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Good morning everyone, 49ers OTAs are still ongoing, but the biggest news from the camp is who isn't participating. Alex Boone and Vernon Davis are both sitting out because they are dissatisfied with their current contracts. They are both very good starters, so it begs the question, should they get new contracts? I wanted to make sure to avoid asking if they deserved new contracts in the title because - at least in my opinion - that answer is a definitive yes.
It's tough, they are great players, but with the salary cap being tight and with more important players like Colin Kaepernick needing extensions, giving one to a Guard and Tight End is tough to justify. Alex Boone is a simpler case because he is young and I think he would be one of the top tackles in the game if given the opportunity. Davis on the other hand is still an elite player, but with cap concerns and his ever increasing age, is giving him a long term extension really the best move?
Another part of the dilemma is, as fans, do we support the players right to renegotiate their contracts? Its another really tough question as the NFL is different from most other professional sports leagues that guarantee the majority of their contracts. As a fan, I would like to see all players honor their contracts, but If a player has a bad season, odds are his team can find a way out of his contract. NFL players are in a tough position and I vehemently disagree with the idea that just because they make an outstanding living regardless, it somehow doesn't matter. I fully support the players right to make as much money as they can in their relatively short careers, but as a fan of the team, I also want the team to get the best bang for their buck. Its a tough spot to be in and I feel there is no all encompassing correct answer. that said, it's still good to talk about, so lets get to those links.
Vernon Davis on 49ers’ mandatory minicamp: ‘I might be there’ (Branch)
Mr. Smoothie: Why Vernon Davis might want a new deal (Barrows)
Report: Davis serves up no juicy details on absence (Maiocco)
Harbaugh remains mum on Davis, Boone contracts (Maiocco)
Miami investigators waiting on key piece of information (Barrows)
Jim Harbaugh Says Colin Kaepernick Throwing Football with ‘Pinpoint Accuracy’ (49ers)
49ers cap signings of rookie class (Maiocco)
Harbaugh: Aldon made promises; 'some changes ought to be made' (Maiocco)
49ers Have Overcome ACL Tears in Recent Years (49ers)
York: ‘We have to make the decision: do you put up with some of those issues’ (Inman)
Season-opening starter? LB Wilhoite not straying from humble roots (Branch)