| Ashok Ayyar. 24th March, 2006 - 3:04 pm
 Additions:
WR Antonio Bryant, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. A four year agreement for $15 million. Bryant is 25 and more physically complete than Lloyd, though he lacks the jaw-dropping aspect.
OG Larry Allen. This one makes sense—10 years ago. The 34 yr old former Cowboy adds depth.
Subtractions:
WR Brandon Lloyd to the Washington Redskins. The Redskins traded a 2006 3rd rounder and a 2007 4th rounder for one of the sweetest pair of hands in the league.
DE Andre Carter, to the Redskins. He signed a six year deal worth $30 M.
LB Julian Peterson to the Seahawks. Peterson cost too much, agreeing to a seven year deal worth $55 M. He was all but gone since December. Though coming off an injury-plagued season, Peterson is one of the most versatile linebackers in football. His many talents will be missed.
CB Ahmed Plummer, released. A former 1st round pick from Ohio State, Plummer has only played in 9 games the last two seasons. His loss leaves the secondary dangerously thin.
WR Johnnie Morton, released.
Another losing season.
As the free agent market dwindles, the 49ers have added no one of note and have instead lost their best talent. It’s simple math, really, and it’s what happens when you don’t have a GM.
Once upon a time, the Niners were the premiere free agent destination in the league. Now, the team can’t seem to attract a qualified GM, nor marquee free agents.
The ownership of the York family has cast a dark cloud on this once proud franchise. As proof, Forbes’ 2005 valuation ranks the Niners as 26th in value among 32 NFL teams. That’s below the Bengals, Saints, Lions, and the Texans. If that doesn’t motivate the Yorks, what will?
To add insult to injury, the Cowboys signed former Niner star Terrell Owens. Aside from the initial shock—as a Niner, TO celebrated a touchdown at midfield in Texas Stadium—fans should expect a monster season from the nonpareil receiver, painfully reminding 49er fans of what they have sorely lacked in his absence: someone good enough to stick it to Dallas. |
