San Francisco 49ers Off-Season Outlook
Written by bajansportswiz, Wednesday March 03 2010
Update: Julius Peppers signed a 6-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Free agent quarterback David Carr visited the 49ers on Saturday and both sides are said to be working on a deal. If signed Carr will be the top candidate to be Alex Smith's back-up in the 2010 season.
It's time for every NFL team to maintain and improve the talent on their rosters. Free agency and the draft is how the teams will achieve this goal.
This article will discuss various options the San Francisco 49ers could make this off-season in free agency. Free agency begins March 5 at 12:00 a.m.
A top priority for the Niners is adding a dominant pass-rusher to their defense. Ironically the best player in this year's pool of free-agents is defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers is a physical specimen who possesses amazing speed and agility for a man that sizes up at 6'7 283 pounds.
The team does have one thing going for them so far; Peppers has stated that he would like to play in a 3-4 defense. The Niners run a hybrid 3-4 defense in which Peppers could line up at outside linebacker one play and then defensive end on another. This will give opposing offenses nightmares trying to figure out how to block Peppers.
Peppers will be on the Niners list, but the question is do they have the money to sign him since he will be demanding a contract that will make him one of the highest paid defensive players in the league. If they do sign him the Niner's defense will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2010 season.
Another position that will be addressed this off-season is kick returner. The Niners have been trying to fill this position for years and have been unsuccessful in finding a permanent fixture. This could come to an end this offseason because there are some good prospects that can fill this position in free agency and the draft.
The one in free- agency is running back Darren Sproles, who the Niners have been rumored to be heavily interested in. Sproles not only will provide the team with a home run threat at the returner position he will also give them a change of pace running back to compliment Frank Gore's down-hill running style.
The San Deigo Charges tendered Sproles, so if the Niners sign him they will have to give the Chargers a first and third round draft pick. GM Scott McCloughan is unlikely to make that move because the team will most likely have the chance to draft Clemson's C.J. Spiller or Cal Berkley’s Jahvid Best with one of their two first round picks. Both running backs have elite speed and return skills.
The Niners will make offers for Peppers simply because he plays a position of need and he also is one of the best defensive players in NFL in the prime of his career. The club could also be shopping for cornerbacks on the open market. Apart from that do not expect the team to be big spenders like they have been in previous years.
My Next Article will analyze the draft needs and possible draft pick scenarios of the San Francisco 49ers.
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