Monday, March 4, 2024

Shanny's Apprentice


 The #49ers have hired former Seahawks LB KJ Wright as an Assistant Linebacker and Defensive Quality Control Coach - Hope he turns out to be another Ryans.

84 comments:

  1. At one time Wright was part of arguably the best LB group in the NFL. Hopefully, he can bring his experience and knowledge to the 49ers organization.

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  2. early down EPA/att from a clean pocket

    1 - Brock Purdy (0.44)
    2 - Nick Mullens (0.40)
    3 - Jared Goff (0.35)
    4 - C.J. Stroud (0.35)
    5 - Will Levis (0.32)
    6 - Jake Browning (0.32)
    7 - Geno Smith (0.32)
    8 - Derek Carr (0.29)
    9 - Tyrod Taylor (0.26)
    10 - Josh Allen (0.26)
    11 - Tua Tagovailoa (0.26)
    12 - Easton Stick (0.21)
    13 - Dak Prescott (0.19)
    14 - Patrick Mahomes (0.18)
    15 - Justin Herbert (0.17)
    16 - Matthew Stafford (0.17)
    17 - Gardner Minshew (0.16)
    18 - Jimmy Garoppolo (0.16)
    19 - Trevor Lawrence (0.16)
    20 - Jordan Love (0.13)
    21 - Ryan Tannehill (0.13)
    22 - Justin Fields (0.13)
    23 - Mac Jones (0.13)
    24 - Lamar Jackson (0.12)
    25 - Tyson Bagent (0.11)
    26 - Joe Burrow (0.10)
    27 - Kyler Murray (0.10)
    28 - Kenny Pickett (0.10)
    29 - Aidan O'Connell (0.09)
    30 - Baker Mayfield (0.09)
    31 - Desmond Ridder (0.08)
    32 - Jalen Hurts (0.08)
    33 - Kirk Cousins (0.08)

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  3. Good - I was hoping to see them bring in some up and coming coaching talent to groom.

    Wright was constantly praised by his coaches and teammates as one of the smartest players around.

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  4. Christian Wilkins, DT, Miami set to hit F/A

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    Replies
    1. I love this guy. But at what price? And who does he replace?

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    2. If they went with Scooters suggestion to move Armstead to DE they could have Wilkins take his place. I think they just re-sign Ferrell to 3-4 million and draft a big DE.

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  5. Sounds like the Texans are very interested in Wilkins and the Texans have plenty of cap space.

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  6. The Texans had a top 12 defence in 2023. Wilkins will put them in the top 7, if Ryan's gets his way.

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  7. I think Texas could be the AFC dark horse for the SB next year.

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  8. Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·
    46m
    The #Jaguars are planning to release CB Darious Williams, source said, in a move to create cap space. He had a $10.5M cap hit. He had 9 passes defended and four INTs last year.

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  9. I like the KJ Wright hire. Remember him as a smart and aggressive player.

    Conflicted on the Staley hire. He is generally known as a smart mind, but he actually took a good Chargers D and made it worse, so time will tell. Plus how much of his Superbowl winning D had to with McVay, Jalen Ramsey in his prime and Aaron Donald?

    Anyhoo, at least we have a backup in place if Sorensen doesn't work out or if he works out so spectacularly that he becomes a HC next season. :)

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    Replies
    1. Think of Staley as the Mike McDaniels of the defense with a lab coat on.

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    2. Yeah potentially mad scientist on D. Will see.

      I'm really hoping we invest on the trenches in the Draft and FA even at the expense of Aiyuk.

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  10. Which positions 49ers prioritized in reported combine meetings:
    https://sports.yahoo.com/positions-49ers-prioritized-reported-combine-211122846.html

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  11. Latest 49ers NFL draft buzz, chatter from scouting combine:
    https://sports.yahoo.com/latest-49ers-nfl-draft-buzz-200544114.html

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  12. Why Duke's Barton could be perfect fit for 49ers' O-line needs:
    https://sports.yahoo.com/why-dukes-barton-could-perfect-163757032.html

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  13. BOMBSHELL 49ERS RUMORS: MASSIVE Changes Coming For 49ers This Offseason? By Mike Silver
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNda_IkOmnE
    * This is, IMO, click bait....But who knows?

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  14. Monday starts free agency. Who has a guess on who the 9ers might/should sign. My list is Robert Hunt OG Mia, Calais Campbell DT Atl, Clelin Ferrell DE SF, Bryce Huff DE Ny J, Azeez Al-Shaair ILB Tenn, Jauan Jennings WR SF, Kyle Juszcyk FB SF

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    Replies
    1. Scooter,
      My mistake, I thought he was but he has one year left on his contract.

      Delete
  15. OldCoach
    * G Graham Glasgow (DET): He turns 32 inJuly, so he'd sign a short term contract and he has experience with ZBS,
    * He was ranked 2nd among all OG in run block win rate last season (77.2%). His pass block win rate was average at 91% but still higher than 9ers OG's Aaron Banks (88.6%) and Spencer Burford (87.9%). He could replace either Banks or Burford with Jon Feliciano the other OG. Glasgow also has experience playing center if the 9ers need flexibility.

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    Replies
    1. Geep,
      Feliciano is also a FA this season. He signed for 3.2 mill last season. After his success last year he will probably cost between 4 and 5 mill. Glasgow would likely cost about as much. For about 5 mill more than Glasgow and Feliciano they could have Hunt a pro bowl OG playing next to a 1st round OT.

      Delete
  16. OldCoach
    I would agree with you, except I'd be shocked if JK and KS spent that much on an OG! Except for LT, KS does NOT value the 0-line that much.
    Correct me if I'm wrong. 2021 the 9ers let all pro Laken Tomlinson leave for the NYJ rather than pay him what his Market Value was?

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    Replies
    1. Geep,
      I was hoping that the SB might have taught them a lesson.

      Delete
    2. OldCoach
      Yea, I agree...But I doubt KS will change his belief of how he values the O-Line.....TBD?

      Delete
  17. QUESTION FOR THE BLOG
    With 31 year old DT Arik Armstead's base salary for 2024 at $17,410,000, Plus all his bonus money, will the 9er FO force him to take a pay cut? How many games can the 9ers count on his being
    healthy and 100%?

    Armstead's injury history:
    * 2023: He suffered a right meniscus injury in Week 13 during the 49ers' 42-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 3, missing the final five regular-season games. He was listed on the pre-Super Bowl injury report with foot and knee ailments.
    Sep 2, 2022: A Pedal Foot Plantar Fasciitis Grade 1. The injury happened ahead of Week 1. Armstead appeared in Week 2 and Week 4, only to aggravate the injury in the latter game.
    Jul 29, 2022: Knee MCL Sprain Grade 2 Armstead (knee) suffered a sprained knee Wednesday and is expected to miss multiple weeks of practice.
    * Jul 30, 2018: Thigh Hamstring Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 Armstead missed time during training camp with a hamstring injury but was ready for Week 1.
    * Feb 26, 2018: Pedal Foot. Armstead had a "minor cleanup" surgery on his foot.
    * Oct 15, 2017: Hand Metacarpal Fracture. Armstead broke his hand in Week 6, needed surgery and missed the final 10 games of the season.
    * Nov 6, 2016: Shoulder Labrum Tear. Armstead missed the final 8 games of the 2016 season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery.

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    Replies
    1. Geep,
      How can they force him. What would it cost them to release Armstead? They are already very thin at DT

      Delete
    2. OldCoach
      If a trade were to be entertained, it would come after June 1st 2024, when Armstead's dead-cap charge would be $14.3 million.
      My understanding is, the 9ers would save $11.5 million in cap space and IMO, would likely mean the 9ers resigned both Kinlaw and Givens, as well as drafted a couple of DT's in the 2024 draft.

      Delete
    3. Its a tough call GEEP. Armstead probably wouldn't get $18M on the open market anymore due to his injuries, which is what he's slated to get paid by the 49ers this year. But hard to convince a player to accept a pay cut.

      Question then is, if the 49ers release (as a post June 1 cut), how would they replace him? Doing so would save $13.5M against the cap this year, but still going to be hard to find a better player without paying a lot more than that.

      Delete
    4. Scooter
      Yes, your correct it is a tough call. And while I agree with you, the question I'd ask is...Will the 9er FO follow Bill Walsh"s philosophy "Better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late?" Based on Armstead's 2023 production and games missed due to injury, how many games will he miss in 2024? When he does play, how good will his production be and can
      they resign Kinlaw and count on him to stay healthy and help
      pick up the slack?
      There is also the question of Aiyuk and how much can they afford to pay him and have the salary cap flexibility to pay
      BP....That's why JL and KS make the $$ big bucks, to make those tough decisions!
      * IMO, they'll pay Armstead for the 2024 season, but with BP
      eligible for a contract extension after the 2024 season, the 9er
      FO will be forced to address several player contracts unless
      they're willing to run the risk of poisoning their relationship with Purdy if they don't extend him next offseason.
      What are your thoughts? Who's contract will they restructure
      and who, if anyone, will they be forced to cut/trade ?

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    5. GEEP, Deebo and Fred are the two most likely candidates for a restructure, imo. Can free up over $30M.

      I don't think they will release Armstead. I don't think they will be "forced" to release anyone this year, imo.

      If they do release anyone I think it is because they genuinely believe they can upgrade the position. Which is why I think if they do release Armstead it would be with an eye for signing a big name DT in FA to replace him.

      As for BP - they have 3 more years of cost controlled QB play. This year, obviously, but even after they extend him his big cap hits can easily be delayed a couple of years through the contract structure.

      Delete
    6. Wrt a possible pay cut for Armstead to reduce his cap hit, the "easiest", or at least the likely most palatable option to Armstead, would be to do something like the Bills just did with Von Miller.

      Reduce his base salary but give the rest in incentives that aren't too hard to earn if he stays healthy, but due to his limited amount of game time last year would be considered unlikely to be earned against the cap this year.

      Of course, while this would reduce his cap hit this year, if he meets those incentives it will only add to the already ~$15M in dead cap he will cost them next year (barring an extension).

      Delete
  18. Armstead has been somewhat productive when he has played. Unless the 49ers have someone that they can replace Arik with, I wouldn't make a move. The 49ers are still very much on the SB watch list and with Armstead being a long-time tenured player, perhaps he takes a pay cut for a shot at getting his ring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AES
      "perhaps he takes a pay cut for a shot at getting his ring."
      I would hope that's the case.....I also would not be shocked if 1 or maybe 2 other 9ers were asked to take a salary hair cut.

      Delete
  19. 49ers cap room from 2024-2028.

    24: $601, 918 ($255.4M cap)
    25: $46,264,791 ($280M cap)
    26: $133,211,118 ($305M cap)
    27: $264,233,895 ($330M cap)
    28: $313,971,895 ($355M cap)

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    Replies
    1. Razor
      Does the 2024-2028 cap room account fo extending BP after the2024 season and paying him "MARKET VALUE," (>$40 Mil)?

      Delete
  20. I know a lot of people are comparing Malachi Corely to Deebo but the Ohio State kid that transferred to Kentucky this year, Chip Trayanum looks much more like him than he does. Player to keep an eye on in next years draft.

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  21. Maybe someone can explain this to me. Sportac says Arik Armstead will be approx. a 28 mill cap hit this season and a Approx 26 mill dead cap hit this season. How much then would he count against the cap if the 49ers released him?

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    Replies
    1. OC, he would cost ~$26M if he was straight up released or traded. But if he is designated a post June release, he would cost a bit over $11M (basically the sum of all the non-salary parts of his 2024 cap hit). So I was wrong yesterday, the saving against the cap this year would be more like $17M.

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    2. The Niners aren't releasing Armstead. Not trading Deebo. Not trading Aiyuk, unless he's asking for 30 mill. His market value per SportTrac is 23 mill.

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  22. After looking over the OT prospects in more detail, the guy I think the 49ers will love is Tyler Guyton. Which I suspect will make razor feel sick 🤣

    Yes, he's very raw and is no guarantee to beat out McKivitz year 1. But when you watch him play... tell me the way he moves and plays isn't exactly what the 49ers look for in OT. Such a natural athlete and smooth mover for his size.

    He needs coaching up. But every reason to believe he can be - was a DT in high school and TE his early college days. He's still new to the OT position.

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    Replies
    1. I don't have anything against Guyton, but he'll redshirt because he's not strong enough yet.

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    2. I tend to agree with this, Razor. I'd like to see the 49ers package some of their picks to get into the middle of the 2nd rd. Perhaps two of their 2024 comp picks and a 2025 draft pick could pique some interest. Of course, they keep their pick at 31. Do you guys think some needy team might jump on this?

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    3. Razor, I reckon he is strong enough to play year 1 (though he will also get stronger in an NFL strength and conditioning program). I think his "strength" issues are mostly technique and leverage related.

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    4. Is there a possibility that the 49ers mimic the 2010 draft by using their first two picks for OL? Iupati and "Bam" Davis were a formidable tandem. If that scenario becomes a serious possibility, I would go Amarius Mims and Graham Barton. Or, trade their own 2 rd pick along with comp picks to get into the middle of the 2nd rd.

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    5. AES,
      It all depends on who they sign in free agency. If they sign a pass rusher and CB then 2 OL men makes sense. The other way they could go is sign an O lineman or two and draft a DE and CB

      Delete
    6. You're right, Coach. FAs will definitely play a part in the off season. Will see how it shakes out.
      TBD

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    7. Scooter, did you notice Guyton participated in every combine drill EXCEPT bench press?

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    8. I did. But based on watching him, it didn't look like he lacks strength. He does get too tall though.

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  23. Bills releasing Mitch Morse, Center

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  24. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
    31 reps on the bench

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  25. Razor
    As impressive as Kingsley Suamataia's 31 bench reps are, I'm more impressed with a 6' 5" x 326 pound OT with a 5.04s 40, a 10 yard
    split of 1.74s, a 28" Vert and a 9' 2" Broad jump! That kind of combined speed and power is rare for a kid that just turned 21 on 01/18/2003. But he's going to need some NFL coaching to reach
    his full potential.

    An analysis by Lance Zierlein:
    A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Suamataia spent time at Oregon before transferring to BYU and finding two years of starting experience. He has good size and adequate play strength, but sloppy hand placement limits control and consistency as both a run and pass blocker. Suamataia could struggle to handle NFL edge speed in pass protection, but he’s quick enough for move-blocking duties in outside zone and in space. He can redirect and mirror counters when he’s postured up and appears capable of dealing with bull rushers. The tape is more solid than spectacular, but Suamataia has the ability to become an average starting tackle on the right side.

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    Replies
    1. Should be sitting right there for Lynch at 31. They love BYU players too.

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  26. I like Kingsley. But not at 31. I believe that he could be available in the late 2nd or early 3rd. I'm more comfortable with either J. Morgan or G. Barton at 31. Another guy I like is Jackson- Powers Jones. I belive that he could lockup the Center spot for the next 10+ years. But, he will likely be gone by the early 2nd rd.

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  27. I hope the rumours if 49ers reaching out to Denver about DJ Jones are true. Would love to bring him back.

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    Replies
    1. Scooter,
      If the 9ers were to trade for Jones he would come under his Denver contract. Do you have any idea how much he would cost on the cap?

      Delete
    2. Scooter,
      Never mind. I just watched a Larry Krueger YouTube video where he said Jones would cost just under 13 mill on the cap. That would be quite a bit for a rotational DT who would be playing in his 8th season.

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    3. I would expect the contract to get reworked following any trade. And I think he'd start, with Armstead sliding to DE in base.

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  28. Scooter,
    Thats an interesting idea and certainly would shore up their run D. My concern would be 1st and 2nd down play action passes. Neither Jones or Armstead (playing DE) are very good pass rushers. It would leave Hargrave and Bosa dealing with double teams. I like Jones as a rotational piece or as a starter when Armsteads foot starts hurting but like I said for what they are going to have to pay him its too much for a rotational player. imho

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately that's around the going rate these days for a DT that is a capable starter.

      Delete
  29. Two UFA OG's the 9ers should consider signing
    * OG John Simpson is a UFA the 9ers should consider signing. He's 26 Y/O, played all 17 games for the Ravens last season and allowed just one sack. He could be signed to a 2 year ~$10 Mil contract.

    * OG Jon Runyan is also a 26 Y/O that played for GB last season.
    Runyan excels as a pass protector more than run blocker. He’s on the “smaller” size at 6-foot-4, 307 pounds, but he’s played both OG spots and has only missed a one game in the past three seasons.
    In the last half of the 2023 season, Runyan started every game but saw his snaps split with 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan.
    Runyan could be signed to a 3 year $20 Mil contract.

    * 32 Y/O OG Laken Tomlinson is also a UFA. Tomlinson struggled in New York, earning PFF grades of 56.8 and 55.0 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. That lead to his release earlier this offseason.
    The question is, has Tomlinson run out of gas, or was he just not a fit with the Jets? The 9ers could kick the tires and see if he has any gas
    left in the tank? If he does, he could be cheap insurance in case of injuries.

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  30. McKivitz signed to a one year deal worth 7 mill, 65% fully guaranteed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good move. Swing tackle money for a guy they know can start if needed.

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    2. Swing tackle or does this mean the 9ers see him as the likely starter for 24? If so the next logical move would be to draft an OG at 31. They would probably get a better OG candidate at 31 than a OT. I think it will be clear if they sign a big time DE in free agency.

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    3. Same kind of move they make every year around this time.

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    4. OC, that is the sort of money you give someone that you don't mind if they start, but you're definitely looking to improve on. He'll compete for the RT job with somebody.

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    5. What this does though is provide a clear statement that the 49ers won't force/ reach for an OT pick at 31, or feel they need to pay overs to move up for one. If one they like is there for the taking, great. If not, they have a serviceable player in place.

      Delete
    6. Razor
      RE McKivitz: $7 Mil with 65% guaranteed seems too much
      for an OT that In 2023 ranked 47th out of 81 OT's and eight spots lower than former 9ers RT Mike McGlinchey? In 2023, McKivitz played 1,040 snaps and allowed 47 pressures (nine sacks, four hits, and 34 hurries.)
      that seems like a back up OT and someone that will get your
      QB put on IR.

      Delete
    7. $7M for 1 year extension means he will get around $10M over the next 2 seasons. $5M a year average. That is not starter OT money. That's quality backup OT/ starter if you need him to money. It's Riley Reiff level money.

      Good deal. Now they'll add someone to compete with him for the starting RT spot, most likely through the draft.

      Delete
  31. I wonder if Patrick Peterson could make sense.

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  32. Kind of a Richard Sherman signing. Should come pretty cheap could be a good mentor for LuterJr. ,Womack and any DBs drafted this year. Do you see him as a S or CB.

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    Replies
    1. Not sure. Haven't watched him play other than the opener.

      Delete
  33. Not getting a 3rd round comp for Jimmy G/ McGlinchey hurts a bit (4th round instead).

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  34. Scooter
    How do you feel about a Jimmy G reunion after the raiders release him? He will miss the first two games of the season because of PEDs. Can the 49ers afford him as a backup if they want him? Jimmy G is only 32 yrs old and well versed on Shanahan's system.

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    Replies
    1. I doubt he will want to return. Didn't sound like he was that happy here the last couple of seasons.

      I also think some QB needy team will give him a deal with incentives to compete for a starting job. Maybe the Broncos.

      Delete
    2. It's time for Jimmy to come to grips that he could be better as a backup QB because it affords him a better chance at staying healthy.
      I just dont think he has longevity as a starter, as has been proven througout his career.

      Delete
  35. AES,
    I love the idea. I don't see him getting any real offers, he might come very cheap. He played his best since his first season with the 9ers under the tutelage of B. Griese. I don't remember can he play effectively in the rain?

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  36. Lmao, Steve Wilks has a better shot to return to the NIners than Jimmy G does.

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    Replies
    1. Jimmy G, Steve Wilks and Brock Purdy have lost SBs as members of the 49ers. But yes, I would lean with Jimmy not coming back to the red and gold. The 49ers will need a capable backup at QB.

      Delete
    2. Razor,
      I agree i see little chance of Jimmy G returning but if he came cheap I would love to see it happen.

      Delete

Foerster Before The Trees