49ers Free Agency Report Card

After all the criticism for lack of movement & initiative, let's take a look at how the 49ers made out in the abbreviated free (for all) agency period ahead of the 2011 season. We'll focus on the high profile new faces and to make things a little more fun, we'll assign songs from rap great Jay-Z to match their situations.

*Fun Fact: The 49ers are set to start three (3) Top 10 picks from the 2005 draft.

WR - Braylon Edwards

Jay-Z Theme Song: "Change The Game"  feat. Roc La Familia

Bio: Drafted 3rd overall in 2005 by the Browns, Edwards held out his rookie season (sound like another big-body receiver you know?) and started behind the curve, only to play his way into becoming the first option for a fledgeling Browns franchise. He had a Pro Bowl 2007 season, only to lead the league in dropped passes in 2008. After being traded to the Jets, he performed with renewed vigor, playing out his contract and helping them to the AFC Championship Game in his final season.

Prognosis: At 28 years of age, with a 6'3" 214lb frame, the west coast offense seems like the perfect fit for Edwards. This is also the first time we've had a proven WR in the prime of his career since Terrel Owens (Yea... I said it... It had to be said). Alex Smith must be giggling himself to sleep every night knowing he has Braylon Edwards, Vernon Davis Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore on the field at the same time. The downside is if Edwards performs disproportionate to the 49ers' ambition, you better believe he won't be around longer than his 1-year/$1 million ($3.5 million with incentives) contract and we might see similar locker-room alienating antics.


Grade: A

SS - Donte Whitner

Jay-Z Theme Song: "Yes"  feat. Memphis Bleek

Bio: Drafted 8th overall in 2006 by the Bills, Whitner instantly became a cog in the Bills' defense intercepting Tom Brady in his rookie debut. While that Brady interception wasn't necesarrily a sign on things to come, he went on to record 104 tackles and sustain his productivity, playing out his contract over the next 4 seasons. After announcing he would sign with the Bengals on twitter, a phone call from Jim Harbaugh incited a change of heart as Whitner opted instead to lead a fledgeling 49ers secondary revolution.

Prognosis: At the reasonable cost of 3yrs/$11.75 million, this is a very good piece of business for the 49ers. While Whitner doesn't offer much improvement in the coverage department, he'll jump right into a starting position and fly to the ball carrier. He'll also do our defensive communication a world of good.


Grade: A-

CB - Carlos Rogers

Jay-Z Theme Song: "Squeeze First"

Bio: Drafted 9th overall in 2005 by the Redskins, Rogers played his way into a starting position. He was reliable and took the tough assignments. He's comfortable in man-to-man and put in solid performances in stand-out situations for a struggling Redskins franchise and also fully recovered from an ACL/MCL tear in 2007 to get back to top form the following season. He played out his contract and decided to test free agency.

Prognosis: The consistent knock on Rogers is his hands. He's never recorded more than two (2) interceptions in a season and has had ample opportunities to rack up more. But his ability to shut-down elite WRs makes up for his shortcomings in a big way when compared to his predecessor Nate Clements (we won't even get into the insanity behind his contract). I do however take issue with the length of Rogers' contract. He criticized the Redskins for being free agent gluttons that didn't appreciate returning studs, then signed with the 49ers for 1 year. It looks like we did all we could to get him through the door. But if we're building long-term solutions, I'd like to know we can rely on our best secondary players being around for longer than 1 year.


Grade: A-

SS - Madieu Williams

Jay-Z Theme Song: "Show Me What You Got"

Bio: Drafted 56th overall in 2004 by the Bengals, Williams impressed early and recovered from injury plagued 2nd and 4th years to pen a six year contract worth $33 million with the Vikings. Injury issues have taken their toll however, as Williams struggled to find his top form in Minnesota. With the Vikings organization less than impressed, he was released this summer after the lockout ended.

Prognosis: Madieu hasn't turned many heads at training camp, but should be a reliable back-up providing experience at the Safety position in lue of Taylor Mays' spectating (which earned him a spot on the Trade Block), coming in at the bargain basement cost of 1yr/$1 million to boot. There's very little risk attached to this deal. The only downside is Williams won't offer much in the special teams department where Taylor Mays excelled and made big plays.

Grade: C+