Does Westbrook plus Gore equal 11 San Francisco wins?
This week, the San Francisco 49ers sign free agent RB Brian Westbrook, does the addition of Westbrook and Gore in the backfield now equal 11 wins for the 49ers this season? I think it does.
Did Niners Central not call the Westbrook signing?
Did Niners Central not propose the signing of Brian Westbrook this weekend? I think I did on Saturday, and this is why you need to be reading not only Niners Central but all of the Rantsports.com network. This signing makes perfect sense for the 49ers.
There were concerns in the media with Westbrook not signing in the off season and rumors were surrounding the fact that Westbrook wanted too much money. Well, the money might have been an issue early on prior to the start of training camp, but just as I wrote on Saturday, I thought he would sign for a reduced amount of money just for a chance to play in 2010. A reduced amount? How about a ridiculously low amount? PFT.com is reporting that he signed for 1.25 million for 1 season.
I think this is a very smart move for the Niners, as Frank Gore will continue to get the bulk of the carries, but now Westbrook can come in for 10-12 carries a game and provide Gore with veteran leadership in the backfield while Westbrook doesn’t have to take the beating of being a 25+ touch running back.
Just another in a string of smart moves by the Niners front office, perhaps plans should be drawn up now for the party plans in January, with Niners fans watching their team in the playoffs.
Balmer Bounced from 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers have bounced DE Kentwan Balmer. The Sacremento Bee is reporting that the former first round pick has been dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. Balmer made news last week when he had an extended unexcused absence from training camp.
It is undetermined what exactly the 49ers received in exchange for the player but Balmer is now reunited with former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan who was responsible for selecting the failed player.
The Bee also reports that Balmer could play a variety of positions on the Seahawks defensive line. This move was not unexpected as 49ers head coach Mike Singletary announced last week that the team was moving forward without the defensive end.
Should the 49ers sign Brian Westbrook?
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On Friday, the San Francisco 49ers backfield took a hit with the sudden retirement of RB Glen Coffee. The 23 year old back out of Alabama just up and decided that he didn’t want to play football anymore and his move now has left the 49er backfield dangerously thin.
San Francisco now has 5th year Penn State product, Michael Robinson who has a career 289 yards and rookie Anthony Dixon in the backfield with Frank Gore. Dixon is most likely the number two back with Coffee’s announcement, but should the 49er’s look at veteran RB Brian Westbrook?
Westbrook stated this week that he expects to sign with a team this next week, and has made stops this offseason in Denver, St. Louis and Washington. There was no doubt heading into 2010 that San Francisco was wanting to lighten some of the workload that Frank Gore has had in the past few years, and Westbrook could be a nice change of pace 3rd down back.
Westbrook has had an injury filled career, but I believe if he were put into a situation where he only touched the ball 12-15 times a game instead of being a featured back, he could have a very successful season. A shifty runner and a great pass receiver, he’d fit right into the 49er’s offense.
Some of the concern about Westbrook not signing yet with a team is that it’s been reported he wants too much money in a contract demand. Now that training camps have been underway for almost two weeks now, his demands might be reduced. Health concerns don’t seem to be an issue as both Denver and St. Louis said he passed a physical. It is perplexing though to wonder why Denver did not sign him given all the injuries they’ve suffered in their backfield and passed on Westbrook and signed Justin Fargas earlier in the week.
I think if the 49ers could get Westbrook at the right price, he’d be a great addition for the 49ers who appear ready to return to the playoffs in 2010.
49′ers Balmer good as gone now
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San Francisco 49ers DE Kentwan Balmer is as good as gone now. Several days of an unexcused absence for Balmer, and now with the league granting the 49ers a roster exemption the club moved quickly and signed DE Will Tukuafu. Tukufau played formerly with the Seattle Seahawks.
The former Oregon Duck recorded 131 tackles, 14 1/2 sacks, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
The club now is reportedly asking Balmer for a portion of his signing bonus back, 960,000.00 to be exact. At the same time of Balmer’s absence from camp, a report was released which linked him to NCAA violation. Balmer reportedly paid for two players from the University of North Carolina to travel to California last year.
The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Balmer did meet with the team though there was nothing confirmed as to what discussed between Balmer and the front office. Balmer has been a major disappointment on the field for the 49ers and his release from the team should not be any concern for 49er’s fans.
