Trent Baalke's Comments On The 49ers And Free Agency
by David Fucillo on Jul 16, 2011 9:00 AM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintOn Thursday Trent Baalke sat down with Tim Kawakami and discussed a variety of topics from free agency to Camp Alex to the Michael Crabtree-Alex Smith chatter. During the conversation, Kawakami asked Baalke whether the 49ers were "set up to go get a big-money free agent." In response, Baalke said:
We're not going to be major players. From a philosophical standpoint, we're not going to be major players in free agency. Does that mean we will never go out and pursue a high-end free agent? No. But philosophically, we're going to build this team through the draft. And when the right time arises and the right player's available, that we feel sets us up for a different level of play, we'll be in a position hopefully to make that move.
Folks have jumped on that as a sign the 49ers will not go after one of the big names in free agency. I said yesterday that could mean no Nnamdi and no significant free agent additions. However, in re-reading Baalke's comments, it actually doesn't sound like he forecloses a big name this year. He said the team won't be major players, but that could also be indicative of a team planning on making at least one addition if the situation is right. I read it as philosophically they prefer to build through the draft but they aren't going to foreclose the right opportunity.
That's not a shocking bit of information, but it's something worth considering. For example, maybe the team is unable to figure out a new deal with Nate Clements. If that's the case, they'd find themselves in need of veteran cornerback help. However, if the team is able to work out a deal with Clements, will they stick with what they've got or will they make a move for a a veteran free agent? Maiocco threw out the name Richard Marshall. Thoughts?
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Baalke also said he didn't want to tip his hand
I’m really not investing anything into this interview. There is too much experience on this staff for them to overlook a potential upgrade.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
by goatfather on Jul 16, 2011 9:33 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
a lions executive projected 18m/yr
can only imagine what his guaranteed money is going to be, particularly if he signs with one of the 3 or 4 teams that really bottomed out their salaries last year to cut costs and now have to spend 50-60 million to get to the floor.
by whistlingmountain on Jul 16, 2011 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Hedging corner bets
What I read is “We aren’t going to go after top tier talent in Free Agency as they have a way of draining money and not living up to expectations (see: Haynesworth, Albert), however, we are open to getting a solid CB that would replace Shawnte Spencer and maybe bump Nate to 2nd CB”
I don't know about that
He really fell off last year but he played really well in 09. Not sure what to make of that.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
It's a tough one
It occurs to me that we brought in two big $ free agents during the current era- Nate Clements, who is a good but not great player, and for whom we overpaid significantly, and Justin Smith, who has worked out about as well as we could have hoped.
Nnamdi is the man, but his price tag is going to be prohibitive. They really just need to devote a couple earlier picks in the next year’s draft (Which is a deep one) to the corner position, and in the meantime, find out what they have in the way of a pass rush.
Speaking of needs, and seeing what we have, who’s your pick to break out at the receiver position this year?
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 10:58 AM PDT reply actions
Don't underestimate Nnamdi's love of the bay area
He may take a few mil less just to stay here.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Fair point
That said, a “Few million less” than, say, 12 million a year is still nine million. If, however, we get him, I think that would allow Clements to do what he does best (support the run, play physical against receivers who are not elite speed guys), and would give our pass rush all day to get there, even if it’s not great.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess that depends on how much Nate is willing to reduce his salary
I’m guessing they want him back for around 4 mil a year.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
True
And that would a be a fair price for him He’s good, he’s just not great, and we’re currently paying him as though he were. Not a knock; he could be a solid contributor on a great defense, he is simply limited by being above average, but not special.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
he simply cannot lock a side down
If you have a great secondary then you have a lock down CB. The comments from Fangio (or Donatell) indicate they don’t have a lock down guy and thus will have to play more zone :(
If we can get a lock down guy I would think Mays would do very well.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
there are maybe 3 corners in the league that can lock down a "player"
locking down a side is a misnomer in that locking down a side of the field rarely involves one defender. For example, in cover 2 the safety, corner, and OLB all play a role in covering a side of the field. Reavis, Namdhi, and Champ are the only guys that come to mind that could consistently “LOCK” down a WR. Chris McCallister and Duane Starks were’nt “lock down” corners for that Baltimore D. What you need for a good D, outside of pass rush is corners that can play effective press covg. Nate is our best corner in that regards. The only time that doesn’t suffice is when the pass rush is lacking…which is what happened to Nate last year. its kinda like the chicken before the egg debate except its less debateable…a good pass rush can make decent corners look great, a bad pass rush can make great corners look average. During the years where Denver’s pass rush declined (Dummerville injuries) Champ’s effectiveness declined to the point where he wasn’t thought of as the best corner in the game.
Bottom Line: If we effectively address our pass rush issue, between Nate,Spencer, Brown, Adams, and Culliver…we’ll be ok. Yes, I would love to add a Jonathan Joseph or Cromartie but its not as imperitive as everyone thinks.
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 Jul 16, 2011 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Totally Agree
However there is no reason to not try and get the second guy on your list.
Baltimore has a pretty good safety.
If we want to have the best defense possible we have to try and get a top tier guy. That’s what I want as a fan, and I think in order to utilize our guys best we need that type of player.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
True...they should definitely try
if it was me, I would get 2 corners and 2 rushmen. But then we’d probably be in some serious cap trouble in the next 2 years. I always had that problem building dynasties in madden.
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 Jul 16, 2011 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we're fine on pass rushers
provided smith pans out.
More than anything I would like to be able to use Mays as a blitzer and be able to have him be available in run support without sacrificing too much on the back end (meaning if there’s a top notch CB his pass protect responsibility would be less than without one). I really see this as the only way Mays will be a major contributor on defense, unless he figures a lot out really quickly.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
"Provided Smith pans out"
Agreed, but that’s a huge unknown right now. I am, however, optimistic that he will at least turn out to be better than anyone we currently have.
Agreed on Mays as a Blitzer…personally, I think we should keep him closer to the line, and have him essentially fill in as an OLB in nickel and dime packages.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I want to see him hit...
a LOT of people. Some is not enough :)
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
I think the Steelers demonstrate this effectively; they’ve generally had a top tier pass rush, and average corners, but the past couple seasons, their corners have been lousy, and it’s why their defense has been good but not always exceptional.
Agree that one boosts the other; however, I think a good pass rush with ok corners is a little better than the other way around, because a good quarterback can go through reads pretty quickly as long as there’s not heat immediately around him. I think Clements would shine if we got another pretty good corner opposite him (no one on the roster currently has matched that description), and then, with an above average secondary, our pass rush could take that crucial extra second to get there.
Bailey ain’t what he used to be, but he’s still top three, albeit #3 on the list…I’d put Nnamdi first, then Revis a close second
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Baltimore has Reed
and the Steelers have this guy Palamalu
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
and what do Reed and Palamalu have to due with their corners?
by Andrew9erfan on Jul 17, 2011 6:53 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not expecting much of a hometown discount
Nnamdi was making a pretty good chunk of change with the Raiders, if he really wanted to stay in the Bay Area rather than get top dollar I don’t know why he would’ve opted out. Normally I would just assume it’s because it’s the Raiders, but as much as it pains me to say it, the 49ers have been just as dysfunctional over the last decade so that doesn’t seem like a factor.
At Nnamdi’s age I would assume that his top priorities are joining a team that he believes has a good chance to reach the Super Bowl, and getting the most guaranteed money he can in what will likely be his last big contract.
I can't agree with the bit about the 49ers being as bad as the Raiders org.
We have more class on our worst day than anything Al Davis could ever be involved in.
There’s also the Harbaugh factor. He may woo him.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I'm excited for Harbaugh too, but I don't know how much of a draw he will be for non-QB's
I don’t know that he will hold any more sway than the other top coaches who will be recruiting Nnamdi. Why would Nnamdi be more excited to play for Harbaugh then say a guy like Andy Reid or John Harbaugh who both have had success coaching in the NFL. Success generally speaks a lot more loudly than intensity or charisma.
As for the 49ers/Raiders comparison I would agree that the 49ers aren’t as bad as the Raiders, but I am obviously biased. That’s not really the point, mainly I was just trying to say that organizational stability is not really a major selling point for the 49ers.
Harbs more as a character guy, like Nnamdi.
He’s got so many community things going on here. I agree Philly would be a great fit for him as well.
Its always hard to tell how much a guy cares about money, but I’d bet this guy is happy where he’s at, much like a Carson Palmer. Greed doesn’t seem to be something he would display.
True the organization hasn’t been stable, but this recent overhaul may end that. We are all hoping anyways.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I sure wouldn't mind having Nnamdi at the right price
I just haven’t seen anything to indicate that joining the 49ers would be a realistic option. Also, I wouldn’t call taking the most lucrative job offer being greedy. I think anybody would make salary one of the more important factors in choosing a job, that’s just being smart. Especially when you’re working a job that you’ll have to retire from by the time you’re 40 and you’ll likely never find another job that pays you anywhere near what you’re accustomed to earning.
exactly
Im sure if he had to go to Green Bay to get a chip, he’d do it in a heartbeat.
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 Jul 16, 2011 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Has he said anything himself about wanting to go to a potential
super bowl contender? I’ve only heard this as a media thing.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
i doubt it
but given he’s made a ton of money in his career and he’s almost 30…i think it goes w/o saying. If you had to choose between a super bowl contender and a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in how many years, who would you choose?
Every player wants to win a championship.
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 Jul 16, 2011 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
True
but with him the Niners would be an easy playoff team. Then you only need to win a few. If he sees himself playing at top for for 3-4 years then the Niners aren’t really that bad of a choice (homering for sure).
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
yeah, i would actually advocate that
we’re in the easiest division and we have a new era coming in which IMHO makes us a super bowl contender. We were a game away from being in the playoffs last year and once you’re in, everybody is a contender.
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 Jul 16, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Most of my confidence comes from my belief
that this new staff is head and shoulders better than previous regimes.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
Hopefully
I guess what I meant though was, of the three guys who could be our #2, will Morgan finally put it together, or will someone else pass him up and emerge as a legit #2?
While Crabtree hasn’t fully arrived, he’s at least demonstrated starter ability in the league; hopefully you are right though, and he becomes a true # 1 this year (84 catches, 1183 yards, 9 TD’s)
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I dunno man, good question.
Should be an interesting training camp, I really hope Kyle Williams can stay healthy because he is the fastest WR on the team and also as great hands. I don’t see Ginn sticking around if KW can stay healthy. I honestly think Harbs will utilize all those guys including Rojo in different positions, I’m not sure who will be the bona fide #2 though.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jul 16, 2011 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
grasping for straws if you think he's trying not to "tip his hand"
if they wanted a big name guy, they wouldn’t be shy about it, it’s all going to be obvious 30 minutes into free agency.
Side note on cap floor that people keep worrying about, according to brandt the cap is going to be around 122 million with 90% floor that may go up, that’s only 109 million. So for everyone who was projecting the 49ers would need to spend 120/125/130 million 3-4 weeks ago, recalculate.
by whistlingmountain on Jul 16, 2011 11:17 AM PDT reply actions
If that is the case, use the money to bring back Franklin
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
Seems like a pretty safe non-answer to me
I read it as Baalke saying that the 49ers were not looking to try and fix all their problems at once and try to reshape the team through free agency, but if they found a player who they thought could help the team at a reasonable price they wouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger.
I wouldn’t expect to hear anything too exciting from any GM at this point in the off-season. If Baalke were to announce that the 49ers were going to make a huge splash in free agency and then things didn’t work out, he’s just setting himself up for major criticism. Better to keep things close to the vest and see how it all plays out in a protracted off-season.
Just some thoughts ...
1. I love the recipe … build the team primarily through the draft and spice it up a bit with key free agent acquisitions.
2. This year, three positions that could benefit from free agent acquisitions include CB, DE and WR.
a. While I would love to have Nnamdi on the roster (who wouldn’t?), I believe that, even at a reduced “home-area” price, he will simply be too expensive … especially if we make a concerted effort to resign Franklin and Lawson in addition to Smith, Baas, Spikes and Clements. As an alternative, I would rather split the “Nnamdi money” and go after BOTH Jonathan Joseph AND Richard Marshall; this would allow moving Nate to nickle (assuming that he signs for a reduced price), using Spencer as the #4 CB, and giving the young corners (primarily Adams and Culliver) time to develop. I just don’t see Brown ever becoming much better than he was last year, which was very mediocre.
For the right price, I could see adding a guy like Cullen Jenkins to the DL; this would be less important if Franklin can be resigned, but that is doubtful. Replacing an Evans with a better vet DL would help.c. IMO Crabtree will never become a real #1 wideout; further, we have more slot receivers on the roster than real wideouts; would love to see the addition of a Sydney Rice to push the other guys.
3. Finally, there are some very good UFAs out there; I would like to see the Niners sign more than their fair share of these guys.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Jul 16, 2011 1:49 PM PDT reply actions
how do you feel about getting Plaxico?
I think we need a big guy. Or better yet, Moss??
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 Jul 16, 2011 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I would love to have pb
I got burned earlier for saying it, but he screwed up, only hurt himself; I believe it’s a one and done. He wants to go out there n prove himself. Imagine vd, crabs, PB, walker, gore and whoever evolves into our slot ( Kyle or rojo). Sick ass O.
by mrb24 on Jul 16, 2011 2:26 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Depends totally on how good he is...
If we can get the guy he was before he went to prison, without the attitude, I think he’d be a fantastic signing. At his age though, and having not played for a couple seasons, he needs to prove he’s still got it.
Having both him and VD though as redzone targets…oh man, even our quarterbacks could get it to one of those guys up high
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
speaking from experience, time away from the game doesn't change who or what type of player your are
especially 2 measley years. I took 5 years off and came back to football and didnt miss a beat. Its a lot easier then people think to come back and play a game that you’ve played for more then a decade after a short break. There are quite of few players that came back after hiatuses and played as good or better then they did before. Pac Man Jones, Vick, Kurt Warner just to name a few. Skills don’t really diminish w/ time away from the game as much as conditioning does.
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 Jul 16, 2011 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Also, two years off from football his body will be nice and fresh.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jul 16, 2011 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions
True
And in general, I agree with you thought. Skills DO diminish because of age though, as does speed, although receivers are capable of having much longer careers than most positions. I am certainly not saying he can’t make a comeback; merely that you’d want to have a mechanic check out the car thoroughly before you buy it
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 16, 2011 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions
skills tend to improve w/ age and experience...speed,agility, and strength deteriorate
If this wasnt the case, the NFL would be dominated by rookies and guys under 27 as anybody older would experience a drop in skills and physical prowess. As it stands now, there are plenty of pro bowlers who are over 30..more then half of them are over 29. The best players are over 32 on both teams. 7 of the top 10 100 best players are over 30. Yes, they arent as explosive or speedy as they were in their younger years, but they are better players as their skills have increased w/ experience.
Plax still knows how to out position a defender, he can still time his jumps w/ the best of em, he still has great hands, and he’s still 6’5". I don’t see how sitting on his butt for 2 years would diminish his football skills. As far as getting him checked out…every player is checked medically before they’re signed. I mean it aint like he was ballin in Canada or over seas…I seriously doubt he damaged his knee walking from the yard to his cell. Also, the guy is 30 sumthin not 40. Jerry Rice’s skills never dropped off, he was still an excellent route runner and had exceptional hands. Its just that his body was no longer able to execute those skill sets at the high level that it once did. Maybe his speed and conditioning wont be up to par but thats correctable (see Vick)…and lets face it, those qualities were never his strong points anyway.
Throw in a pinch of maturity and Plax will be as good or better then he was prior to his incarceration ( bank on it ).
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.
I would pick him up in a heartbeat
after all, we now have 3 slot receivers
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
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