David Carr - really?

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Of all the players on all the teams in all the world, David Carr has to walk into yours, the 49ers facility on 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara. David Carr! Really?

Reports from the New Jersey Star-Ledger say the eight-year veteran is getting a free plane ride and probably a nice dinner from the 49ers this weekend. With team needs at cornerback, offensive line, safety and punt returner, why would the 49ers entertain Carr?

As the Houston Texans first overall pick in 2002, Carr was immediately installed as their starter. He was sacked 76 times his rookie year, 49 times in 2004, 68 times in '05 and 41 times in ought six, his last year as a starter. With that history how would Carr be an upgrade over any of the current 49ers quarterbacks, particularly when the 49ers don't pass protect well? Carr's best year was 2004, his third year as a starter when he threw 16 touchdown passes, 14 interceptions and compiled an 83.5 passer rating.

Shaun Hill gets less respect than Rodney Dangerfield.

Shaun Hill gets less respect than Rodney Dangerfield.

In nine appearances in 2008, Shaun Hill threw 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions in his first extensive action as a starter. He also had a quarterback rating of 87.5. So how is Carr better than Hill? Last season Alex Smith threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with an 81.5 rating, so is Carr better than Smith?

The only reason a Carr visit makes sense is because someone in the organization believes Carr never got much of a chance in Houston because of the horrendous pressure he faced every play. It's also widely speculated that Carr will visit Arizona as well and maybe the 49ers want to get a good look at a guy they might face come fall.

But the fact the 49ers are bringing Carr in continues to confirm the team's aversion to Hills. They never seem to play wide receiver Jason Hill despite his obvious production and talent, and they always seem to want to replace Shaun Hill either as a starter or a backup. This despite Hill's impressive 2008 season and his knack for something pretty important for a quarterback - winning.

Say Alex Smith falters completely as a starter in 2010, Hill has proven he has the chops to be an NFL starter. In that case, Hill could serve as a bridge to Nate Davis or some other option.

I don't if know Carr could be that bridge, particularly when you consider that the usually successful Giants didn't re-sign him. The 49ers might be well served to keep Carr parked on some other team.

In the really old news department the 49ers re-signed Matt Wilhelm to be the new Jeff Ulbrich. Wilhelm plays a mean special teams and can back-up multiple linebacker positions.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | March 05 2010 at 12:32 PM

Listed Under: Free Agency