49ers Let WR Michael Crabtree Test Free Agency in 2015
The San Francisco 49ers just got done locking up star quarterback Colin Kaepernick to a long-term deal. Nines fans may not be able to bank on star wide receiver Michael Crabtree getting the same treatment.
Per CSN Bay Area, it would be “a major surprise” if the Niners signed Crabtree to a long-term extension before he hits free agency in 2015.
The recent report states that the 49ers are not fans of “overpaying” and may want to wait to see their rising wide receiver is still capable of being an elite number one target in the passing game.
The desire to see Crabtree prove himself is understandable, especially since the sixth-year receiver out of Texas Tech has just one elite season to his name and missed 11 regular season games in 2013 due to a torn Achilles.
San Francisco clearly wants to see that Crabtree is 100% following last year’s injury, and that he hasn’t suddenly turn into an injury liability. Signing away a massive deal to a player coming off of a serious injury alone isn’t good practice, while the 49ers also will want to make sure Crabtree is the same guy he was in 2012.
Crabtree blew up and turned into a borderline elite number one target during that season, putting the finishing touches on a gradual progression that dated back to his rookie season in 2009. Crabtree established career highs across the board in 2012, catching 85 balls for 1,105 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
A vital part of San Francisco’s balanced offense, Crabtree’s absence was felt in stretches during the 2013 season, as the 49ers were forced to rely heavily on tight end Vernon Davis and newly acquired receiver, Anquan Boldin.
The biggest obstacle beyond Crabtree’s ability and health, however, is clearly going to be the actual money involved in a new contract. Crabtree is fully expected to seek a “big-money deal” in negotiations – one that could mirror that of Chicago Bears star wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.
If Crabtree does pursue a deal close to Marshalls, the 49ers could be looking at forking over somewhere close to $10 million annually to hold onto their star receiver. That could be a bit too pricey considering a guy like Marshall has posted elite stats for several seasons and has had no real health issues.
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