive end positions than at the wide receiver positions. Apparently Josh Morgan and Jason Hill (and even Dominique Ziegler) wasn’t enough to convince ownership that they had depth at WR. And! Not even signing Brandon Jones, before the draft even began mind you, was enough to sway them in another direction.
NFL experts dubbed Crabtree the best wide receiver in this year’s draft, and one of the reasons they gave was that “he just has a knack for getting in the endzone and making plays”. Pardon me for saying this, but I thought that statement applied more to running backs. You know, right? Like one of those redzone plays where the running back gets the rock and is able to tip-toe his way around the tackles and dive in for the TD. The 49ers would have been better-served drafting an Aaron Maybin, a Brian Orakpo, or even a Michael Oher. Instead, they drafted a prima-dona who probably isn’t going to do anything significant in the NFL. I’ve seen his college highlights, and I’m not impressed. Can anyone say, Rashaun Woods? Where is that guy by the way? Haven’t heard from him since 49ers traded him to San Diego.
You know who has a ‘knack for making plays’? Josh Morgan. Coach Nolan, by all accounts, was a dummy. Enough said. But of the few things that he did right, it was that he gave this kid a chance to play. Said Coach Nolan, “I like Josh Morgan. I like the way he jumps up and goes for the ball.” This kid isn’t afraid of contact, and doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him. He goes and gets it. If there’s one play that sums it up, think back to the St. Louis game where Shaun Hill lobbed a hail mary and both Jason Hill and Morgan were there. Remember who jumped up and got it? It was Morgan. Look at the replay, and I assure you if he didn’t do that, that pass would have either been batted down, or misplayed by Jason Hill, who if I’m correct was the intended target.
Enough of my babbling. Simply put, the 49ers already have a soon-to-be-stud in Josh Morgan and a plethora of capable receivers, both young and old, and yet they still drafted Crabtree. In my opinion, this is as dumb a pick as the Warriors drafting Stephen Curry knowing full-well that they already have a sharpshooter in Anthony Morrow. I see some parallels here. Don’t you?
I hope he gets traded, or better yet, I hope he just goes away. I see this kid ruining the 49ers season if he decides to sign. (I’m being so mean today)
by Waiting4JoshMorgan on Aug 6, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many of the top fifteen draftees have signed?
Crabtree’s cousin may be making the headlines, but it seems to me that a big problem is that salaries are based on what players drafted above and below them get, and no one’s signing contracts this year.
If the delay in Crabtree’s signing is because of the rest of the class being slow to sign, then his professional success is going to suffer. There are too many good receivers in the Niners’ camp for him to be sitting out so long, especially after his broken foot kept him out of all the OTAs.
The question that arises: Is there suddenly a wave of greed among the draftees and their agents or are the NFL teams colluding to push down salaries. I don’t recall this many first rounders not signed this late into camp.
by Bob On The Coast on Aug 6, 2009 8:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
there's supposedly no salary cap next year
so agents and their players are trying to capitalize
by armchair middle distance runner on Aug 7, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So hey,,, did anything interesting happen in camp today?
Rather than over react to this whole moneytree thing, I thought I would see if any real news from the people who realy want to play and make a contribution.
by WC-Ninerhead on Aug 6, 2009 8:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One thing is for sure, Crabtree doesn’t have a very astute adviser. His stupid comment has caused his cousin to get blasted across the country for the entire day.
by bignerd on Aug 6, 2009 9:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Steve Young and the USFL
Dear Beard and Banjo: " maybe he could still make a lot of money…he could sign a UFL contract like Steve Young did with the USFL…40 million payed out through an annuity for 40 years…
According to Steve Young in several interviews and radio segments, he never saw any of that annuity money after the league folded. The team went bankrupt and the annuity went to go-away land. I don’t think there is any reason to doubt what he said.
by seafood lover on Aug 6, 2009 9:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I never knew this
I hope Steve got his law and business degree after his professional career because expecting that deal to come thru was foolish . . . college should have taught him.
by bignerd on Aug 6, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if crabtree re-enters the draft.... we should re-sign him
just to be asswholes. what goes around comes around
by dalien82 on Aug 6, 2009 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Question is
. . do we want him to be a 49er at this point? . . I think if we give him too much we will kill ourselves trying to sign Morgan and maybe even Jason Hill down the road. They will be polish receivers and will want equal pay, unless Crabs is an immediate super star.
I think we have to see if there is any trade interest from teams in contention that need a WR: Vikings, Jets, Bears, to name a few. Take a 2 and a 3 if we can get it and get rid of the guy. He’s obviously not willing to be a team player, not willing to prove himself before he gets big money. He just wants to be a deca-millionaire without ever stepping on the field. Is he as good as Morgan right now? I doubt it. But the point is, we can’t know and he can’t know. So asking for more than #10 money is insane. We have to seek other options. . . .
by Since79 on Aug 6, 2009 9:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have always smelled something fishy with CRABtree
I wasnt excited for this pick. But let crabtree make the biggest mistake of his life. He wont be a first round pick next year when his 40 time is displayed. Then he really wont get money. And possibly next year the league might regulate the pay of rookie salaries. Crabs better sign now.
by Tony C on Aug 6, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Would he rather play for the raiders?
C’mon now, but would he really want to get that money and have been with the raiders? Seriously? Yeah, he’ll get the money he wants… but seriously? The raiders? Oh wait, I guess he wanted to be part of the overhyped club over there… JaMarcus, McFadden, and Crabtree? He thinks al davis made a mistake? So it makes sense right? Crabtree wanted to play for the raiders? Seriously?
by mon_deezy on Aug 7, 2009 12:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ultimately, he’ll get signed but I’m certain he will be probably the last draftee to sign once everybody takes their slotted deals and the 49ers won’t budge more than that.
If he wants more money, earn it on the field. He’ll probably get around $20 million guaranteed anyway so even if he gets injured, that’s still a lot of money and players like him usually have insurance to fall back on.
What I dislike now is his lack of desire to just suit up and play pro football instead of worrying about his contract 24/7; the 49ers aren’t low balling him as they likely offered a fair deal for a #10 pick. He says he’s the best player in the draft then show it on the field, make DHB look bad in comparison during practices, preseason and Sundays not just in words.
Win the inning.
by Scooter Ellis on Aug 7, 2009 1:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think this whole ordeal is getting WAY too much hype
It’s not even like he’s the only rookie left unsigned, and we’ve already got people on this thread ready to just lose him for nothing and watch him go to the USFL or some other team. I think that would be a crushing blow to the Niners.
He’ll get a deal done before the season starts, I would bet a lot of money on that.
by Brendan Scolari on Aug 7, 2009 1:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Still wish...
I still wished we had gotten Brian Orakpo in the draft instead….ah well, hopefully Crabtree wakes up and smells the reality soon and signs.
by 9erEast on Aug 7, 2009 5:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
redraft
if i owned the 49ers i would hold out till the draft started in 2010 and watch him not even get drafted and if he does get drafted i hope he goes to the suckiest team and only makes like 500k a year
by eagle h on Aug 7, 2009 7:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather the Niners sign him
Revenge on Crabtree gets the Niners nothing.
by Brendan Scolari on Aug 9, 2009 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he think this is tough
Wait until he signs and than steps on the field. Personal, He can sit out, I don’t care !
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 7, 2009 7:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Even IF he gets signed...
he still won’t be happy. Who’s to say that next year he won’t hold out again because he’s not happy with the rookie contract he got, ala Anquon Boldin?
by hugemelvin on Aug 7, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Boldin is unhappy with his rookie contract after YEARS of producing. He didn’t turn around and do it in the second year. If Crabtree proves he’s worth more than the #10 pick contract in a year or two, the 49ers have shown that they don’t shy away from giving that player an extension and more money.
by sfgfan on Aug 7, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
He can just sign a contract and start playing. Then he can show that he is the best WR in the draft by playing! We just gave Staley a monstrous extension he can simply produce and get him some bank
Go 49ers
by iaalexeeff on Aug 7, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
Praying that Tim Alderson doesn't come back to bite us
by MadBum on Aug 7, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crabtree
He’s an idiot if he thinks he can just sit out a year and get redrafted and still get more money then he’s going to get now. I honestly think he’s bluffing.
Praying that Tim Alderson doesn't come back to bite us
by MadBum on Aug 7, 2009 7:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
Being the best palyer in his position and maybe a top 5 overall talent that he was coming out of college, I knew there was a reason why he went all the way to number 10 overall. His adviser/ cousin should be banned from all Niners events, games and whatever else, if and when Crabtree signs.
So, if he does go back to the draft (hypothetically speaking), what makes them (his advisers) think that he will be drafted higher than 10 overall? With all this “diva” thing going on over at his camp, he will be lucky if he gets drafted in the 1st round again. Just sayin’.
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Aug 7, 2009 11:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
*
“player”
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Aug 7, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crabtree makes you wonder..
Why you wasted so much money holding a Draft Day party.
As well as his jersey.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Aug 8, 2009 1:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
crabtree
i say heres 20 millom take or sit out about time clubs stop giving all that money for rookies
g cove
by gcove7 on Aug 8, 2009 6:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Crabtree
Your a great player and we are going to love you in San Francisco. I play football in college and Im not that wealthy if I was in your position I would want to get paid but I would get 30 million and understand that the fans in San Francisco will love me and treat me better than any other city in the country. You will be playing in the city that loves Jerr Rice. You could be the next Rice. Thats an honor do not let a stupid countract hold out tarnish that. Get to camp and dominate for us this season and lead us back to greatness.
by Oli16 on Aug 8, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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