Did everyone get a chance to watch the State of the Franchise Show Wednesday night? I didn’t have time to watch the whole thing so I am glad I found a link to the entire show. I have included the link below for those that missed it. I urge you to watch it. I don’t know about everyone else but I really enjoyed it.
One of the questions asked Paraag Marathe on the show was:
“You talked about the quality veterans you added to the roster. Some would think you might have trouble going out and recruiting talented free agents when you are coming off a 2-14 season. I always laughed at that because this is the crown jewel, who doesn’t want to come play for the 49ers but in regards to that, you are the one reaching out to the players and their agents in free agency, what made you so successful at landing the guys you targeted at the end of the day?”
I thought Paraag’s answer was interesting enough to repeat here:
“I was worried about that too when I started making calls because the last couple of years, folks , agents of the players were not sure of the plan. They just didn’t know what direction we were going so it was a bit harder. This year, obviously money talks so, but money is not the only thing for these guys. Players have only one career, they have one shot when they pick a new team they have one shot to get it right to have a long career making a lot of money somewhere so it is not just about pay, they have to make sure they can find a coach and general manger they believe in. That they feel like they have a plan they want to get behind.”
I found that very interesting for two reasons. First, we have talked extensively about why the 49ers haven’t signed more players in free agency over the last couple of years. I think Paraag spells it out pretty clearly. They did not have the ability to attract them. It also makes me wonder what other players we may have been interested this year that simply did not want to take a chance with our new leadership.
That brings up the second reason why I found it interesting. I spend a lot of time reading people’s remarks on Niners Nation and I have seen a few people remarking about how Shanahan and Lynch do not need to have any sense of urgency because they just signed six year contracts and how they hope we don’t win many games so we can draft a quarterback. I personally am feeling a sense of urgency coming from Lynch, Shanahan and Marathe. They want to get the show on the road. It is important to win in order to show players what kind of organization we have and to make them want to come here. We have that huge salary cap surplus. We need players to want us to spend it on them without demanding we overspend because no one wants to play for such an incompetent team.
By the way, has anyone seen a clip of Reuben Foster doing his dirty bird dance on the show? If anyone happens to come across it, I would love to see them post it.
Now onto the hot links:
49ers 2017 State of the Franchise Full Show Video
Rookies Share Best Moments with 49ers Thus Far Video
49ers Fans Give John Lynch a Standing Ovation Video
Paraag Marathe Explains 49ers Salary Cap Situation Video
1-on-1: DB Jimmie Ward Video
49ers CB Rashard Robinson 'Humble and Hungry' in Year 2 Keiana Martin
Report: 49ers to work out pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil Eric Branch
49ers sign injury plagued CB Will Davis Eric Branch
John Lynch aggressively embracing 49ers' past Eric Branch
FPI projections: 49ers have a very long way to go Hank Gargiulo
13 Things We Learned at the 49ers '2017 State of the Franchise' Joe Fann
49ers give Armstead chance to break mold at pass-rush position Matt Maiocco
49ers CB K'Waun Williams is getting first team reps David Neuman
Marquise Goodwin vows to be "always open" in San Francisco Michael David Smith
Rashard Robinson already the 'older guy' among 49ers CBs Nick Wagoner