NFL Free Agents 2011: Travis LaBoy, Manny Lawson And The 49ers OLB Position
by David Fucillo on Jul 29, 2011 12:00 PM PDT
in 2011 49ers Free Agents
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PrintYesterday evening Barrows tweeted that San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco were all interested in outside linebacker Travis LaBoy. According to Barrows the priority was in that order, although based on his tweet it's hard to tell if that means those are the order of LaBoy's interest or the order in terms of who has offered the most, or what exactly. Whatever the case, the market is developing for LaBoy.
On top of all this is the fact that there hasn't been much of anything said about Manny Lawson coming or going. LaBoy is probably the better pure pass rusher but Lawson is the more total package. If LaBoy and Manny Lawson were to talk in free agency, the 49ers could very well be left with Aldon Smith, Parys Haralson, Ahmad Brooks and Thaddeus Gibson. Beyond those three the team has brought in Monte Simmons and Kenny Rowe as undrafted free agents.
Free agency officially gets going later today at 3:00pm pacific when teams can start to physically meet with opposing team's free agents and can get them to put pen to paper. As that time approaches, do the 49ers need to add another outside linebacker to this group? Maybe a Matt Roth type of guy?
Of course, If they re-sign Manny Lawson I suppose it's a bit of a moot point. Do you see it as a necessity to get one of LaBoy or Lawson back on the roster?
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Personally, Manny Lawson drives me insane. He’s an outside linebacker who can’t sack the quarterback. In a 3-4, that is pretty much useless. We’ve got Navorro Bowman who can cover backs and tight ends well enough. He isn’t worth the headache anymore.
Well, it appears 9ers going to have same issues as last season...
Barely a Pass Rush, and crappy Cornerback play.
Lawson and Bowman play two different positions.
Lawson is one of the best coverage OLB’s in the league and pretty good vs the run. Yes, he doesn’t sack the QB very often. But still a valuable player.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison
"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin
I realize this
But that doesn’t mean you can’t rush an inside backer or drop an olb into coverage. If we had two outside linebackers rushing, Bowman is athletic enough to cover backs and tight ends so we don’t need to worry as much about our OLB’s dropping into coverage. Instead they can rush the passer and make plays there. I’d definitely rather have two gifted passrushers who don’t cover as well than an outside linebacker who can cover but not get to the qb. How often do
Demarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, James Harrison, etc actually drop and make plays in coverage?
Both are worth talking to
But neither is worth an overly inflated FA contract. Their problems are opposite. LaBoy seems like an injury prone one-trick pony. His trick has value, but are we willing to pay a lot for it?
Lawson is durable and a good all-around player. But he just doesn’t have “it” when it comes to rushing the quarterback and collecting sacks.
I could see Manny possibly not garnering a ton of interest and maybe we could bring him back to SF to replace Haralson and play opposite Aldon Smith.
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
NFC west keeps signing.... but not the Niners
AdamSchefter Adam Schefter
Sam Bradford’s going to be happy: Rams reached agreement with former Falcons guard Harvey Dahl on a four-year deal
Question for everybody
Does anyone think the reason we aren’t seeing many 49er free agent signings is because our front office is inexperienced and being consistently outmaneuvered? Are we just going to end up dumpster diving because we lost our meal ticket to the steak house and the ugly bouncer won’t let us in?
I fear we are going to bleed talent to other teams and not attract much back so that free agency is a net loss.
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
it was likely to be a net loss this year no matter what
the bigger issue is that the 49ers are not a desirable location right now, so much turnover without much off-season.
On top of that, they have a lot of positions with unproven young guys who incoming free agents would have to compete with to win a job.
Next year is more of their year to attack, they should know where they stand on a lot of the young players, have a full off-season, and players have a better idea of the team identity going forward.
by whistlingmountain on Jul 29, 2011 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Another potential reason...
The 9ers players are signing elsewhere is because as Patrick Willis said the other day, “Man,I’m tired of losing”.
My thinks 9ers free agents are jumping ship to go join winning teams.
The FA period technically hasn't even started yet
while some big names are off the board, there’s still plenty of time for the 49ers to sign who they need.
If they sign a C, CB, Lawson , WR and FS, they’ll barely be within their cap and they’ll quell concerns. I’d reserve judgment until monday.
If I had to guess the issues
1) Not willing to offer up money and the market prices are higher than they anticipated.
2) Aren’t an attractive team for free agents
3) Inexperience … but I would say this is only 5-10% of the problem.
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
valuable yes
For us though its only a luxury. Bowman is more athletic and I think we will have a more free flowing LB scheme. I’m a big fan of him, but I would prefer to use the young talent we have at ILB
by mcwagner on Jul 29, 2011 1:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
6.5 sacks in 09 for Lawson
Laboy gets hurt too often. There are options, a couple released today. I’ll have to look when I get home, but I know one caught my eye.
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
Lawson
href=“http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/02/24/ranking-the-free-agents-4-3-defensive-ends3-4-outside-linebackers/” > interesting that according to PFF he has more QB pressure than Clay, Harrison, or Wake on a per play basis
Would like Laboy back , he has a good motor , just staying healthy is the only draw back ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
Patriots releasted Banta-Cain
Want to try that again? lol
+1
I’ve seen this sort of “pressure” stat before on Lawson, and I agree. Watching games, when he rushes, he seems to always hit the QB. He doesn’t always pick up the sack, but a QB hit can be just as valuable (errant throws turning into INT, or just rattling the QB’s confidence).
by Nicholas Cannelora on Jul 29, 2011 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I wanted him
But he signed with Detroit this morning.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison
"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin
Gibson
I wanna see what this guy has to offer, drafted by the steelers and you know how good they have been at drafting LB’s. I believe he would still be on there team if they didnt have those QB injuries last yr.
But i also wouldnt mind it if Lawson was back at a reasonable contract.
That's the problem with Lawson
It did not look like he was going to be reasonable.
However it doesn’t look like he’s been getting much attention.
maybe he has been
But has an agreement with Baalke or something. Manny should be getting offers from every team. He should be the best olb fa this year
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Jul 29, 2011 12:42 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I really like Gibson.
Think he can be a good player.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison
"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin
I really like Gibson.
Think he can be a good player.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison
"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin
As I’ve already stated, why would SF want any of these guys back? The team went three losing seasons in a row. None of these older guys are talented enough to start anywhere else. Elements is a no.3 corner at best. LaBoy and Lawson are situational guys. Goldson should be a backup.
Harbaugh was given five years. Let him clean house this year and next year. Keep all the young guys (those with two years or less) and go forward with them. I’ll take two years of losing if it means the organization can lay the foundation for consistent winning in years three and on.
by gifts_and_curses on Jul 29, 2011 12:30 PM PDT reply actions
let's win now
weak division, lots of key players tired of losing (willis, davis, j.smith, gore), and the stadium deal. let’s win now!
+1
completely agree. Good coaching should elevate these otherwise-average players into solid/good status. If Harbaugh is as good a coach as we’re all hoping, then he should be able to take last year’s roster and win the division.
How many games did we lose last year, simply because of failed coaching on game day? If the answer is 2+, then we win our division.
by Nicholas Cannelora on Jul 29, 2011 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
not enough
I’d rather FO set this team up for consistent winning as it was in the 80s and 90s than just winning this mediocre division one year. We need conference contenders, not division contenders.
by gifts_and_curses on Jul 29, 2011 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
You make a few good points
and then you have to go off and exaggerate to make them seem more valid. Clements is clearly not a no. 3…He really wasn’t all that bad last season, but his contract made him destined to be viewed as terrible, which is far from the truth.
by Virginia9er on Jul 29, 2011 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
my bad
Typing with a phone keyboard. Meant Clemejts is a no.2 at best
by gifts_and_curses on Jul 29, 2011 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
aldon and manny
i think aldon is part of the answer to get more sacks from the lb’s, so just bc manny ’doesn’t get to the qb’ is no reason not to offer a reasonable contract.
I just want 49ers to get some
new CBs. Man, this is ridiculous.
Lawson
they’ve been using Manny in a rotation and has alot of QB pressures. If they kept him during obvious passing downs he might turn those pressures into sacks
Ive seen Manny apply pressure but for some reason the qb just gets out of his grasp
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Jul 29, 2011 12:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
AZ signing stewart bradley
http://twitter.com/#!/adamschefter
Mebane too?
Spags loves his D-line
by mcwagner on Jul 29, 2011 1:14 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
His D is predicated on the pressure they create
How do you think the Giants won that Super Bowl? It wasn’t Manning or Burress.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
If the Niners end up with $10-15M in cap space when the seasons starts...
do they give roster bonuses to everyone to comply with the CBA’s minimum spending requirements?
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
Does the team have a good 3rd/4th year player they need to lock up long term?
Usually that is the type of the player that eats up the remaining cap.
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
No...
Unless you consider Brooks, Morgan, Ginn, R. Smith to be that guy. I don’t see anyone on the roster that legitimately deserves a long term extension. I would be fine with extending R. Smith, but only at a slight increase from his current salary. Brooks can be replaced for what he does, as well as Morgan. Ginn isn’t worth veteran minimum to take up that roster space.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
No the R there wasn't a typo...
Smith is a back up beyond this year unless he shocks the world. And it’s going to take more than one playoff victory that he plays phenomenal in to do that. Playoff appearance isn’t enough.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Morgan is the only guy I see the 49ers throwing some money at, but not big money
Depending upon how RJF does they may try to lock him up mid-season.
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
chilo?
maybe lock him down so that he’s worth a 6th or 7th round pick in a trade?
We could let him walk as a FA and get that as a comp pick when someone signs him...
He might get cut depending on who we sign to play Center.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Clayton tweeted about an hour ago that the minimum spend doesn't take effect until 2013
That either means we have a higher minimum spend and it will decrease in two years (I think that was the agreement), or there is no minimum spend on the cap in the next two years.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I think I read somewhere
that the teams had to spend 99% of the cap this year and then it drops to 95% next year. And in 2013 teams must spend 89%. I could be wrong though.
95% might be right.
I thought it was 93% but I could be wrong.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
What he meant was,
That this season teams have to spend 99% percent of the cap, next year it is 93% and the third year it is 89%. Basically teams have to spend the money this year but don’t have to as much, thus meaning there will be alot of front loaded contracts.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
what about Bruce Miller?
He was two time player of the year in his conference with 35 sacks. And we got him cheap.
Cb
what about brent grimes from atlanta he’s young has had 11 picks in two seasons.
So I leave for a Friday work meeting
get out and see on my Droid that the Rams signed Harvey Dahl. Real undervalued signing for the Rams right there. He is one of the most physical guards in the NFL and will be a strong asset in protection of Bradford and to open up holes for Jackson.
Man, even the Rams have had a solid off-season with the addition of Dahl and Mikell. Sucks!!!
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jul 29, 2011 1:01 PM PDT reply actions
Cowboys re-signed Marcus Spears to 5Y-20MD Contract
With that, its looking pretty obvious that Nnamdi is going to the Jets
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jul 29, 2011 1:04 PM PDT reply actions
LOL Schefter's new TNG-styled twitter page
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
Add that to the tweet from LaCanfora
about them restructuring so many deals, and it becomes obvious. That is probably the reason for the hold up as well.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
This made me laugh
ClaytonESPN: The Cowboys are becoming real players in the Nnamdi sweepstakes. The Jets still hold the lead.
Amber Alert: for Trent Baalke
I think Baalkes been kidnapped and is being held hostage in a closet somewhere. The guy has been an absolute no show thus far. Sure we cleared some cap room, but for what?? We had needs going into FA that needed to be addressed. Those haven’t been met. Now we’ve got more needs that have been created. If I’m not mistaken the team is obligated to spend a certain amount of money according to the new CBA. This means that the 49ers are going to have to overspend for whatever is left on the table once they finally decide to move. Nice job!
Oooh that's right!
If he can get us 20+ points per game. Our problems are solved…..Oh I forgot. We’re gonna need more than that because we won’t be able STOP THE PASS!
The Captain
Rules All. Having him and Andy Lee together makes my day.
by David Fucillo on Jul 29, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Deep breath...
There’s still players who aren’t technically released and can’t meet with new teams. Tonight is going to be a busy time. If we don’t hear anything by tomorrow night, consider this a complete rebuilding year.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Ink LaBoy Por Favor...
Lawson can walk.. I don’t really care for an OLB that has good coverage skills and horrible, horrible pass rushing skills
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
Marcus Stroud and Ty Warren both cut by New England, would be good fits for San Francisco’s 3-4
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jul 29, 2011 1:14 PM PDT reply actions
Do not need unless they are dirt cheap
And I’m talking diggin in Jed’s couch cushions to pay them.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
I like what Stroud can bring in the 3-4 as a rotational DT, would probably cost less than 3MM
Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jul 29, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
That ain't too bad but I still don't think we need em
Need to have some young guys get time that are cheaper. Williams should be the one getting that playing time.
by 9thevolution on Jul 29, 2011 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Anyone else see Maiocco tweet from Spencer...
Says defense is like English and Spanish from past six years to new system. This is kinda exciting.
Lombardi
I am told that the Jets have redone the contracts of B Scott, LT, C Pace, Brandone Moore as well as Brunnell to set the stage for Asomugha.
by pwillisbeast52 on Jul 29, 2011 1:27 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Its all East Coast bias.
He loves the bay and will never leave….Lalalala I can’t hear you.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
sigh
I’m trying to convince myself that this is a blessing in disguise, and that said money could be spent better elsewhere (ala Houston’s signing of JJ)
Cap Space Solution?
What I’d like to see the 49ers do with their cap space is acquire draft picks. Now, Its entirely possible, if not prohibitively likely, that what I’m going to say is ludicrous — but here goes.
The 49ers should offer Nnamdi as much as needed for him to come here, say, 15 million per year. The offer should be made with the understanding that Nnamdi would be immediately traded to another team in return for draft picks. The Niners trade Nnamdi, and promise his suitor that they will pay a certain fraction of the contract. For example, The Niners trade Nnamdi to the Jets for a first round pick and a 2nd round pick (or whatever, the exact picks and teams are semantics). They get the picks from the Jets, and promise to pay the Jets (or Nnamdi) a certain amount each year — say 3 million per year for three years.
In this case, the 49ers receive draft picks — an investment in their future — and the Jets receive their cornerback for, monetarily, less than they would have paid in free agency. Nnamdi is delighted, because he’s making bank.
Its really an empirical question; is the amount the Niners have to pay to the Jets/Nnamdi justified by the return in draft picks? I’d gladly pay 9 million dollars for a first and 2nd round pick — perhaps my understanding of the NFL monetary system is flawed, but I’d think most owners would be willing to do the same (especially considering rookies are considerably cheaper than in years past).
apparently the Jets cleared some cap room
by restructuring Jet contracts. Looks like they won’t need the 49ers aftera all
Wow...
even if something like that even had a remote chance of happening 49ers would probably have a penalty on next years cap
Yeah
That is something I have NO idea about: the larger implications of what that plan would entail. Good point, Jobo — although, I’d argue the same presumption holds: if the monetary disincentive (i.e. cap penalty) is “worth” less than the draft picks, the 49ers should pursue
thinkling last year...
used to the 50 million dollar 1st round picks … new CBA penalties wouldnt hurt too bad i guess
Oh and you are right
I think the chance my proposal happens/could happen is hovering at a lofty .03%
Does restructure mean
the players are getting paid less, or that the money in the contracts has been temporally redistributed?
Jets given Nmandi an 8 year deal?!
this is the rumor and how they got him
Jets office is screwing over a lot of players
Isn’t a contract they touched this week they can possibly fulfill. Oh well, the players fault … gonna learn they won’t get paid the hard way.
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
If Nnamdi gets more than Revis
I could see him holding out in a year or two.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Wow
8 freaking years.
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Jul 29, 2011 1:54 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
He'd be getting a Nate Clements like contract
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
Where'd you see this report?
I’ve looked over many pockets of the internet and still can’t find it.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jul 29, 2011 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
There won't be any news until 3pm
No free agent is going to make decision now until free agency officially can begin.
sd377 wants to ban me for unleashing the Kaepernick Supernova Gamma Ray
mattbarrows Matt Barrows
More bad #49ers news: 7th round pick Curtis Holcomb ruptured his Achilles tendon Thurs. CB will have surgery and is likely out for season.
MaioccoCSN Matt Maiocco
49ers UFA OLB Travis LaBoy is deciding between Seattle and San Diego. It’ll be decided tonight, source says.
Lawson
Was given coverage assignments far more often than a blitz call. We can’t blame him for not getting to the QB if that wasn’t his duty on the play. With his speed and athletic ability he could finally blossom under our new defense. Remember James Harrison was cut 4-5 times before he finally “got it”.
come on schwartz,
trent/harbaugh bettr pull the rabbit out of the hat on this one. We have made no real moves!
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