Lynch faces new reality in finding free agents
Niners feel they’re a destination for top players
SANTA CLARA >> Just think how far the 49ers have come in three years. Their roster is not starving for talent, nor does their salary cap allow for a 2017-like spending spree in free agency.
“Those days aren’t happening any more,” general manager John Lynch said last month. “We can’t go to the grocery store and say, ‘I’ll have that, I’ll have that, I’ll have that.’ ”
To have a shot at a Super Bowl return, the 49ers need to sprinkle in some talent while also rewarding incumbents with new deals.
How promptly must that happen? Who knows in this climate, where uncertainty is fueled by the coronavirus outbreak, Wall Street volatility and a just-approved labor pact with the players’ union.
The 49ers, at least in a roster sense, see themselves as an oasis
for all the Raiders’ level of commitment to quarterback Derek Carr, which has been a hotly debated topic among the fan base.
Although social distancing could complicate matters when it comes to things such as physical examinations to close deals, expect news of some agreedupon deals to begin leaking out before players can officially sign with new teams Wednesday.
That’s what happened a year ago when news of the Raiders signing tackle Trent Brown to a four-year, $66 million deal happened during the negotiating period.
The Raiders have more than $55 million of space under the salary cap season, meaning they are again in position to be aggressive and add to the roster of a team that went 7-9 in 2019. The club announced Saturday it was encouraging employees to work from home as part of the social distancing strategy designed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
That means free agency will open without visits to the club facility and deny the Raiders a chance to show off Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and a new practice facility in Henderson,
Nevada, in person.
While the free agency period gives the NFL a chance to have the media spotlight to itself as the MLB, NBA and NHL have shut down, it is a process fraught with peril even in normal years.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent on players whose services weren’t retained by their previous employers for reasons ranging from the salary cap to performance to age.
“I’ve always said free agency is a buyer-beware market,” Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said. “For the most part, the reasons there are guys in free agency. You’d better be surgical. You’d better be smart. I think that’s really the challenge.”
Last season, for instance, although Brown was named to the Pro Bowl, he played in only 11 games due to knee and pectoral injuries. Wide receiver Tyrell Williams (four years, $44 million) missed three games and caught 42 passes for 651 yards.
The Raiders’ big-ticket item on defense, Lamarcus Joyner, signed for four years and $42 million and made minimal impact as a slot corner.
On the other hand, left guard Richie Incognito came in on a one-year “prove it” deal and played very well, earning an extension worth $5 million.
Of particular interest among the fan base is the fate of Carr, for whom never was heard a discouraging word from either Mayock or coach Jon Gruden. The Carr buildup has always come with the caveat that the Raiders will look at to improve at all positions.
Events over the next few days will determine the Raiders’ true level of commitment to Carr, who is in the third year of a five-year contract. At a recent event in Las Vegas, Gruden was asked by a reporter about the quarterback position and the possibility of bringing in free agent Tom Brady.
“You’re killing me, man. Our quarterback is a really good quarterback, Derek Carr, and I want to reiterate that to everyone here in Vegas,” Gruden said. “We’ve got a good young quarterback. The films and the statistics and the analytics prove it. We’re going to be trying to improve at every position and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Other quarterbacks scheduled to be looking for work are Brady, who has been linked with the Raiders although not as much recently, as well as Philip Rivers (L.A. Chargers), Teddy Bridgewater (New Orleans), Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston and former Titans starter and No. 2 NFL draft pick Marcus Mariota.
The Raiders have no
shortage of needs, but Mayock told reporters at the NFL combine the needs are greater on defense.
Among potential targets: CORNERBACKS >> Byron Jones (Cowboys), Chris Harris, Jr. (Broncos), Trae Waynes (Vikings), and James Bradberry (Panthers) and safety Anthony Harris (Vikings).
LINEBACKER >> Cory Littleton (Rams).
DEFENSIVE ENDS >> Robert Quinn (Cowboys), Jadaveon Clowney (Seahawks), DEOLB Shaq Barrett (Buccaneers) and defensive tackle Jason Hargrave (Steelers). WIDE RECEIVERS >> Robby Anderson (Jets), Demarcus Robinson (Chiefs), Emmanuel Sanders (49ers), Breshad Perriman (Bucs) and A.J. Green (Bengals). RUNNING BACKS >> Kenyan Drake (Cardinals) and Melvin Gordon (Chargers).
There are 19 Raiders players entering free agency.
They include: CB Daryl Worley, S Karl Joseph, LB Vontaze Burfict, QB Mike Glennon, WR-KR Dwayne Harris, DE Josh Mauro, LB Kyle Wilber, DE Benson Mayowa, RB Isaiah Crowell, G Jordan Devey, S Curtis Riley, RB Rod Smith, LB Will Compton, TE Eric Tomlinson, DE Olson Pierre, RB DeAndre Washington, QB Nathan Peterman, T David Sharpe, LB Nicholas Morrow.
All but the last three are unrestricted free agents.