Why isn’t Lloyd signed to a longterm deal?

By Hugo Guzman  |   Friday, March 10, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

San Francisco 49ers
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I know, I know...

I'm beating a dead horse. Still, the idea of the San Francisco 49ers letting wide receiver Brandon Lloyd slip through their fingertips is worth extended discussion. Sadly, that scenario is exactly what could end up happening if the franchise doesn't pony up the cash for a long-term deal in the near future.

Despite recent reports that link the three-year pro to the Washington Redskins, I think that he will suit up for San Francisco this season. The problem is that the team's unwillingness to offer him a long-term deal is not showing a great deal of good faith in the young playmaker. Such unwillingness to commit could in turn lead Lloyd to second-guess his own loyalty to the club that drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.

So what if Lloyd has a breakout season in 2006 (some would argue he already had one in 2005)? Will he be in the mood to negotiate a cap-friendly deal with the 49ers, or forsake his current team to pursue big free agent dollars. Worse yet, he could force the club to place the franchise tag on him, thereby guaranteeing a huge cap hit in the not too distant future. Chances are that options two and three are much more likely than option number one, considering the way the club has treated him thus far.

Wouldn't the San Francisco 49ers be better off signing Brandon Lloyd to solid yet cap-friendly deal now, before he becomes a legitimate #1 receiver and begins demanding a #1 receiver contract? I guess not, or at least that's what the team is saying by offering him only a one-year tender.

Hopefully, the franchise will change its tune sooner than later.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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