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The 49ers plan to kick the tires on Arizona cornerback Eric Green, a third-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2005. Green is due into 49ers headquarters tomorrow, according to his agent. The Florida native visited the Dolphins Wednesday and the Titans today.

Green has had mixed results in Arizona. He started 11 games in 2007 and seemed to be securing himself as a permanent starter. Last season, however, he lost his starting job to rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Green attributed his struggles early in the season to nagging calf and knee injuries.

If the 49ers somehow landed Green, they would have one of the deepest cornerback corps of any team in the league. Nate Clements and Walt Harris are the starters. Shawntae Spencer has starting experience and Tarell Brown seemed to be progressing nicely late last season. The team also spent a third-round draft pick on Reggie Smith. Marcus Hudson, a sixth-round pick in 2006, was on the bubble last year and needs to make a splash this summer. He also could be moved to safety, where he practiced occasionally last year.

FA update: New Orleans, Green Bay, Chicago, Minnesota, New England, Carolina, Detroit, San Francisco and now ... Cincinnati. J.T. O'Sullivan is now the No. 2 for the Bengals, a good spot for him. The next time the 49ers play the Bengals is 2011 ...

-- Matt Barrows

Alex Smith is due back from his honeymoon later this week, and at that point the 49ers' fuzzy quarterback situation should get into focus. With Smith on the far side of the world, contract negotiations have been difficult. When he gets back, there will be roughly two weeks to rework his contract before the 49ers hold their first minicamp. The 49ers will not allow Smith to participate in the camp under his current contract.

The first question is whether Smith, who had surgery in late October to have a nettlesome piece of bone removed from his shoulder, would be able to participate in the minicamp anyway. The answer is, yes. Smith's throwing arm was not yet back to normal when he left for his honeymoon, but it was progressing nicely. The 49ers have little doubt his throwing arm will be back to full strength. The fracture that occurred just before the season had nothing to do with the mechanics of his shoulder. Now that the offending piece of bone has been removed, Smith no longer has the pain he experienced last summer and his confidence has grown. Smith also has grown. I hear he's at 225 pounds.

Smith must rework his contract in order to remain with the 49ers. Both sides believe that will ultimately happen, but there is still enough doubt to make the 49ers uneasy. The 49ers would have liked to have had resolved Smith's contract by the start of free agency and before Smith left on his honeymoon. What kind of leverage does Smith, who hasn't played in a meaningful game for a year and a half, have? For one, the 49ers only have two quarterbacks - Shaun Hill and Damon Huard - who are certain to take part in the March minicamp, and recent actions suggest the 49ers don't have full confidence in Hill.

It's also likely that other teams would take a run at Smith if the 49ers are forced to release him. Which teams? This is purely a guess at this point, but Tampa Bay was interested in Smith in 2005 and they have plenty of questions at quarterback. Bill Parcells liked Smith coming out of college, and the Dolphins certainly have room for another QB. Scott Linehan knows Smith and tried to recruit him at Louisville. Linehan could use a quarterback or two in Detroit. (Rumor alert: I'm hearing that the reason Linehan turned down the 49ers' OC job was because he balked at the 49ers' insistence that he commit to multiple years).

And what about the 49ers' leverage? They've made no secret that they want Smith back, but Scot McCloughan also has said that he won't let Smith's contract override the best interest of the team. If the negotiations with Smith's agent drag on, look for the 49ers to bring in another veteran quarterback. The best one out there should be familiar to 49ers fans - Jeff Garcia. Garcia turned 39 last month, but he had a delayed start in the NFL and has played only 10 full seasons. He finished 2008 in Tampa Bay with a 90.2 passer rating, the third straight season he has been above 90 in that category. There also would be a nice bit of poetry in someone beginning and ending his career in the same spot.

-- Matt Barrows

World-wind Wednesday concluded with the 49ers signing a defensive end a veteran quarterback not named Kurt Warner , and the revelation by Warner of a burning-bush moment telling him 45 minutes into Monday's 49ers courtship to take $7 million less and stay in Arizona. The team was also excoriated...

Admit it. You're thinking about it, mulling the possibility over in your mind. But before you even ask, the answer is no. Terrell Owens would be an awful fit for the 49ers. Yes, they need a No. 1 receiver and yes, Mike Singletary certainly has the guts and the gravitas to stand up to a prima donna. But that's far outweighed by the 49ers relatively youthful locker room, its inexperience at quarterback and its new devotion to the running game. Owens complained mightily that he didn't get the ball enough in the Cowboys' wide-open offense. How would he react in a run-first offense? Singletary is trying to make the 49ers into a family. Adding the biggest me-first player in the game would dismantle everything the 49ers are trying to build. So why are you still thinking about it?

Ok, you're right. The 49ers could stand to add a veteran receiver, especially if Isaac Bruce decides he doesn't want to be a 49er next year. A better option than Owens might be another St. Louis Ram, Torry Holt, who today asked St. Louis to release him. Holt is three years younger than Owens, he hasn't missed more than two games since 2002 and you have to believe he'd love to play against his soon-to-be former team twice a season. Feel better now?

*UPDATE* I know Scot McCloughan said on KNBR this morning that the 49ers don't close the door on any player, including Owens. However, the team is privately saying that the door is, in fact, closed. With a padlock. And a "keep out" sign. Who else has Michael Vick deja vu?

-- Matt Barrows

Demetric Evans left the Bay Area Wednesday morning. By the end of the day, he had agreed to terms with the 49ers. Evans (6-4, 284) is listed as a defensive tackle but he actually ended up playing a lot of defensive end for the Redskins last season when Phillip Daniels went down with an injury this past season. The Redskins wanted to retain Evans, but as is usually the case in Washington, the team didn't have enough room under the salary cap to do so. Look for Evans to challenge last year's first-round pick, Kentwan Balmer, for the starting spot at left defensive end and for Isaac Sopoaga to slide inside to nose tackle.

When it comes to free agency, the 49ers closely study teams that don't have a lot of room under the salary cap. The theory is that those teams often have to give up better players than the ones being discarded by teams with cap space. As a result, the 49ers' often are studying up on the Redskins' roster. Perhaps the best example of this is Walt Harris, who was acquired in free agency after the Redskins released him in 2006.

By the way, I'm watching the classic 49ers-Packers "The Catch II" playoff game on NFL Network. Don't tell me how it turns out ...

-- Matt Barrows

Before Damon Huard and Mark Roman start stealing the headlines, a final post about Warner Watch, which reached its merciful end today when Warner signed on the dotted line in Arizona ...

One interpretation of this saga - and the one I'm sure the 49ers favor - is that it showed the team is willing to do anything to improve. They gave it the old college try. They saw an opportunity and decided that in one fell swoop, they could alter the balance of the precarious NFC West. The worst that could happen is that the Cardinals end up paying more than they would have liked for an aging and injury-prone quarterback. Which is how things turned out.

Or you could argue that the 49ers were naïve. From the beginning, this seemed like a transparent attempt to squeeze more money out of the Cardinals, and the 49ers played along. They were the stooge forking over $5 in a game of three-card monte. The 49ers have been linked to everyone from Lance Briggs to Michael Vick in recent seasons. They were docked a fifth-round pick last year. What is the common thread here?

Mere hours after the Warners were in Santa Clara, Warner's agent faxed a contract proposal to the Cardinals that was less than the 49ers were wiling to pay. Usually, the con works like this: Player feels no love from Team A. So he flirts with Team B and Team A ends up increasing its offer. The Warner tale went like this: Player flirts with Team B and then goes running back to Team A. Then he tells everyone that he knew he didn't want to be a 49er a mere 45 into the visit. On the heels of Scott Linehan - and perhaps Dan Reeves and Rob Chudzinski - rejecting the 49ers, this isn't exactly a public relations home run.

The 49ers' front office also is sending mixed messages. Before free agency began, there was a vow from the team that they would not make a big splash in free agency. They were a team that builds through the draft and uses its salary-cap cushion to extend its own players. Telling Warner's agent that they were willing to meet his demands - something around the $30 million mark -- for the 37-year-old is not exactly sticking to that message.

The 49ers essentially showed their cards to everyone sitting at the table. Though they've been hinting at this since the end of the season, the brief, one-sided courtship of Kurt Warner essentially announced that they don't have faith in Shaun Hill and that they need another quarterback. That's not a great message to send to Hill or to season-ticket holders: Come watch the 49ers and Shaun Hill, the guy we have lukewarm feelings about. The 49ers are trying to negotiate with Tom Condon about lowering Alex Smith's contract. The Warner wooing tells Condon the 49ers need Smith. So much for leverage.

And what if the 49ers had somehow landed Warner? He's a great quarterback, someone who warrants hall-of-fame consideration. But some observers (see: me) wonder how much better he would have been than Hill in the 49ers' offense. I keep thinking of that gutsy, helmet-less play Hill made on Monday night. There's no way Warner comes within 30 yards of making that play. At 37, the guy has the agility of the Tin Man. He couldn't buy enough time to throw a hail Mary in the Super Bowl. He takes the bulk of his snaps in Arizona in the shotgun. He would have had real difficulties under center in San Francisco, and you have to wonder how healthy he'd be behind a line that has put up double nickel sack numbers the last two seasons. I knew that. You knew that. Kurt knew that. And he knew it all along.

-- Matt Barrows

Interesting item from The Sporting News' Albert Breer. The 49ers have given safety Mark Roman permission to seek a trade. The 49ers have been open about wanting to upgrade at the position. Mike Singletary said as much at his end-of-season press conference. The problem for the 49ers -- and a benefit for Roman -- is that this is a down year for free safeties in both free agency and the draft.

Roman's agent, Albert Elias, said that the process of shopping Roman only began today. "This is the very early stages and teams are just getting the information about him," Elias said. Elias said that the shopping process could extend through the draft. He said that if it gets to June and Roman hasn't found a home, he'd return to San Francisco. "He doesn't want to leave," Elias said. "He'd like to stay with the 49ers. But he wants to be a starter."

Elias said that Singletary was up front with Roman about having Roman in a backup role this year, presumably to third-year player Dashon Goldson. "They were honest with me and with him and to their credit, they were accommodating in allowing Mark to test the market," Elias said.

-- Matt Barrows

Damon Huard passed his physical and was officially signed this afternoon. The 49ers now will have at least two quarterbacks when they assemble for their first minicamp later this month. Whether they have a third, Alex Smith, depends on if the team can re-sign Alex Smith before the camp begins. The 49ers have said they have not been in contact with Smith recently because he was recently married and on his honeymoon. (What? Did Tom Condon join the happy couple?) At this point, the two sides are not believed to be close, although that could change quickly as other teams solidify their quarterback position.

Also, linebacker Takeo Spikes officially signed his two-year deal. Of all of the 49ers' own free agents, Spikes was the one the team really needed back. As I've written before, the 49ers have struck out several times in trying to develop a young linebacker to play next to Patrick Willis. Spikes filled that role well last season, but the 49ers still could stand to bring in a young linebacker either through free agency or the draft.

-- Matt Barrows

Quarterbacks are like taxi cabs -- if you miss one, don't worry, there'll be another along soon. Such is the case for the 49ers, who entertained Damon Huard, 35, today at team headquarters. Huard entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He has played for the Bengals, Dolphins, Patriots and, most recently, the Chiefs, who acquired Matt Cassel this week.

Huard has started 27 games over his career, including three last season in Kansas City. His most prolific season came in 2007 when he completed 206 of 332 attempts for 2,257 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and a 76.8 passer rating. Huard had one of his best games (thanks, bsawyer) against the 49ers in 2006. He was an efficient 18 of 23 for 208 yards, two touchdowns and a 133.3 passer rating in the 41-0 route in Kansas City. If the 49ers signed Huard, it would not rule out the team signing another free agent and/or selecting a quarterback in the April draft.

In other free agency news, J.T. O'Sullivan is getting a hard look from the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Bengals sign him, you gotta believe that O'Sullivan would be able to edge out Carson's bro, Jordan, to become the No. 2 in Cincy. Good luck to UC Davis' finest ...

-- Matt Barrows

The ending everyone and their brother saw coming before this movie (bad romantic comedy?) was minutes old has finally played out: Kurt Warner and the Cardinals have agreed to terms on a two-year deal for $23 million, $19 million of it guaranteed, according to agent Mark Bartelstein. Warner has yet to sign on the dotted line, but the expectation is that he will do so later today. The contract is essentially the one Bartelstein faxed to the Cardinals hours after Warner and wife, Brenda, were wined and dined by the 49ers.

Bartelstein said that the $23 million is signficantly less than what the 49ers were willing to pay, although the 49ers never made a formal offer. "The 49ers and I talked conceptually about things, about the range we wanted to be in," Bartelstein said.

Bartelstein added: "I didn't feel right getting into specifics with them until Kurt was ready to pull the trigger. I didn't want them to feel used. ... I really do respect that the 49ers handled this in a first-class way. They really gave a good presentation and gave Kurt something to think about." Note: Warner didn't spend very long ruminating over this. The Warners flew back that night and Bartelstein faxed an offer to the Cardinals the next morning.

In fact, the last two free-agent visitors to Santa Clara have left town without signing a deal with the 49ers. Defensive tackle Demetric Evans flew back to the Washington D.C. area this morning and now must decide between the Redskins and the 49ers. As a Redskin, Evans would line up next two Albert Haynesworth (read: no double teams) and continue to play defensive tackle. For the 49ers, Evans likely would play left defensive end in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme. His responsibilities would be similar to those of a 3-4 4-3 tackle. Another DT-DE the 49ers were eyeing, Kenny Peterson, has decided to remain with the Broncos. No other free-agent visits are scheduled at this time.

-- Matt Barrows

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports that Kurt Warner's agent has faxed the Cardinals a new contract proposal - one that is worth less than what the 49ers have offered. According to Somers, Warner and agent Mark Bartelstein are proposing a 2-year, $23 million deal that includes $12 million in guarantees. Warner also has told the Cardinals that he would sacrifice $1 million in each year of the deal if the team re-signed receiver Anquan Boldin to a restructured deal.

The $23 million doesn't seem very far from the $20 million deal the team reportedly offered initially. The initial offer called for $10 million guaranteed. The new proposal asks for $12 million and makes it more difficult for the Cardinals to release Warner in the second year of the contract. I don't know about you, but this doesn't seem like a very big gap, especially for a quarterback who was in the Super Bowl a month ago. The $23 million total also is significantly lower than the $28 million to $32 million Warner was reportedly seeking.

So if the Cardinals accept this offer, how do the 49ers come out looking? Not good. They were effectively used to determine a market value for Warner, and according to Bartelstein, the new proposal is below that value. One of the rationales for hosting Warner was that at the very least it would force the Cardinals to up their offer and would mess with their salary cap. But if, at the end of the day, the Cardinals have Warner under wraps at a salary not dramatically different than the one they were offering, and they also have Boldin on board for the long term, it all seems to work out very well for the Super Bowl runner-ups....

Demetric Evans currently is at team headquarters. He's going through the usual routine for a free-agent visitor: arrive at the facility, quick hello, physical at Stanford, chat with Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan and - if all of that goes well - a contract offer. Evans played DT tackle for the Redskins but projects as a left defensive end for the 49ers. Of the two players currently penciled in at LDE for the 49ers - Isaac Sopoaga and Kentwan Balmer - Sopoaga is more apt to move back to nose tackle. Last year, however, defensive line coach moved Sopoaga from nose tackle to defensive end and Sopoaga is on record as saying he prefers that position to nose tackle.

-- Matt Barrows

Kurt Warner's stretch Range Rover just pulled out of the 49ers facility, presumably to deliver the free-agent quarterback at a restaurant where he will have dinner with coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot McCloughan. Warner Watch has ended. Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said that Warner and wife, Brenda, would spend the night in Santa Clara and fly back to the Phoenix area tomorrow morning. "He's going to think about it," Bartelstein said.

McCloughan left before Warner did and was nice enough to stop for reporters. Here's what he had to say:

Is there a time table?
Not yet. As a matter of fact, we're going to meet tonight.

Will Kurt return to the Phoenix area tonight?
Maybe. Maybe. It's still a work in progress.

On today's meeting:
His physical came back good. That's the biggest thing from our standpoint.

On what he felt about Warner in general.
He's a very classy guy. Very classy. And that's a reason he's been so succesful in his career, the way he carries himself. Yeah, it's been good.

On progress of discussions:
Like I said, it's still up in the air. We're very excited he's willing to come visit and possibly be a 49er.

On whether signing Warner would close the door on Alex Smith.
No. No. As a matter of fact, at that position we're trying to add as much good talent as we can because you can't have enough. No doors are ever closed. We're trying to get better.

Are you having dinner with him tonight?
Possibly. Possibly.

Jed York also stopped to chat. He said he stopped in to say "hi" to Warner today and might meet up with him again tonight. He said he would not get involved in the negotiations with the quarterback. "Scot and Mike -- it's their deal." Said York of Warner: "Great guy. Not just from today personally but seeing him over the last 10 or so years. He's a class act."

-- Matt Barrows

So, it's on. With the bull-headed Cardinals letting Kurt Warner slip into the free agency, the 49ers have a shot at stealing a potential Hall of Fame quarterback away from their chief rival. It could work. Obviously, the 49ers have a desire to sign him, and they have $26 million of cap space in...

I arrived at 49ers HQ a few minutes ago (9: 51 a.m.) to find a 22-foot black Range Rover with driver parked in front of the building. It was then moved to the back entrance where pesky reporters don't have access. I can tell you it's not for Demetric Evans. The Redskins free-agent DE-DT is delayed by the snow storm that has blanketed the east coast. He won't be in until tomorrow. Moran Norris is due in to sign his contract today. But you don't rent a stretch limo for a 30-something fullback. Meanwhile, the 49ers are being very mysterioso ... Stay tuned ...

10:58 a.m. The mysterious black limo pulled up to the 49ers' building, the driver got out and waited with his umbrella. The odd thing is, no one got in and then the limo rolled away ... We are now awaiting its arrival, presumably with Kurt and Brenda Warner aboard ...

11:52 a.m. The limo just rolled in and we watched the driver escort a blond woman -- Brenda? -- to the door. I thought she was taller ... There's a metal gate that prevents anyone from entering the back parking lot. The view through the gate didn't allow us to see the other side of the car, so I did not actually see Brenda's husband with my own eyes. I'm told he's in the building and that he will be going through the same process any free-agent visitor goes through -- chat with Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan, physical with the team doctors, etc. ...

12:33 p.m. In the interest on full disclosure ... between the limo departing the 49ers' facility and arriving back again, three of us engaged in the world's most inept chase scene to the airport. Popeye Doyle it was not. We figured it would be easy to tail a 22-foot limo in the rain to the airport. Ah, but which airport? The limo gave us the slip at the light. And while we scoured San Jose International Airport (home of the never-ending construction project) for someone waiting with a handwritten "Kurt Warner" placard, the limo was at San Jose Jet Center. So much for the Yorks being cheapskates. They didn't buy the Warners "Anytime" tickets on Southwest. They flew them in a private jet. .. It's your move, Bidwills ...

1:18 p.m. Quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson just rolled into his parking spot. Must mean there's a quarterback somewhere on the premises ...

1:33 p.m. Not the big news you're waiting for, but ... Moran Norris is in the building.

1:49 p.m. SF Gate's John Crumpacker reports that Warner is currently at Stanford Hospital getting his physical. Warner has had pinky (2000), hand (2002), concussion (2003), hand (2004), groin, MCL (2005) and elbow (2007) injuries in the past, so the physical is not a routine event.

2:36 p.m. THERE'S BEEN A SIGNING!!!!!!! Yeah, fullback Moran Norris finally inked his name to his three-year contract. He'll be talking in a matter of minutes ...(Sorry, couldn't resist)

2:46 p.m. Moran Norris is officially back in the fold. Norris, of course, lost his job to Zak Keasey last summer. Now that Jimmy Raye has taken over the offense, it looks like the roles are reversed -- Norris is in, Keasey needs to be a special teams dynamo to make the team. Asked about the offense, Norris said: "They really didn't say. But I know they're looking for a fullback who will go in and stick their nose in there." He said he's scheduled to meet with Raye later today. Meanwhile, Warner Watch continues ...

3:09 p.m. Let's talk receivers. As of now, the only receivers on the 49ers roster who have started a game - and one of them has exactly one start - are ARNAZ BATTLE, Brandon Jones, Jason Hill and Josh Morgan. If the 49ers were to somehow land Warner, you would think that would be enough to coax Isaac Bruce back into the fold. Meanwhile, the Rams are reportedly shopping Torry Holt. They haven't approached the 49ers yet, but with Warner on the roster, that would be a logical team to start with ...

4:07 p.m. Kurt Warner just arrived back from a loooong physical at Stanford. Trainer Jeff Ferguson was behind the wheel of their vehicle but did not stop to allow Warner to talk to reporters. As they paused at the security gate, Warner mouthed the words -- good naturedly, of ourse -- "I'm not talking." He is now set to meet with Mike SIngletary and Scot McCloughan.

6 p.m. Warner Watch has ended. The free-agent QB met with offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye and quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson late this afternoon. Then his stretch Range Rover whisked him away, presumably to a hotel and then to dinner with McCloughan and Singletary. To read more about the tentative game plan, click here.

03022009096 from http://sparrow280.vox.com/

-- Matt Barrows

I spoke with Kurt Warner's agent a couple of minutes ago, and he said that nothing has changed between the Cardinals and his client since news broke yesterday that Warner had scheduled a Monday visit with the 49ers. Which probably means that the Cardinals think Warner's bluffing and that it will soon be time for Warner to lay his - ahem -- cards on the table. Agent Mark Bartelstein has never mentioned the 49ers specifically, at least not to me. But he insists that he is in discussions about Warner with more than one team. "We're going to visit some people and we're just going to leave it at that," Bartelstein said. "I've told the teams that I wouldn't mention them by name."

Cross Chris Canty off your free-agent want list. The big - 6-7 - defensive lineman will sign a six-year, $42 million deal with the Giants, who are trying to keep pace with the free-spending Redskins. The 49ers, meanwhile, will host Redskins free agent DE-DT Demetric Evans tomorrow. They also have shown interest in Broncos free agent DT-DE Kenny Peterson.

The 49ers will need to add a third tight end at some point, but it is not currently a free-agent priority. The players they are considering include Billy Bajema, Cowboys free agent Tony Curtis and Browns free agent Darnell Dinkins.

-- Matt Barrows

Question: Out of curiosity, was Bryant Johnson considered deficient as a blocker? I'm looking at the "new BJ's" size and stats that come with a bigger contract, and in four seasons he's only had one catch for more than 40 yards, and one season with more than 40 catches. Reportedly, he has better speed to stretch the field...but if Shaun Hill is fluttering it to him, does it matter past 30 yards? Has to be that Hill will be replaced with a bigger arm for sure, or Jones is a better blocker.
Mike, Montclair. NJ

Answer: You're hitting multiple nails on their heads. I think speed is the underlying factor here. Brandon Jones has more of it than Bryant Johnson. Remember back in 2007 when the Ravens D-coord asked Mike Nolan why the 49ers didn't play Ashley Lelie? Lelie isn't a great WR, but because he was so fast, his mere presence scared defenses. The 49ers must make sure they have enough speed on the outside so that teams don't stack the box like they did in 2007. ... Now can Shaun Hill make enough downfield plays where that speed becomes effective? That's what the 49ers are asking themselves. That his deep passes tend to flutter is the only thing that keeps from nailing down the starting job and it's what gives life to all these add-a-quarterback - Vick, Sanchez, Warner, oh my! - stories. I hope Hill's doing 50-pound preacher curls right now...
- Matt

Question: I just read on profootball.com that Jay Cutler may be on the trading block. The 9ers need to get in on some of that. I would rather have Cutler than Warner. Do whatever it takes to get Cutler if the Broncos are stupid enough to get rid of him. I'm not sure how much juice 49ers have in a trade. After all, Denver picks right behind them.
Martin, Fort Worth

Answer: I gotta say - I'm also surprised the Broncos were dangling Cutler, who has been - by far - the best of that ballyhooed group of 2006 QBs. Josh McDaniel must have been smitten by Matt Cassel in New England. ... That being said, now that Cassel is off the market, I doubt Cutler's going anywhere.
- Matt

Question: What's the deal with the Chiefs getting Matt Cassel from the Pats at the grand ole cost of a second round draft pick? If that's all it took to get a (seemingly) good QB why didn't we go there? Isn't a 2nd round draft pick a deal compared to paying the 10-12 million Kurt Warner would reportedly go for? What gives??? I thought Cassel was going to go for big bucks, the fact that he didn't and the fact that we didn't go there is really annoying. ps- I vote for Vick over Warner.
Caitlin, SF

Answer: Yes, it seems like the Patriots wanted no part of a Top 5 pick. Maybe that says something about the quality at the top of the draft this year. The Patriots looked at who would be available at the Chiefs' No. 3 and thought - gee, we'd have to pay an awful lot for that guy. The Patriots are more comfortable at the end of the first round and beginning of the second. Watch - they'll draft someone like Brian Robiskie or Connor Barwin and he'll be a perennial Pro Bowler. Dunno why the 49ers didn't jump on that trade. Maybe the Chiefs' second rounder was more appealing. Maybe Cassel felt comfortable with Pioli rebuilding the team. Maybe Pioli has better phone numbers.
- Matt

Question: Do you think a Warner/Boldin package is out of the realm of possibility? Don't the 49ers have enough cap space? Isn't this something that the 49ers have to seriously consider?
Kyle, Lake Stevens, WA

Answer: Boldin is not a free agent like Warner. He's still under contract with the Cardinals, which means that negotiation with him would lead to the "T" word and a loss of a draft pick.
- Matt

Question: Hey Matt love the Blog. Do you know if the Niners plan on getting a solid nose tackle either in Free Agency or the draft? Aubrayo Franklin is not the answer since I've rarely seen him eat up more than one blocker and the key to a successful 3-4 is a plug the middle type of nose tackle. Isaac moves around too much to be one so who is the answer? Do you know if the Niners were looking at the Boston College guys at the combine? Thanks
Steve, Bend, OR

Answer: There are still some solid NTs on the market, but the 49ers' approach thus far has been to add to the defensive end position. If that happens, I would assume they would move Sopoaga - or maybe even Kentwan Balmer - from left defensive end to nose tackle. I'm sure the 49ers were looking at B.J. Raji and Ron Brace, but I still think it will be an OT at pick No. 10.
- Matt

Question: Hey Matt, since the 49ers are bringing back players they once cut, do you think the 49ers would be interested in bring back Kwame Harris? The knock on him was his pass protection but he was an above average run blocker. Since the 49ers are going to be a running team, it may be a good idea to give him another look and he will probably come cheap
Teddy, Kenner, La.

Answer: I hear ya, Teddy, but is Kwame any better overall than Barry Sims or Adam Snyder, two guys already under contract?
- Matt

Question: Quick question. How exactly does an "uncapped year" work? Does that mean that next year there will be no limit to how much each team can spend on players? If That's the case, then two more questions; What's going to stop Daniel Snyder and Jerry Jones from paying $200 million per free agent and not leaving anybody out there, and if there's no limit next year, why are the Niners holding off this year? This might be a simple question but I'd appreciate an answer. Thanks in advance.
Carlos, Hayward

Answer: Yes - an uncapped year means teams can spend as much as they want or as little as they want. That's why the 49ers are so intent on getting their own soon-to-become free agents locked down to deals this year. ... I have no doubt that the Redskins and Cowboys will outspend everyone else in an uncapped year. But they've been the biggest spenders in recent years and it hasn't bought them a championship. I think there's a big risk in assembling a collection of superstars who might not be as motivated because they've already landed massive contracts. The crappy economy also might serve as a de facto "cap."
- Matt

Through the wonders of free agency, the 49ers just swapped a B. Johnson for a B. Jones. Bryant Johnson took his chronically unrealized potential to Detroit, where he signed a three-year deal. Meanwhile, the 49ers signed former Titan Brandon Jones to a five-year, $16.5 million contract with...

Here are some between-the-lines thoughts with nearly two days of free agency in the books:

1. I think Matt Cassel going to the Chiefs is a bit of a blow to the 49ers because now one of the teams at the top of the draft - Detroit is the other - that was without a starting quarterback no longer needs one. It would be great news if the 49ers have their eye on either Matt Stafford or Matt Sanchez. But I don't think they do, raising the chances that another player they liked at pick No. 10 will be taken ahead of them.




2. Speaking of pick No. 10, you have to believe that the 49ers would really like it to be an offensive tackle. They showed no interest in any of the top tackles in free agency over the last two days. As a result, I'd expect Andre Smith and even Michael Oher to appear at No. 10 in a lot of the mock drafts that start popping up like so many annoying dandelions. (Stay tuned for Barrows Mock 1.0).
3. No, Brandon Jones isn't the second coming of Terrell Owens. But he gives a bare-boned receiving corps a bit of depth. Jones started seven games last season, which is more than double the starts that Josh Morgan and Jason Hill have in their careers ... combined. Jones was injured and inconsistent over the first three years of his career in Tennessee. He did not live up to his third-round status. But the word out of Tennessee is that he began to turn things around last season and was one of the few bright spots in the Titans' passing game. The question is whether the 49ers are catching Jones on his way up or whether they were fooled by someone playing in his contract year.
4. Where will Jones play? That remains up in the air and is influenced by several factors, especially Isaac Bruce's status in 2009 and whom the 49ers draft in April. My guess, though, is that the 49ers would love to get Jones and Morgan on the field at the same time. Both have the ability to get open deep, and doing so is essential for springing Frank Gore and the running game. (See: 2007 offense). Morgan played split end last season, which means the 49ers might put Jones at flanker or "z." That also would allow Hill to continue to work at slot where he looked very sharp at the end of 2008.
5. The 49ers' personnel department asks two questions before free agency begins. 1.) Who are the best players available? 2.) Do they fit our team? Chris Canty elicits double-scored, bold-italics YES's to both. At 6-7, 300 pounds, Canty is a prototypical defensive end in a 3-4 scheme who would pair nicely with Justin Smith. If the 49ers somehow landed him - he also is being pursued by Seattle, Green Bay and the Giants - I would imagine Isaac Sopoaga would swing back over to nose tackle and Kentwan Balmer would continue to develop behind Canty at left defensive end.
6. The signings of Jones and Allen Rossum have led to a sobering realization ... the dream of landing Percy Harvin might be dead. Ah, but where one dream dies, another rises up. Scot McCloughan said he wanted to bring in TWO quality receivers this offseason. How about Ohio State's Brian Robiskie in the second round? ...If he lasts that long ...
7. By the way, still not buying the Kurt Warner-to-49ers talk, but it certainly doesn't hurt the 49ers to negotiate with Warner's agents. Doing so 1.) Increases Warner's asking price, further depleting a division rival's salary cap, 2.) creates friction between Warner and the Cardinals and 3.) puts more pressure on Alex Smith to sign his own reworked contract. The 49ers certainly would gain if Warner left Arizona for San Francisco. But they'd also benefit if Warner threw up his hands and retired.

-- Matt Barrows

****update**** Pro Football Talk is reporting that WR Bryant Johnson has agreed to a three-year deal with the Lions. That means that Johnson will be running routes for Scott Linehan after all.

Wearing a Titans-blue sweater and a New York Yankees cap, a smiling Brandon Jones dropped by the media trailer after signing a five-year, $16.5 million contract. Jones said he hasn't been told his exact role, but was assured by coach Mike Singletary that he has a chance to compete. Jones said he was willing to do a little of everything, but the 49ers likely will ask him to go deep quite often. Asked if he still has the 4.38 speed he had before the 2005 combine, Jones -- who tore an ACL later that year -- said no, he's gotten faster.

"I came back better than ever," said Jones, who weighed in at 208 pounds at last night's physical. "I've never felt better. They say you can come back from an ACL either slower or faster. I came back faster. I came back in a short period of time and was ready to play the next year."

The light blue sweater likely was from force of habit. The Yankees hat? Jones was drafted by the Yankees out of high school as a center fielder and he actually played college baseball for two years before committing to football. I admit I'm a bit obsessed with this idea, but I have a theory that former baseball players -- especially outfielders -- make excellent DBs and WRs because they are used to tracking moving ojects, moreover small moving objects, while on the run.

Is it strange to be on an entirely new team so quickly?
BJ: Man, it is. The process is strange how you're in one day and out the next. It's how it is. I love it. I'm blessed, fortunate to me here. I'm ready to start playing, to be a 49er. I'm going to go home (to Texarcana, TX) to deal with my family and soak all of this process in. It's been tough to swallow, but it's unvelievable. And I'm excited.

What do you think you bring to this team?
BJ: I bring a deep threat. I bring a possession guy, a guy who can get out there on the perimeter and block. We have a great running game here, and it always helps. I bring physicalness. I want to go out there and work as hard as I can and give it all I got.

What was it like meeting with Mike Singletary?
BJ: At first I thought he was a real tough-nosed guy. And you can tell he is. But after talking to him, you know that he wants it. His will to win -- you know, the fire in his eyes that makes you want to play for a guy like that. I've always heard that players love to play for him and they play hard for him. Just meeting him at breakfast. It just let's you know, you get a feel for it, to want to play for a guy because he wants to win, he wants to get this thing going in the right direction. And so does the GM, so it's going to be great coming out here playing for a coach like that, and I can't wait to start.

Did they talk about your role in the offense?
BJ: No, not exactly. He basically told me I'm going to have a chance to compete. And that's all I'm here for. I mean, that's all I want -- an opportunity to go out and compete. That's what this game is about. There are a lot of talented players on the roster at receiver, but I just want to have a chance to compete, go out there, be in practice. Nothing's going to be given to you. He told me that. Nothing's going to be given to you and I wouldn't appreciate it if it was, and my mom certainly wouldn't appreciate it if it was given to me. So, I'm certainly prepared.

Why do you think your best days are ahead of you as an NFL player?
BJ: I'm young. I haven't reached my full potential. I've been in an offense that doesn't throw the ball as much. I've made the best of my opportunities when we did throw the ball. So I'm ready just to elevate and step up my game and be showcased, get the ball more, get more opportunities. That's what I've been looking forward to. I know my best days are ahead of me.

Are you back to where you were (pre ACL) physically?
BJ: Oh, definitely. I feel more than 100 precent. My body feels great. I went through last year not having any (injury problems). That's what this league is about. If you stay healthy, you can do things out there on the field. I'm not worried as far as my play-making abilities. I'm going to go out there and make plays. It's all about being blessed and being fortunate to stay healthy and getting your body right to stay on the field because that's how you get better.

How were you used last year in Tennessee?
BJ: I was used more in the third wide-receiver role -- second and three. And third down a lot. Because at Tennessee, you run the ball a lot. Run, run, run. And then we passed. So when it was time to make those plays, when you're down and you need throw the ball, that's when you get used. That's all you can do, do your job in the offense. You know, you would love to call the plays and get a pass play every down. But that's not how it works.

Singletary has said he wants to run the ball. How does that fit with what you want to do?
BJ: It fits in great. That's how you win ball games. And if you don't have a run game, if you don't have a power running game, there's not too many ball games you're going to win. You can't be one dimensional. And I'm going to fit in because, I mean, in Tennessee, that's what I've been a part of. Even in college, being part of a great running game because you have to get out there on the perimeter to block. Once you're out there blocking and you have those guys like Frank Gore that can run down the field. I mean, he can run as far as his blocks can take him, so I'm going to be that extra guy that blocks. ... I'm going to be part of the run game, not just part of the pass game. I'm going to be all around.

Re: Yankees cap. Did they draft you at one point?
BJ: Yes sir. They drafted me out of high school, and I decided to go to college. So I went to college, and I played baseball at college also. When I was taking trips, I had to decide between a football coach and a baseball coach, so it had to be a match of both. Played college baseball for 2 1/2 years, and then I made a decision to play football and am at a good point in my life.

What position were you in baseball?
BJ: Center field. ... And I could hit a curve ball, too. (Editor's note: take that, Melky Cabrera!)

-- Matt Barrows

Morning, Sunshine! Here's where the 49ers presently stand as far as free agency:

Agreed to terms: FB Moran Norris, KR Allen Rossum, LB Takeo Spikes. None of these guys have actually put their signature on their deals, so it might be a while before the team officially announces the signing.

In the building as of 9:45 a.m.: WR Brandon Jones. Jones, a free agent from Tennessee, had breakfast this morning with Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan. All signs are pointing to Jones signing a contract later this morning. If he does, we're hoping he stops by the media trailer to say hello. He reportedly has any afternoon flight out of town.

Coming to the building: According to MM, Washington free agent DT-DE Demetric Evans is due for a visit on Monday. The 49ers are eyeing several defensive ends and it's unknown how many of them they'd like to snag. Does this mean that Isaac Sopoaga and/or Kentwan Balmer will see time at nose tackle?

Showing interest in: DE Chris Canty is due for a visit next week. He would be the highest-rated of all the free agents discussed thus far. However, the Giants or Seattle could make him an offer he can't refuse. The team also is looking at Denver free agent DT-DE Kenny Peterson and Cowboys free agent TE Tony Curtis.

Not flying to Phoenix Sky Harbor to pow wow with QB Kurt Warner: Mike Singletary and Scot McCloughan.

-- Matt Barrows