2014 NFL off-season thread

They identified Kaepernick (and traded up for him) in the second round of the draft. Someone else would come along. Hell, they won 13 games with Alex Smith.

 

Absolutely, and I love the line of thinking. Keep him under his existing contract for this season. If he kicks ass, pay him. If he sucks, well, he's lost some leverage. If he doesn't like what you're offering, you can franchise him and keep negotiating.

 

There's no guarantee they'll find someone as good in the draft right away, and the team is in championship or bust mode, so they can't afford to wait to find or develop a starting-caliber player. Contrary to popular belief, Alex Smith -- who last season quarterbacked an 11-win team, BTW -- is not chopped liver, and those guys aren't growing on trees.

 

What do backup QB's get?

 

By the way, LTL, that doesn't mean the 49ers aren't thinking the same way you are, and they might be right, which is why I said there's a really good chance CK will get his money rather than saying he'll definitely get it.

 

Yeah, they couldn't play both and they hitched their wagon to Kaepernick. Now they have to find a way to make it work.

 

I agree about Alex, but the idea that Harbaugh would go into a year with that as the plan drew laughter around the league.

You're right they are in championship mode. Their window is two years before age takes its toll. Why would they worsen their overall cap situation in that window when they don't have to?

Plus, I don't think Harbaugh finds it all that essential to have a superstar quarterback. I think his belief system tells him that if Kap doesn't show up for camp, they roll with Colt McCoy and win 10 games. That's another reason I think they wait, they have to resolve the coach deal first.

 

I would not pay a QB big money who has a high percentage of their value tied
to their legs / running ability. Before I give Kaepernick big money
I would want to see him develop more as a pocket passer.

 

By the way, I agree that the 49ers should wait at least another year to lock up Kaepernick given that they have the option to franchise him for 2014. It's the idea of tossing his best games when evaluating him that is crap.

 

PFT seems to think the Niners and Bears are the favorites to sign Michael Bennett.

 

Bennett wants to get paid and the Niners can't afford him. I'm guessing Chicago makes a lot more sense.

 

LaCanfora thinks Vick will wind up with the Jets.

That would be interesting to say the least. I think Minnesota makes more sense.

There's part of me that wants Sanchez to sign with SF for the minimum just to see if Harbaugh can get anything out of him.