49ers don’t need a crabby Crabtree

By kgiant24  |   Thursday, August 06, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers were considered fortunate when Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree fell into their laps with the tenth overall selection at the 2009 NFL Draft in April. It made perfect sense: fills a need at wide receiver and a potential gamebreaker on an average team in an average division.

Notice I used the word made?

According to Crabtree's cousin and adviser David Wells (the former Yankees pitcher?!, just kidding) Crabtree is willing to sit out the entire 2009 campaign and possibly re-enter the NFL Draft next if he doesn't receive a "fair deal".

The team owns the rights to Crabtree for the duration of the year and up to the 2010 Draft. I'm certain that Wells was not aware of such a fact when he, the adviser, advised Crabtree of his current situation. You got your own position, dude: BE THE COUSIN! Leave the advising and negotiating to the agents.

It is preposterous to presume that Michael Crabtree will sit out one quarter of an upcoming preseason game, much less the entire season. I'm all for getting as much coin as you can, but lets be realistic. Crabtree's worth remains anonymous, much like his presence at mini camp since a foot injury has kept him sidelined for several weeks.

Each day that passes without Crabtree signed is a day without practice, knowledge of a playbook and valuable time was wasted over mulling an allegedly insulting offer, rather than on the football field. Before we know it, 49er fans will be equating Crabtree to other skilled receivers like Terrell Owens, Chad OchoCinco and Randy Moss not as dynamic, but the other "d" word: diva.

There is no reason to believe that Crabtree will not be in pads before the season begins. With him eventually in the fold, the 49ers possess other offensive talent along with ascending young wide receivers in Josh Morgan and Jason Hill, with crafty veterans Arnaz Battle and Isaac Bruce. Throw in a proven running back in Frank Gore, a talented yet underachieving tight end in Vernon Davis and a respectable quarterback in Shaun Hill (7-3 as an NFL starter) and you've got a dangerous offense.

In a below average division, an 8-8 record seems attainable. Perhaps Crabtree's gamebreaker ability can get them over the hump to a winning record, and potentially help make the 2009 49ers into the 2008 Cardinals. I'm not suggesting a Super Bowl run, but a home wild-card playoff game doesn't sound that far-fetched, does it?

Give the man his five year deal, and settle on a reasonable figure. What that figure is, I don't care. Just as long as Crabtree is motivated about football, and not just happy about a huge payday. Once that obstacle is done with, the fans will become instantly accepting, as they can celebrate watching him celebrate touchdown receptions, not a signing bonus. But most importantly, getting this once proud franchise back where they belong: the playoffs and beyond.
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