49ers general manager Scot McCloughan still believes that he'll get first-round pick Michael Crabtree signed. "It'll get done," McCloughan told the San Francisco Chronicle. "What's three or four months on a five- or six-year contract?" The 49ers believe that if they get Crabtree signed before their season opener on Sept. 13, he'll be able to contribute right away. Crabtree is the only first-round pick left unsigned.

San Francisco punter Andy Lee hit the infamous video board in Dallas on Saturday night in warmups. Lee had a couple kicks that came close, but most of his 15 or so attempts didn't actually strike the board. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week that the boards don't have to be raised this season.

Eric Davis, a former 49ers cornerback and current television analyst in the bay area, says that rookie Michael Crabtree could sit out the 2009 season. "They feel as should they should get more than where they are slotted and that's going to be difficult to do. There's a certain system in place and the 49ers organization is going to stick to that system. It's going to be difficult to get anything worked out," Davis said. Davis, who knows people in Crabtree's camp, said the player and team are about $7 million apart on guaranteed money.

Alex Smith has lost the starting quarterback job in San Francisco to Shaun Hill, but he remains optimistic that he'll get a chance to prove himself this season. "The shot is going to come," said Smith. "The opportunity is going to come, the question is whether or not you're going to be ready for it. That's the kind of mind-set you have to have."

The 49ers have named Shaun Hill their starting quarterback heading into the 2009 season. "I like the consistency," Singletary told the Associated Press of Hill. "I think he has a commanding presence about him when he gets in the huddle. I think the guys have learned to rally around him and his leadership." Singletary made the announcement prior to Monday afternoon's practice session. "This was obviously the goal of mine coming into the offseason. That part was exciting," Hill said. "I know there is a lot of work yet to be done. I need to get better and this offense needs to get better. I definitely can't stop and smell the roses."

Shaun Hill is expected to be named the starting quarterback of the 49ers after Alex Smith failed to impress once again on Saturday night. Smith went 3-for-9 with an interception against the Raiders. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter last week that Smith was going to have to play very well to beat out Hill for the starting job. San Francisco coach Mike Singletary maintains that he won't decide on a starter until after the team's third preseason game next Saturday against Dallas. "I wanted to see both of them do more in the time they were in," Singletary told the Associated Press.

Hours after veteran cornerback Eric Green had his contract terminated by the Miami Dolphins, he agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, a league source said. Green has familiarity with the Niners having played in Arizona previously, and the belief is he will have an opportunity to make the team. San Francisco already added veteran Dre Bly after losing Walt Harris for the season.

49ers president Jed York fully expects the team to sign first-round pick Michael Crabtree. San Francisco's deadline to trade the unsigned wide receiver passed on Friday. Crabtree, the 10th overall pick, wants to receive a contract similar to some higher picks.

A highly placed NFL source said the contract stalemate between the 49ers and first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree will likely continue to at least the first game of the regular season. At that point, a continued absence by Crabtree would jeopardize potential game checks. The 49ers' front office declined comment Wednesday. Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, has said he will not negotiate through the media. Crabtree is believed to be seeking a contract commensurate with a higher pick. Parker has not discussed offers publicly. ESPN.com quoted Crabtree's cousin and adviser, David Wells, as citing the $38 million ($23.5 million guaranteed) given to No. 7 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. "Michael just wants fair market value," Wells told the Web site.

A source told the San Jose Mercury News that Michael Crabtree's contract stalemate with the 49ers could last until September. Crabtree will almost certainly sign, according to the source, but the agreement isn't likely to come until the days leading up to San Francisco's Sept. 13 opener.