2011 NFL Free Agency Primer: The Outside Linebacker Position And Our San Francisco 49ers
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jun 16, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
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PrintSan Francisco drafted Aldon Smith in April's draft in order to add to a pass rushing unit that hasn't been all too great. Many people believed that Smith's acquisition signaled the end to Manny Lawson's career with the 49ers. I don't see it that way, the two can complement one another greatly.
Rather, the 49ers now have one of the deepest, all be it, not most talented, outside linebacker groups in the NFL, if they re-sign Lawson. Does this mean San Francisco will not look to acquire another pass rusher via free agency? No. But, it probably means that they will be looking at a 3-4 end rather than an OLB. That said, San Francisco could decide to let Lawson walk and pair Smith with a true 3-4 OLB.
As it is, I am going to take a look at the incoming group of free agent outside linebackers.
Free Agents Under Any System
2010 Stats: 31 Tackles, 10 Solo, 2 INT, 6 Passes Defended
Thomas Davis Carolina Panthers
2010 Stats: Did Not Play
2010 Stats: 1 Game
Travis LaBoy San Francisco 49ers
2010 Stats: 21 Tackles, 14 Solo, 5 Sacks
2010 Stats: 35 Tackles, 25 Solo, 1 INT
2010 Stats: 59 Tackles, 32 Solo, 3.5 Sacks, 2 Passes Defended
David Thornton Tennessee Titans
2010 Stats: 45 Tackles, 32 Solo, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Mike Vrabel Kansas City Chiefs
2010 Stats: 30 Tackles, 12 Solo, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 INT
Analysis: It is highly unlikely that the 49ers would make a move for any of these players listed above, with the possible exception of retaining Travis Laboy. Listen, most of these players are OLBs in a 4-3 system, not the 3-4 scheme San Francisco practices. In fact, this is pretty much the case with every player listed as free agent OLBs in this article.
That said, it is possible the 49ers take a flyer on the likes of LeRoy Hill or Matt Roth at near the veteran minimum instead of bringing back Travis LaBoy. But, in terms of production it makes more sense to bring LaBoy back.
Franchised: Teams that sign a franchised player would be required to give up two 1st round picks as compensation. It has been noted, but not confirmed, that Tamba Hali had already signed his franchise tender; which means, he is no longer a free agent.
LaMarr Woodley Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Stats: 50 Tackles, 35 Solo, 10 Sacks, 1 INT, 3 Forced Fumbles
Chad Greenway Minnesota Vikings
2010 Stats: 144 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Kamerion Wimbley Oakland Raiders
2010 Stats: 58 Tackles, 46 Solo, 9 Sacks
Analysis: This is where it gets interesting. There is a possibility that the franchise tag will be eliminated under a new collective bargaining agreement, however, I really doubt that will happen. I know many of us would love for Woodley to come in and play opposite Aldon Smith, but that isn't going to happen. There is no way San Francisco gives up two 1st round picks for any player.
I am extremely surprised that the Raiders franchised Wimbley. He had one breakout season in 2010, but hasn't done a great deal beyond that. If Wimbley was an unrestricted free agent I could imagine the 49ers going after him.
Possible Free Agents Under New 2011 Free Agent Rules: Each player will have accrued enough NFL experience to hit the open market if a new CBA is agreed to. I will indicate tender offers as they relate to each player below. Tender offers mean that their current team offered some sort of restricted free agent tender. This tender means that the team signing each player would have to give up what was tendered.
Manny Lawson San Francisco 49ers
2010 Stats: 59 Tackles, 48 Solo, 2.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 Forced Fumbles
Contract Situation: Tendered unknown round by San Francisco. Matt Maiocco reported on May 25th that Lawson is as good as gone if his free agency isn't restricted.
Rocky McIntosh Washington Redskins
2010 Stats: 110 Tackles, 73 Solo, 2 Sacks, 1 Force Fumble
Contract Situation: According to the Washington Post McIntosh is expected to walk via free agency. He will be an unrestricted free agent if a new CBA is signed. Washington did not tender McIntosh a contract. So, even though he will be a restricted free agent there will be no compensation if he signs elsewhere.
James Anderson Carolina Panthers
2010 Stats: 130 Tackles, 101 Solo, 3.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 Forced Fumble
Contract Situation: Given 2nd round tender by Carolina. If a new CBA is signed Anderson will be an unrestricted free agent, if not he will be restricted.
Stephen Nicholas Atlanta Falcons
2010 Stats: 78 Tackles, 64 Solo, 1 INT
Contract Situation: Will be a restricted free agent no matter what. Atlanta offered an original round tender.
Quincy Black Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Stats: 61 Tackles, 54 Solo, 2 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 Forced Fumble
Contract Situation: Was tendered a contract, but specifics remain in question. Will be a restricted free agent under any system.
Justin Durant Jacksonville Jaguars
2010 Stats: 55 Tackles, 47 Solo
Contract Situation: Not tendered a contract. Will be a restricted free agent if a new CBA isn't agreed to, unrestricted if one is agreed to.
Thomas Howard Oakland Raiders
2010 Stats: 9 Tackles, 7 Solo, 1 Forced Fumble
Contract Situation: Restricted free agent if no CBA is agreed to, unrestricted if one is agreed to. Oakland did not tender him a contract.
Analysis: Once again, you have to look at the available players. Obviously, there are some intriguing names here, however, not many of them fit into what the 49ers are attempting to build on defense. The best all-around LB of this group is Manny Lawson, who may or may not return to San Francisco. Other than that, you are looking at marginal 3-4 OLB and solid 4-3 weakside LBs.
Overview: If you are looking for the 49ers to acquire a pass rusher via free agency your best bet would be to look at my defensive end article coming up in a few days. Running a 3-4 scheme means that San Francisco would be looking for 4-3 defensive ends, rather than 4-3 OLBs.
The players listed above do not fit what the 49ers are attempting to build on defense. We need to look at a solid defensive end in free agency, someone that could replace Demetric Evans and/or Ray McDonald.
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OLB'S
Thaddeus Gibson opposite Aldon Smith will do just fine, I think.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jun 16, 2011 10:15 AM PDT reply actions
I agree
I think Gibson is overlooked, i have high hopes for him.
by h0ckeysk83r on Jun 16, 2011 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Gibson is not an NFL starter
We’re much more likely to see Haralson and Brooks opposite Smith.
by whistlingmountain on Jun 16, 2011 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
TUKUAFU
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
I thought he was like 260-270
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
current roster has him at 293 and listed as a DT
He was around 270 in college.
Damn
I guess he will be a DE. Future replacement for Soap?
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
I know he isnt
But with some good coaching and some time he could be. The steelers have a good history of drafting linebackers and becoming starters. If not for there injuries they would still have this guy. But as for now i like Lawson as well.
Team will prob bring in some UDFAs to compete
That’s about it. Even if they want to retain Lawson, which they should, he will get a bigger contract elsewhere and be gone. Our best hope is that he is tendered for a 1st/2nd round pick and ends up a RFA under this season’s guidelines. This way he can leave and we get some compensation rather than getting no return at all.
Fangio's Defense Still a Mystery - but current OLBs give him lots of options
I’m still not convinced that the 49ers will be an exclusive 3-4 defense next year. But with Lawson, Brooks, Gibson, Aldon Smith, and Haralson, who are all very different types of OLBs, he can run a 4-3, 3-4 and everything in between.
Aldon and Lawson for clear pass plays, Haralson and Lawson for clear run plays, Brooks and Aldon for blitzes, and Gibson as depth who might improve to the point where he takes over one of the other’s role. The combinations are endless. If the 49ers don’t resign lawson, then they will need to sign someone to take his place.
by reedkrase on Jun 16, 2011 11:26 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree...if Lawson goes, we need a pass friendly OLB
which arent too numerous in the NFL and may not be available
Give tha guy a break...I remember losing most of our games because of mistakes by players that did not play the quarterback position.
I'm sure Norv Turner is a good judge of a good QB...even he said the guy can be good w/ quality people around him.
by NewAgecorner1 on Jun 17, 2011 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
way I look at it.
haralson is due about 2.3 next year. sign lawson for about 5million a year and trade harralson. only cost about 2.5 more. Laboy is the only other linebacker I would like the niners to sign.
This squad of OLB sounds good to me Lawson and Aldon starting with gibson and laboy as back ups.
brooks and haralson could be traded for 5th or 6th or 7nth round picks.
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
My desire ... simply resigh Manny Lawson and Travis LaBoy and get on with it!
by 49erFanSince1950 on Jun 16, 2011 5:21 PM PDT reply actions
Agreed
I think Lawson will be better utilized in Fangio’s defensive scheme. The 49ers need to put him in different situations and schemes to get to the QB. He is one of the better all-around LBs in the NFL, it is just up to SF to give him the ability to succeed.
Mila "Sweet Lips" Kunis, as stated by Scarlett Johansson. I couldn't agree more. Reverse would be true too!!!!
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jun 16, 2011 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
What, no Julian Peterson on the list?
Maybe bring Peterson in like Crash Davis to teach Aldon some tricks. He could retire as he came in as a 49er. Would be kind of cool.
Seriously though, They should resign Lawson and otherwise focus on other positions. Lawson is the best OLB free agent on the market and someone we should keep. He is undervalued by a lot of the fan base because he doesn’t ring up the sacks, but he does a lot of good on the field.
You alluded to it at the end of your article that there are a better DE options out there, so I can’t wait to see your article on that. WIth Justin Smith in his 11th or 12th year, it would be great to bring in either Ray Edwards or Marcus Spears. Taking a flyer on Vernon Gohlston might be interesting too at the right price, or even getting Big John Henderson for a couple of years. Well, I guess there’s your article on Defensive Ends right there.
I think either DE, CB, or NT are where the 49ers will spend the most in free agency for getting outside help.
ray edwards would probably be an OLB on a 34 team. a
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jun 17, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree w/ nocal...
keep all of our OLB’s especially Lawson and Brooks, and pick up a decent DE opposite of justin smith. I thing Fangio is gonna put a hybrid D on the field anyway depending on gameplan and opponent .
Depth is immensely important on defense. Injuries seriously screw plans up to say the least.
Give tha guy a break...I remember losing most of our games because of mistakes by players that did not play the quarterback position.
I'm sure Norv Turner is a good judge of a good QB...even he said the guy can be good w/ quality people around him.
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