SB Nation - David Carr

Golden Nuggets: Wondering if I missed a good thread...

Ninjames — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:32 -0000

Good news, everyone! I'm no longer sick, or at least, I'm to the point where I know when I wake up tomorrow I'll be feeling 100%, and I'm not going to knock on wood to reinforce such a notion. But anyway, to 49ers related stuff! I heard David Carr had a press conference with the media (seriously? Man I bet the thread was awesome) but I didn't get a chance to watch it or even read up on it, regardless of the fantastic coverage I'm sure we brought you here at Niners Nation because, well.. I've been sick, and when I get sick I'm completely dead to the world. The Nuggets the past three days has been probably all the interaction I've had with anything. Still, I should have plenty of links for you today, so I'll just get to them and stop updating you on my health.

Carr is relishing his chance with the 49ers. Make the best of it, Carr, but you won't ever be a starter with the 49ers. (SacBee.com)

He (Carr) definitely knows what he wants. (SFGate.com)

Carr also apparently admired the 49ers from afar. I doubt it. (49ers.com)

The Panthers nabbed CB Marcus Hudson for a one year deal. I won't miss the guy really, but he was a good player. Just not space anymore on the roster, I suppose. (SacBee.com)

Really going to miss Shaun Hill more than I thought I would. I don't know, he was a good guy and a good player. Here's a final interview. (PressDemocrat.com)

Singletary will not be attending Pacman Jones' workout. I hope the team does their due diligence regardless. (SacBee.com)

More Mailbag questions from Sando. (ESPN.com)

49ers QB David Carr Media Conference Transcript

Fooch — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:13:35 -0000

The 49ers officially signed David Carr earlier today, and officially completed the expected trade of Shaun Hill to the Detroit Lions. Since Carr is officially a member of the 49ers, he met with the media...finally! Many of you remember the epic press conference nine days ago. Well, we finally had it.

There were obviously a lot of intriguing questions to be answered. After the jump I've posted the answers to all those questions. Among other things, we get his thoughts on Patrick Willis' Twitter comments (quite possibly the only man who will ever get an apology from Bamm Bamm). Naturally he spoke about the issue of playing time and a QB competition, as well as his own status as a draft bust. All in all, it's a fairly intriguing and informative Q&A.

On why he chose the 49ers over the Browns, Cardinals and Giants:

"Those were all good options, good football teams, good opportunities, but in reality this was close to home. We watched a lot of film through the season as quarterbacks, me and [New York Giants QB] Eli [Manning], we'd watch other guys, watch a lot of teams and kind of be prognosticators a little bit to see who was on the rise and who was a good football team. He was trying to find me a job too. This was a good spot. This team has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. We used to talk about what defense we didn't want to face and these guys always came up. We used to talk about the young talent with [WR Michael] Crabtree and [TE] Vernon [Davis] and it seems like they have enormous talent on the team. As a quarterback that's always fun, to have options, when you are out there throwing the ball around. It was very intriguing to me, and just to have them feel the same way about me that I felt about them coming out, I wanted to make it my first trip because, honestly, I got the best feeling about them of all the teams. There was definitely interest from both sides from all the teams that we mentioned, but San Francisco never wavered, never varied. There was never any lack of confidence in me from them. As a player, that's what you always want, just a group to believe in. They did from the very first person I met here, all the way up to the owners. They were really cool. Coach [Mike] Singletary in particular, has a great plan for this team and his heart's in the right place. He seems like a great guy and a man of faith. It's something that I believe in strongly, too. I feel like I'm in this position for a reason and I think that he does too. Hopefully, it can work out."

On what Coach Singletary has told him about playing time:

"Honestly, that was one of the first things that I asked him when I came out here. I didn't word it that way. The way I worded it was, ‘Are my actions on the field going to matter?' The last two years being with Eli, he's been entrenched since the Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP. We had a good time, but it felt like sometimes when I'd go out to practice, it didn't really matter what I did because it was going to help the team, me being out there and us learning off of each other, sharpening each other was great, being around the guys was good, but I kind of wanted to feel in my next stop, hopefully my last stop, I want my actions to matter. For me, I got the right answer from him. ‘You go out there and compete and yes we are going to pay attention to what you do.' That was good. That's all I needed to hear. Now it's just all hard work."

On whether he sees this is a quarterback competition or whether the burden is on him as the backup to win the job:

"You know, it's funny. I felt like I was going out every day to try and play as a starter and prepare as a starter even though there was really no question that I was going to be out there. So, for me it's more of a mindset deal. It might sound funny, but I don't see either one of us as a starter or a backup or anything. I just see us as all trying to get better and make the team better. It worked out for me in New York. I played well when I went in and I was always prepared when I went in. I didn't say, ‘Well, I'm the backup and I'm going to do what I can the help the starter.' No, I prepared as the starter. Some games I'd go in, some games I played a half, some games I played no snaps. For me mentally, it was the easiest way for me to get through it."

On whether he's met or talked with QB Alex Smith:

"Yes, I worked out with him this morning. I think I've met him once or twice before, just in passing, maybe at a Super Bowl event or something else. We had a great workout. It was fun to try to push each other, but he seems like a good guy. Like I said, I've only worked out with for about an hour."

On the similar backgrounds that he and Alex have:

"Yes, being the first pick. Some of the coaches - it was funny, he was telling me a story when he was coming out of high school. It was my last year in Fresno [State] and he really wanted to go there, but he ended up choosing Utah. We know some of the same guys, but it was kind of neat to talk about some of the coaches that we had. We need to catch up."

On whether he has any other connections with his new teammates now:

"Yes, [FB] Moran Norris and I played together. That guy is awesome. I like Moran a lot. He seems like he's entrenched himself here. Guys get along with him. Some of the guys that I've played against in the WAC, some guys I played against their older brothers. I'm starting to feel like that guy, where I was the young before, now I'm the 30-year-old quarterback that's out here. I've played with everybody. With everyone, I probably have a connection somehow, with a team or with their older brother, maybe even their dad."

On the 49ers bringing in G Chester Pitts:

"Yes, I called Chester. I think it's awesome. He's a great football player. I know when we were in Houston, a lot of those guys got a bad rap for giving up so many sacks and just struggling. In reality, they were moving around so much, Chester was the one guy that stayed at his position and played every snap up until maybe last year. I think he got hurt this last year, I'm not sure. He was solid. He's a really good football player. He'd be a great addition to these guys and he's a great guy to have in the locker room too."

On how he's a different player than he was his final year with the Texans:

"Experience and confidence. When I first came out, I didn't know what I was doing. I could throw all the throws and I still believe that I can. That stuff has never been a problem for me. The stuff that has been a problem for me is, ‘Can I do this?' My first experience, it was just such a rough year. I struggled with that. Once I realized I could do this, I'm going into my ninth year, I know that I can play the game. Now, it's just getting guys around you. I really didn't realize how important the team was and how important having good coaching and guys that believe in you. That's what I go back to with the 49ers believing in me and wanting me here. That stuff's important as a player. It's not going to help you throw a quick out or a post, but it helps you just carrying yourself in the locker room because as a quarterback you have to carry yourself the right way or guys aren't going to believe in you. If you don't believe in the play that's called, if you don't believe in yourself - I've seen too many times, you just have bad experiences. Yes, with a lot of things it's confidence, but I feel so much better now. I went through the year in Carolina which was tough when I left there. I was kind of just wondering, I've said it before, if this is really what I wanted to do. It wasn't fun anymore. I could always play, but the excitement was never there the last year. When I went to New York, I got around some awesome guys, awesome coaches that believed in me. They never showed a lack of confidence in me. That's why, when we went on the field, we had success. That stuff is important, but those last two years were great. I recharged my battery for my career and now I feel like my talent level, my experience level are right next to each other. Hopefully, that can transcend into helping the team win."

On whether he's been told that he'll get to compete for the starting job:

"Specifically, those words haven't been said, but they have said that competition is what they love around here. It makes you feel better. One of Singletary's things is, ‘Iron sharpens iron.' The thing that I wanted to hear, from all those guys, was I'll have a chance to be on the field if I play the way I know I can play and they said yes. Once I get on the field, I feel confident that we are going to play well."

On the last time he competed for a starting job:

"Junior high maybe. I don't know. It's been awhile. I think you compete everyday, really. Just coming in here today doesn't change what I've done. I've been working out since the end of the season and I'm going to stay with the same routine that I have, but I think if you start changing because you are in a ‘competition,' it might mess with your head a little bit. I'll just go out and work as hard as I can and hopefully does the same thing. This isn't just about me and Alex and the quarterbacks, this is about the whole team getting better. They ended the season pretty well. They ended the season strong and they probably feel like they can beat anybody. I kind of want to fit into that role. They probably want to see how good I am, but I want to see how good they are too. So, it will be interesting."

On whether he's looked at the offensive playbook yet and how it compares to the offenses that he's run:

"Plays are plays. I learned that about three or four years ago. I kind of got it through my head that coordinators, they all have the same plays and you can't do too much. They have their own styles and that's what you kind of have to get a feel for. Jimmy Raye, what does he do on Sunday? How does he want to call a game? Because as a quarterback you have to get in tune with that. You have to understand why he's calling those plays. What is he trying to do? What is the defense trying to do to you? Then you go from there, but play-wise, I'll pick up the lingo in a couple of weeks. It will probably be a little rough at first because it is a system that I haven't verbally communicated, but I'll figure it out."

On the system that he's familiar with:

"There's a couple. There's a lot of different ones. I've been in a West Coast system. I've been in a run and shoot system. I've been in all of them. This is probably more similar to what I did in New York, I would say. Definitely want to run the football, build off of that with the guys that we have. That's the one thing, I think we have matchup deals that we can exploit with other teams that I don't think a lot of the teams around the league have. We might be one of five teams that can put guys like [TE] Vernon [Davis]. I mean, who's going to cover him? He can block as good as an offensive lineman. There's definitely some things we can do that they've started to do that I think is going to help the team a lot."

On whether he's used the digit terminology before:

"I had it in college. The number system. I did it with Jeff Tedford, who's at Cal-Berkeley, but yes I've done the number system and the route tree. It's actually a pretty smooth system once you get used to spitting it out, so I'll pick it up."

On how important it was to him to come to San Francisco with his family in Bakersfield:

"Honestly, I was pretty determined to get it done in Arizona or here, I wanted it to work out. Those were the two teams I targeted, playing-wise way back when. Not taking anything away from Cleveland, but it's out there. I'm a big family guy. I have a lot of family that would love to see me play that haven't had a chance to see me play, some people that I went to high school with that honestly can't afford to come out and watch a game in Houston or New York. It's just hard for them. You can't even get it on TV. They don't have money to pay for Sunday Ticket or do whatever. It was big for me to get back here. I have a lot of friends around here too."

On his reaction to LB Patrick Willis's comments on Twitter:

"He's definitely passionate. I got that from him, the moment he called me. I was actually sitting in [GM] Scot [McCloughan's] office and he called my phone and I took it and walked out on the patio. We had a great talk. We've played against each other before. We've talked trash against each other and I understand he's definitely passionate about winning and he's protecting his teammates. For a guy to play that well and to have that much energy, for him not to respond a certain way, I think that would be a little strange. He said what he said and we had a great talk. We've texted back and forth and I just told him I want to win. That's all I want to do. The past is the past and I'm a much better player than I was when we played each other four or five years ago. But I've got a lot to prove. I think that he does. He wants to win and prove that he can carry a team and carry a defense and I think he's more than capable of doing that, but at the same time I think that together we could be pretty good."

On whether there was any offense taken to Willis's comments:

"Of course, initially you say, ‘Well, I can play.' As a player, you wouldn't be human if you didn't, but after talking to him, he was very apologetic and I told him, ‘You don't have to apologize for anything. You said what you said and you believe that and that's fine. It's my job to change your opinion of me,' and that starts from day one working out here and getting around those guys and showing them that I can play the game and I want to help you guys win."

On how much it means to him to stop talking about him as a first overall pick and a bust:

"For me, that was the biggest thing. When I left New York, I could have easily went back there, sat there for the next 7 or 8 years and been a backup and got paid fine and my family would have lived in New York half the year and California half the year. It's a great life for my kids. For me, I was in such a good place with my experience and my playing ability that it was time to go out and push myself a little bit. I wanted to see what was out there. Thankfully, the Arizona and San Francisco deals, even the Cleveland deal, those opportunities were out there for me, so I could go get them. So I'm super excited to come out and do this."

The Shaun Hill 49ers era comes to the End of the Road

Fooch — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:31 -0000

Just before lunch yesterday, word came down that the 49ers reportedly traded Shaun Hill to the Detroit Lions for a 2011 seventh round pick. Although the trade is not finalized (awaiting Carr's signed contract), it would seem to be more or less a done deal. Given the 49ers recent acquisition of David Carr, this trade was not exactly a shocking announcement.

We had a quick thread to get discussion going, but clearly a man of Shaun Hill's deserves a better send-off than that. Whatever your opinion of Shaun Hill, he was involved in a fairly eventful three seasons. He went 10-6 as a starter and created an amazing amount of debate about the QB battle he waged with Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan, and others.

So, after the jump, we celebrate the brief shining star that was Shaun Hill and send him off on his way to the Motor City. We're here to pour a 40 out for our homie as we've come to the end of the road....

The only stat that seemed to matter in the Shaun Hill era was the big W. Even Hill's most ardent supporter realized the physical limitations. Shaun Hill was never going to be a superstar. The argument in support of Shaun Hill came down to the always immeasurable qualities of "leadership" and "being a winner." Shaun Hill was the quarterback in ten 49ers wins. While he was not going to put up monster stats, that was the stat that counted for many people.

The Shaun Hill era started rather abruptly in 2007, when Trent Dilfer went down with an injury against the Minnesota Vikings. Hill replaced him and put up a very Shaun HIll type of line: 22/28 for 181 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Nothing spectacular, but definitely solid. The 49ers lost, but given the 49ers struggles up to that point, it was easy for people to grasp for something. Over the next two games, Hill was 32/52 for 320 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, and 1 rushing touchdown, both in 49ers wins.

2008 started rather auspiciously for Hill as he was basically removed from the QB competition by Mike Martz before it really began. Everybody remembers the "tired arm" excuse early in camp. Just Turnovers came in and one could argue was the equivalent of Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn before he got the glasses. Of course, Week 8 was a turning point in that season, and might be viewed as a turning point for the franchise in the coming years. After losing at the Giants, Mike Nolan was fired and Mike Singletary was promoted in his place. JTO started against the Seahawks and had an abysmal first half. Shaun Hill came out to start in the second half, and while the 49ers were battered by the Seahawks, Hill was an efficient 15/23 for 173 yards and 1 touchdown.

Hill finished out the season as starter, and the 49ers 5-3 record while he was starter helped Mike Singletary secure the permanent head coach position going forward. I was emailing with drummer yesterday, and he made a good point about Hill. He said Hill arguably helped both his head coaches. He temporarily saved Mike Nolan's job at the end of 2007, and he helped Mike Singletary secure the head coach job the second half of 2008. If Nolan lost out in 2007, one would have to imagine there was a good chance he was out the door, even with the Alex Smith injury early on.

The 49ers started off quite well for the 49ers as they raced out of the gates to 3-1. Even in the loss, against a very good Vikings team, the 49ers were in it right to the end. Shaun Hill wasn't wowing anybody, but he was operating as an excellent game manager. Sure there was little upside, but he really wasn't hurting the team. And yet, that would never be enough. The 49ers were slaughtered by the Falcons, in a game that saw Hill go 15/38 for 198 yards and an interception. In a half of action against the Texans Hill was 6/11 for 45 yards and the 49ers were trailing 21-0. The second half began, and much to the surprise of many, Alex Smith was taking the snaps.

At that moment, while Hill would remain a 49er for several more months, the Shaun Hill era was effectively over in San Francisco.

If a team is going to win a Super Bowl with a game manager quarterback, the team needs some other aspect to be fairly great. The Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl team was an example of that. Maybe you don't need an all-time defense, but it better be really good. And the 49ers defense is moving strongly in that direction. However, the offense really did need some kind of kick-start. While Alex Smith might not be the long term answer for the 49ers, he provided a kick start when it was badly needed.

In the end, Shaun Hill is what he is (don't you hate that cliche?). He's more talented in football than I'll ever be, but in the NFL that's just not enough. Hill's final numbers? 322/522 for 3,490 yards, 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 3 rushing touchdowns. Certainly not bad, certainly not great. We take it for what it is.

And while he may never be a great quarterback, I hope Hill finds immense success when he's not facing the 49ers. My interactions with him are limited to the time I took the picture of him in the steroid-free picture. However, in watching The Joe Show and reading as much as I can about him, Hill seems like the ideal teammate. He's been a good soldier for the 49ers and withstood a fairly bizarre career path these last three years. Players like that only deserve the best.

And so Shaun Hill, we pour out a 40 and wish you well in the future. The post-jump stuff is mostly serious, while obviously we've included a bit of jest into it. Accordingly, we close with a little early '90s Boyz II Men. We have certainly come to the end of the road.

Horse Tracks - 3/15/10 - Brady Quinn becomes a Denver Bronco

John Bena — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:17:50 -0000

Good Morning Broncos Country! Never a dull moment for us is there? The Broncos acquired Quinn to improve the situation at Quarterback. The overall situation. I believe that Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback of this team. I believe Josh McDaniels - who meets with the media later today, btw - will say as much this afternoon. The Broncos have now solidified the position behind Orton. Orton has not been able to stay healthy as a starter in Chicago or Denver. Chris Simms was not the answer - we saw that in the 2nd half against Washington and the first quarter against San Diego. Orton is tough as nails and will play through injury but you need a QB that canwin a game or two behind the starter. Quinn does that, and he does it cheap. Unless Quinn takes 70% of the snaps in 2010, he'll earn $700K. The same goes for 2012. Despite my fondness of Peyton Hillis this was a solid move. Hillis will get a new start in Cleveland, playing in an offense that suits him. I'm happy for him, and I'm happy that I'll be able to see it up close. Gives me a reason to head out to Browns Training Camp(about 20 minutes away from me) this summer. Enjoy the Tracks!

Broncos Acquire Quinn - DB.com
The Broncos on Sunday acquired quarterback Brady Quinn from the Cleveland Browns.

VIDEO - NFL Network - Broncos Acquire Quinn
NFL Network looks at the trade sending Brady Quinn to the Broncos for RB Peyton Hillis and draft picks.

Broncos acquire Brady Quinn from Cleveland for Hillis, draft picks - The Denver Post
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has said he likes what quarterback Kyle Orton did in the team's offense last season. He has said Orton "does a lot of the things we expect well."

Krieger: Broncos put heat on Orton by deal for Quinn - The Denver Post
The Broncos acquired a celebrated name at a celebrated position Sunday, making it pretty clear they're not satisfied with what they have.

Broncos' Orton believes he's still the starting quarterback - The Denver Post
At his offseason-opening news conference today, McDaniels is expected to reinforce Orton as the Broncos' starting quarterback in 2010.

Broncos' restricted free agents to miss workouts - The Denver Post
Orton's absence, though, is different from the others. He is the Broncos' player representative and is attending the NFL union meetings in Hawaii. He is planning to join the team's offseason program Friday.

The end of the Hillis era | All Things Broncos
Has a player with only 397 career rushing yards ever developed a cult following like Peyton Hillis?

Broncos get Quinn on the cheap | All Things Broncos
Providing Kyle Orton takes at least 31 percent of the snaps as the Broncos’ quarterback in 2010, Denver would only have to pay newly acquired quarterback Brady Quinn a $700,000 salary this year and $700,000 in 2012.

Orton not fretting Quinn trade | All Things Broncos
Talked to Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton earlier this evening. He's out in Hawaii attending the NFL union meetings. Orton's reaction to the Brady Quinn trade...

Broncos Acquire Quinn For Hillis - cbs4denver.com
Brady Quinn will get a chance to start over in Denver. Whether he'll get to start is up in the air.

Broncos trade for quarterback Brady Quinn from Cleveland - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO
If nothing else, the Broncos made this year’s preseason and training camp a bit more interesting on Sunday, trading for quarterback Brady Quinn.

Is Brady Quinn the right fit in Denver? | National Football Post
However, when we look at Denver, the passing system it runs under McDaniels does, in fact, cater to Quinn. I do think he can throw the short-to-intermediate passing tree. The Broncos have a high percentage of throws that come out of the 3-step game (slant, hitch, smash, China). And when we talk about the intermediate game, Denver runs the 15-yard dig, the deep curl, the out and the skinny post -- all throws that an NFL starting QB has to make. And all throws that Quinn should make when he gets into camp this August.

Quinn is a low-risk endeavor for Denver - AFC West Blog - ESPN
My reaction to the Denver Broncos’ decision to trade for Brady Quinn? Why not?

Broncos Acquire QB Quinn From Browns - ESPN
VIDEO - John Clayton breaks down the deal sending Brady Quinn to Denver for FB Peyton Hillis and two draft picks

Donovan McNabb, Brady Quinn, Jake Delhomme, more NFL notes - Peter King - SI.com
In Denver, Quinn enters camp as the clear backup to restricted free-agent Kyle Orton (Josh McDaniels called Orton to tell him he was the starter on Sunday). But being under the tutelage of McDaniels should help Quinn, who needs to become less frenetic in his drops and picking out the open receiver.

Browns receive third-round pick for Wimbley | National Football Post
After acquiring a sixth-round selection in 2011 and a conditional draft pick in 2012 from the Denver Broncos in exchange for quarterback Brady Quinn, the Browns were at it again Sunday afternoon when they traded outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders.

Foote expected to sign with Steelers on Monday | National Football Post
Adding more confirmation to what appears to be Larry Foote's pending return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Detroit News is reporting that the Detroit Lions free agent linebacker is expected to sign with the AFC North franchise on Monday.

Ross feeling good about a healthy comeback | National Football Post
Aaron Ross has gone halfway around the world to make certain his pesky left hamstring, the one that derailed his 2009 season, is all healed up.

Tomlinson contract slightly higher than Thomas Jones deal | National Football Post
Newly-minted New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson's two-year contract is worth a bit more than the two-year, $5 million contract Thomas Jones got from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Peppers could be a weapon for Bears on special teams | National Football Post
If there is something that has not been accounted for yet in the $91.5 million, six-year contract Julius Peppers received from the Chicago Bears, and pretty much every angle has been explored, it might be the value he brings to special teams.

Haynesworth on board with Redskins' plan right now | National Football Post
Maybe the Washington Redskins have limited themselves to window shopping in free agency, at least when it comes to the big-ticket items, because of the massive $21 million option bonus the team owes Albert Haynesworth this spring.

49ers ship Shaun Hill to Motown | National Football Post
More impressive than luring David Carr to be their backup quarterback may be the fact that the San Francisco 49ers found a taker for Shaun Hill.

Agent: Tauscher has agreed to multiyear deal with Packers
The agent for longtime Green Bay Packers right tackle Mark Tauscher says the veteran has agreed to terms on a multiyear contract that will bring him back to the team.

Arizona Cardinals Fly Around the NFC West

najmsh — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:48:05 -0000

More photos » Denis Poroy - AP

Charlie Whitehurst is likely going to be a QB in the NFC West next year. The only question is where. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Browse more photos »

I’ve always said free agency is much more interesting after the first week is over. Once the Julius Peppers and Antrel Rolles (the highest paid players in their positions… I still have trouble believing it) are signed, you see the transactions which will really help teams win. Teams that spend like crazy have been very unsuccessful for the last decade because they have failed to build through the draft and supplement those picks with low cost, high value free agents. The most interesting movies come after the big free agents are gone and that is even more true with the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks and the Cardinals both are trying to woo Chargers’ restricted free agent Charlie Whitehurst. Whitehurst was a 3^rd round pick in 2006 by the Chargers and is tendered at a 3^rd round pick. The Seahawks and Cardinals have both reportedly offered a contract to Whitehurst and waiting for him to decide. The Hawks have reportedly come to an agreement with the Chargers in which they would send something lower than a 3^rd round pick. This trade is dependent on Whitehurst accepting the Seahawks’ offer. Our friends at Field Gulls have a good report on Whitehurst here. Whitehurst is expected to compete with Matt Hasselbeck for the starting job. He replaces Seneca Wallace in the depth chart, who was traded to the Browns earlier in the week. In other free agent news the Seahawks have also signed former Patriot Chris Baker to a 2 year deal. Baker has been with the Patriots and Jets for the last 8 years and was signed after the Hawks failed to sign the player in front of him on the depth chart in New England, Ben Watson.

San Francisco 49ers: The big news in San Francisco today is the trade of the most winningest QB on their depth chart. Shaun Hill, who was expected to be cut very soon, was traded to the Detroit Lions for a 2011 7^th round pick. Hill was 10-6 as a starter in San Francisco, a remarkable record he was not expected to repeat this year. Alex Smith was projected as the starter going into next year anyway, and with the signing of David Carr, Hill became expendable. Other than this, the only thing going on in San Francisco this week was Patrick Willis’ attempt to reconcile with new teammate David Carr. Willis, the leader of a talented Niners defense, posted on his Twitter that the Niners had no use for David Carr and that they already had two QBs with more talent. He later took back those statements and said he would embrace David Carr with open arms.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams had very little activity this week, but did sign their 3^rd 30+ year old player. Center Hank Fraley signed with the team, following up on coach Steve Spagnulo’s desire for older players. The Rams are one of the youngest teams in the league, especially at their skill positions (QB and WR). Fraley is the third 30 year old the Rams have signed, after A.J. Feeley and Fred Robbins. The Rams are also in early discussions to trade former first round pick Adam Carriker to the Washington Redskins. Carriker has basically been a bust in St. Louis and the Rams would not lose much in trading him. It is possible that they could offer enough value to receive QB Jason Campbell in return. Campbell has been labeled by many as a bust in Washington, but he has his believers around the league. A potential Carriker + 3^rd round pick might be enough to get Campbell. Since the Rams have the first pick in every round, their 3^rd rounder is almost the same value wise as a late 2^nd rounder. I’ll keep reading about this story and report back next week.

That’s it for this week. Not much has gone on as teams prepare for the draft. Check back next week when I will devote Fly Around the NFC West to the teams’ draft plans. We’ll go through potential 1^st round picks, trade rumors, and other news.

Golden Nuggets: Ranting makes me feel better.

Ninjames — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:00:29 -0000

Hey everyone, Ninjames here. Still sick, and in a pretty sour mood. Long story short, didn't get to go to the concert I've been promoting for the mag. Still, 49ers news continues to roll in and that means I've got a job to do. We've got some things concerning free agents obviously, and that should be the majority of what we deal with today. I don't think I have enough to make a jump, but I actually have a decently long rant today so I made the jump just for that link. I needed some place to do it, and if I don't complain to someone at least once a day I may just implode. That being said, why don't I just get right to them. I'm also doing them a bit early again, but the sickness is making me more weary by the day. Enjoy the links, folks and post any I may have missed, since I'm certain one or two will go up after I'm long asleep.

Mike Singletary is doing his homework on return specialists. At first I was OK with the whole Adam Jones thing, but when I looked at his 2008 numbers, yeah, I'm not too sure I want the guy in a 49ers uniform. He doesn't seem to have a passion for the game, so much as a passion for money. (PressDemocrat.com)

In case you missed it and are wondering what I'm talking about, the 49ers are reportedly interested in Pacman Jones. (49ersWebZone.com)

QB David Carr is not content being a backup. Too bad, Carr, I'd bet money that Alex Smith will be a much better quarterback next season (that's right, this guy right here has a semblance of faith in Smith) and you won't even get an opportunity. Which I'm OK with. (Scout.com)

Bigger and faster is what the 49ers are looking to get with this upcoming draft. I'd be willing to bet I was the only one who thought Daft Punk for some reason when reading the title. (SFGate.com)

Be sure to check out the impromptu chat session from last night with Maiocco. (PressDemocrat.com)

I'm not sleeping on the Cardinals either, and I do agree with a lot of things said about Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, I wish he'd just... not be on the Cards anymore. Anyway, here's the post from Sando. (ESPN.com)

This article is one that makes me mad. The 49ers changed fewer than 100 of their seats to premium seating, and will begin offering several exclusive things to these people. That's not what makes me mad though, what makes me mad are the people so afraid of change that they will now refuse to buy tickets. It's like going into a store and finding they've moved the fruit to another aisle, and then proceeding to throw a fit and begin going to another store. I just don't understand it, the seating would be ridiculous at the previous price based on what they offer. People who want to change get absolutely first pick at moving, and I know this first-hand because I'm a season ticket holder. I understand dissatisfaction, but it's people who say "I'll just go watch the Raiders play" that really irk me. Still, glad to be rid of a fraud fan. And that's my rant for the day, folks. Note, I'm not saying price increases are great or anything, my seats went up, and I don't know if you know this, but I don't get paid anything for NN and the mag sucks up a lot of money, so I'm finding it hard but at this point people should learn to be realistic. I also just realized I said "and that's my rant for the day," and then proceeded to rant. So I guess THAT'S my rant for the day, folks. (MercuryNews.com)

And according to a marketing expert, the seats have been sold on the cheap for quite some time. (MercuryNews.com)

Rumor Mill: 49ers QB Shaun Hill Given Permission to Seek a Trade

Rated-R Superstar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:53:02 -0000

More photos » Dave Einsel - AP

Shaun Hill has posted a career record of 10-6 with an 87.3 passer rating.

Browse more photos »

What? A Shaun Hill story on the front page? Well, it is March. Aside from it being championship week in college hoops, baseball starting up and the NBA about to enter its final month, what else is there to talk about? Anyway, the San Francisco 49ers have said to their former starting quarterback, Shaun Hill, that he can seek a trade according to a report. While he may get released, Hill may not want to sign with us at that point. With that said, should the Oakland Raiders explore trade possibilities?

Get the information after the jump and then cast a vote on the poll.

While nobody has thought of Hill has a legitimate long-term starter, he can still be a viable backup based on his career record (10-6) and career passer rating (87.3), both of which I have mentioned on the lovely picture caption to your right. Moving on, Hill isn't going to "wow" anyone with his arm strength or anything like that; however, his arm is accurate enough to make all of your league-average throws. With our offense not really all that complex, Hill shouldn't struggle with learning anything special. Zach Miller is very reliable and Darren McFadden is capable out of the backfield in the passing game. Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens are big targets and guys that can make a play on the ball if it is thrown near them.

The 49ers are sitting at a crossroads. They can try to squeeze some value out of Hill, but since they do have four quarterbacks on the roster, it seems like they will eventually release someone. Whether or not that's Hill, I don't know. As for me, I think we should wait and see if they release him. If not, then try to go after him because San Francisco will still have Alex Smith and David Carr in front of him. Released or not, the 49ers should be open to moving Hill out somehow.

Poll

Should the Oakland Raiders get involved with quarterback Shaun Hill?

Fans get to choose 75 Most Valuable Draft Picks of All Time

John Bena — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:00:15 -0000

Terrell Davis is one of the Broncos most valuable Draft Picks of all time... via a.espncdn.com

View full size photo »

In celebration of the 75^th NFL Draft, which kicks off in primetime for the first time on Thursday, April 22, fans now can help choose the 75 Most Valuable Draft Picks of all time. Fans can vote for their choices at NFL.com now through April 18.

Following the conclusion of the fan vote, picks 11 - 75 will be announced from April 19 - April 22 on NFL.com and NFL Network. The top 10 greatest Draft picks then will be revealed during the 2010 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 pm ET. The Second and Third Rounds of the Draft will be on Friday, April 23 at 6:00 PM ET followed by Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 AM ET.

Among the Broncos on the list - Lyle Alzado; Steve Atwater; Terrell Davis; Randy Gradishar; Tom Jackson; Karl Mecklenburg; Tom Nalen; Shannon Sharpe; Rick Upchurch; Louis Wright

The 10 Most Valuable Draft Picks will be announced during Round 1, when many of the Top 10 will be in attendance at Radio City Music Hall, the home of the 2010 NFL Draft. The order of the Top 10 will be revealed after the conclusion of the Second Round of the Draft on Friday night. Many of these players will be on hand for the announcement.

NFL.com editors narrowed down the first 74 Drafts to a list of the top 320 players, consisting of 10 players from each team. Fans begin the process of determining the Most Valuable Draft Pick by choosing between pairs of players randomly generated from the list of 320 greats. After selecting winners of 30 random matchups, fans will begin to build their own Top 10 list. Fans may continue to vote in order to make changes to their personal Top 10 list as well as the All-Time Top 10 announced at the Draft. Users then may share their lists and their head-to-head winners on Facebook.

NFL.com delivers comprehensive information on each of the 320 players, including the player's draft information and career accomplishments to help the voters make educated selections in determining the Most Valuable Pick.

Below is a list of the 320 All-Time Most Valuable Draft Picks as chosen by NFL.com editors. Players are listed by the team that drafted them:

TEAM	PLAYERS
Arizona Cardinals	Anquan Boldin; Dan Dierdorf; Larry Fitzgerald; Roy Green; Tim McDonald; Jackie Smith; Charlie Trippi; Roger Wehrli; Aeneas Williams; Larry Wilson
Atlanta Falcons	Steve Bartkowski; Keith Brooking; Alge Crumpler; Brett Favre; Bill Fralic; Claude Humphrey; Mike Kenn; Deion Sanders; R.C. Thielemann; Jeff Van Note
Baltimore Ravens	Peter Boulware; Todd Heap; Jamal Lewis; Ray Lewis; Edwin Mulitalo; Jonathan Ogden; Ed Reed; Jamie Sharper; Terrell Suggs; Adalius Thomas
Buffalo Bills	Gary Anderson; Ruben Brown; Joe DeLamielleure; Jim Kelly; Reggie McKenzie; Andre Reed ; O.J. Simpson; Fred Smerlas; Bruce Smith; Thurman Thomas
Carolina Panthers	Jon Beason; Kerry Collins; Jordan Gross; Kris Jenkins; Mike Minter; Dan Morgan; Muhsin Muhammad; Julius Peppers; Mike Rucker; Steve Smith
Chicago Bears	Dick Butkus; Mike Ditka; Bill George; Stan Jones; Bobby Layne; Sid Luckman; Walter Payton; Gale Sayers; Mike Singletary; Brian Urlacher
Cincinnati Bengals	Ken Anderson; Willie Anderson; Bill Bergey; Boomer Esiason; Max Montoya; Anthony Munoz; Chad Ochocinco; Lemar Parrish; Ken Riley; Bob Trumpy
Cleveland Browns	Jim Brown; Willie Davis; Hanford Dixon; Gene Hickerson; Henry Jordan; Leroy Kelly; Ozzie Newsome; Dick Schafrath; Walt Sweeney; Paul Warfield
Dallas Cowboys	Troy Aikman; Larry Allen; Tony Dorsett; Bob Hayes; Michael Irvin; Bob Lilly; Emmitt Smith; Roger Staubach; Randy White; Darren Woodson
Denver Broncos	Lyle Alzado; Steve Atwater; Terrell Davis; Randy Gradishar; Tom Jackson; Karl Mecklenburg; Tom Nalen; Shannon Sharpe; Rick Upchurch; Louis Wright
Detroit Lions	Jerry Ball; Lem Barney; Lomas Brown; Jack Christiansen; Yale Lary; Alex Karras; Barry Sanders; Charlie Sanders; Joe Schmidt; Wayne H. Walker
Green Bay Packers	Herb Adderley; LeRoy Butler; Forrest Gregg; Paul Hornung; Jerry Kramer; James Lofton; Ray Nitschke; Jim Ringo; Darren Sharper; Bart Starr
Houston Texans	David Carr; Owen Daniels; Jabar Gaffney; Andre Johnson; Travis Johnson; Jerome Mathis; Chester Pitts; Dunta Robinson; DeMeco Ryans; Mario Williams
Indianapolis Colts	Raymond Berry; Mike Curtis; Ray Donaldson; Marshall Faulk; Dwight Freeney; Marvin Harrison; John Mackey; Peyton Manning; Lenny Moore; Jim Parker
Jacksonville Jaguars	Tony Boselli; Fernando Bryant; Donovin Darius; Kevin Hardy; John Henderson; Rashean Mathis; Brad Meester; Marcus Stroud; Fred Taylor; Renaldo Wynn
Kansas City Chiefs	Jared Allen; Bobby Bell; Tony Gonzalez; Willie Lanier; Albert Lewis; Will Shields; Neil Smith; Otis Taylor; Derrick Thomas; Jim Tyrer
Miami Dolphins	Dick Anderson; Larry Csonka; Leon Gray; Bob Griese; Sam Madison; Dan Marino; Jake Scott; Dwight Stephenson; Jason Taylor; Zach Thomas
Minnesota Vikings	Joey Browner; Chris Doleman; Carl Eller; Steve Jordan; Randall McDaniel; Randy Moss; Alan Page; Fran Tarkenton; Kevin Williams; Ron Yary
New England Patriots	Tom Brady; Nick Buoniconti; John Hannah; Mike Haynes; Lee Roy Jordan; Ty Law; Curtis Martin; Lawyer Milloy; Richard Seymour; Andre Tippett
New Orleans Saints	Morten Andersen; Wes Chandler; John Gilliam; Rickey Jackson; Archie Manning; Chuck Muncie; Lorenzo Neal; Willie Roaf; Pat Swilling; Dave Waymer
New York Giants	Harry Carson; George Connor; Art Donovan; Frank Gifford; Sam Huff; Don Maynard; Phil Simms; Michael Strahan; Lawrence Taylor; Brad Van Pelt
New York Jets	Joe Fields; Mark Gastineau; Craig Hentrich; Keyshawn Johnson; Joe Klecko; Mo Lewis; Joe Namath; Marvin Powell; John Riggins; Wesley Walker
Oakland Raiders	Marcus Allen; Lance Alworth; Fred Biletnikoff; Cliff Branch; Dave Casper; La'Roi Glover; Shane Lechler; Howie Long; Art Shell; Gene Upshaw
Philadelphia Eagles	Eric Allen; Maxie Baughan; Bob Brown; Chuck Bednarik; Brian Dawkins; Sonny Jurgensen; Tommy McDonald; Pete Pihos; Clyde Simmons; Steve Van Buren
Pittsburgh Steelers	Mel Blount; Terry Bradshaw; Dermontti Dawson; Joe Greene; L.C. Greenwood; Jack Ham; Franco Harris; Jack Lambert; Mike Webster; Rod Woodson
St. Louis Rams	Jerome Bettis; Nolan Cromwell; Eric Dickerson; Kevin Greene; Harold Jackson; Deacon Jones; Jackie Slater; Norm Van Brocklin; Bob Waterfield; Jack Youngblood
San Diego Chargers	Drew Brees; Fred Dean; Dan Fouts; John Hadl; Rodney Harrison; John Jefferson; Gary Johnson; Junior Seau; LaDainian Tomlinson; Kellen Winslow
San Francisco 49ers	Charles Haley; Jimmy Johnson; Ronnie Lott; Hugh McElhenny; Joe Montana; Leo Nomellini; Terrell Owens; Jerry Rice; Gene A. Washington; Dave Wilcox
Seattle Seahawks	Sam Adams; Shaun Alexander; Kenny Easley; Ahman Green; Steve Hutchinson; Walter Jones; Cortez Kennedy; Kevin Mawae; Lofa Tatupu; Fredd Young
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Mike Alstott; Ronde Barber; Derrick Brooks; Mark Carrier; Warrick Dunn; John Lynch; Tony Mayberry; Warren Sapp; Lee Roy Selmon; Vinny Testaverde
Tennessee Titans	Robert Brazile; Earl Campbell; Ray Childress; Eddie George; Albert Haynesworth; Ken Houston; Charlie Joiner; Derrick Mason; Bruce Matthews; Mike Munchak
Washington Redskins	Champ Bailey; Sammy Baugh; Larry Brown; Darrell Green; Russ Grimm; Chris Hanburger; Paul Krause; Art Monk; Jerry Smith; Charley Taylor

Golden Nuggets: Competition? I thought confidence was key?

Ninjames — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:38 -0000

Morning folks. Today, I've only got a couple of links for you. I'm starting these a bit earlier than usual because I have a ton of things to do tomorrow promoting this show, etc etc... so I need to get to sleep sooner than usual, which for me means I need to be sleeping by about midnight. Still, I don't anticipate more than one or two links will come up after midnight anyway, so I hope I don't miss anything good. That being said, if any of you would be so kind as to post any links I will (most likely definitely probably) miss in the comments, that'd be great. Always feel free to post an links that you come across, unless of course I've already posted them. Anyway, I'm exhausted, here's some links.

Maiocco seems to think that regardless of what is said, there will be a QB competition on the 49ers.(PressDemocrat.com)

Q&A with C.J. Spiller. I really want the 49ers to get this guy. (49ers.com)

Willis apparently contacted David Carr and made nice on his statements from Twitter. (SacBee.com)

Apparently, the Niners were finalizing negotiations to trade for Michael Vick but pulled out to sign Carr instead. I'm questioning the validity of this, but ya never know. (Scout.com)

Sando isn't jumping on the 49ers bandwagon, as made evident in his 49ers chat wrap. (ESPN.com)

Things are all quiet on the 49ers free agent front. (NinersCentral.com)

Golden Nuggets: It's like Warner all over again.

Ninjames — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:40 -0000

Hey there, everyone, James here with your Nuggets. I'm starting these really late so I have to be quick about this, fortunately (for times sake, not news sake) there's not a whole lot for me to get to so, yeah. That being said, it seems Becht is out of the equation because he resigned with the Arizona Cardinals yesterday. I'm happy for him, but we're still going to beat him when we take the division next season. I've got some links concerning a couple of pro days, a bit about those running backs the 49ers may have been interested in, and possibly some other things but I'm not sure at this point and the clock is ticking. So enjoy your links.

As stated, Anthony Becht resigned with the Cardinals yesterday. (SFGate.com)

Here's a bit on Carr and why he hasn't signed yet, and why very few RFAs will be changing teams this season. (PressDemocrat.com)

Terrence Cody would be an intriguing pick, but I seriously don't want to use a first rounder on a guy who weighs that much. Especially with Franklin on the team. Didn't think I'd be saying that a season ago. Also, just a general bit on some pro days that went down. (SacBee.com)

Apparently the Texans never gave David Carr a chance. What, does that mean we're supposed to give him one? Not likely. (SFGate.com)

Caught LB Takeo Spikes on NFL Total Access yesterday, good stuff. Except the whole time he looked like he was going to flip over the desk and whoop some analyst candy ass. Good stuff that was, either way he had some things to say about Crabtree and the NFC West in general. (NFL.com)

The Niners are reportedly still in the market for a blocking tight end. (PressDemocrat.com)

Something or other about Kiper's latest mock draft update, something I never read because they guy is a complete idiot. Am I allowed to say that? I really... REALLY don't care. (ESPN.com)

On the clock: DE Koa Misi, a guy I still know nothing about. (49ers.com)