Possible FA's

0

Every team this time of year is buzzing with one rumor or another particularly during Senior Bowl week, which will then be followed by Super Bowl week.

For the 49ers the rumored interest in Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs persists. Reports out of Chicago said the 49ers tried to trade for Briggs before the trade deadline, which 49ers coach Mike Nolan would neither confirm nor deny.

The 49ers recognize that they do have more important needs in free agency, namely wide receiver, pass rusher, offensive tackle, and possibly inside linebacker depending upon the fate of Derek Smith. The 49ers met with Smith's agent Frank Bauer in Mobile, but there's no word on what was discussed. Smith is due to make $3.3 million in salary next year and the 49ers might ask him to reduce that figure.

If Briggs is signed he could play Smith's Ted linebacker role, which is the strong inside linebacker spot, but he might not be suited for it. Briggs is similar to Patrick Willis, a tackling run-type player, who's best playing in space. The Ted is often asked to bang with guards and fullbacks. If Briggs were to be signed, the team could consider a move back to a 4-3 defense to get both Willis and Briggs into a tackling mode.

Other news includes the rumor that Lions wide receiver Roy Williams is on the trading block, and one report said Detroit would look for a second-round pick in return. Williams played for two seasons under former Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who's now with the 49ers, so would the 49ers look to make a deal for Williams?

It's unlikely, particularly at that price. Williams caught 63 passes for 836 yards and five touchdowns this year. But at 6-5, 212 pounds, he's not your typical speedy Martz receiver, and he also has been known to speak his mind. Briggs has a better shot at being on the 49ers' roster than Williams.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | January 24 2008 at 08:54 PM

Possible FA's http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?entry_id=23734 del.icio.us Digg Technorati Reddit LinkedIn Facebook Slashdot Fark Newsvine Google Bookmarks Twitter Share

| Email