Shea Huening-Flickr
What is going on in San Francisco? You would think after such an abysmal 2015 NFL season that the team would actually make some free agency moves. The only thing they have successfully done is pay a QB who they were not sure if they really wanted 11+ million dollars.
Dormant in Offseason
This team managed to only sign on Guard, a backup QB and a Kicker? They forgot about replenishing a certain skilled position. For my normal couch riders, you know I love to look at the numbers. Any team ranked 31st in overall in total offense in 2015 (303.8 yds per game avg.), should be vibrantly active in the offseason, especially when they have over $56 million in cap space. Is this a repeat of the Philadelphia Eagles disaster, caused by Chip Kelly? Why are they not competing for the top free-agents on the market to build this team?
Who is to blame? Here’s your sign…
I recently posted on Anquan Boldin looking for a new team. What is going on there? We all know the talent level at SF’s WR position is not exactly dominant. Ranking 29th in receiving yards and receiving TDs (16) should be an immediate indicator that there may be an issue with either the QB in house or the WRs. I think Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick are headaches and require a novel report to explain, so I will focus on the receivers today.
Look Mom, no hands!
Torrey Smith – The former Baltimore Raven has truly declined since having a stellar 2014. He had his best chemistry with Joe Flacco. Kudos to him for cashing in, but that is his only accomplishment since leaving the Ravens. The Niners are not paying $40 million for only 633 yards and 4 TDs per year. Get it together Torrey!
Jerome Simpson – I haven’t heard much from this guy, since his flip in Cincinnati. I think he did some time in Minnesota before coming to the Bay Area but this guy is no savior for this teams premier position.
Quinton Patton – Supporting Louisiana products is usually a trend of mine, however there is something missing with this guy. The team is not seeing his game improve since his time at LA TECH. Posting a 30-364-1 TD stat-line doesn’t help his case either.
Boldin’s presence make these numbers look really bad but it wasn’t like he was blowing up either with his 69-789-4 TDs. So let’s take a look at what is left now that the halfway decent receivers have been picked up in the offseason.
Young Options
If the team was still looking to stay young and add talent, both Hakeem Nicks and Percy Harvin are looking for opportunities with another team. Both are gambles due to injuries in the past but worth taking a look at.
Slightly older but reliable
Then there is the next tier of hands, the “30 is the new 20” gang. These players still have talent, but teams aren’t willing to part with top tier money for a player in their 30’s. James Jones (31) , Jerricho Cotchery (33) and Marques Colston (32).
Over the Hill
Andre Johnson (34), Roddy White (34) and Wes Welker (34) could help San Fran. I believe Andre would be the best option here. Roddy White just needs to call it a career, due to his lack of separation from defenders. The same goes for Wes who cannot stay healthy.
The Niners need to return to form and do so quickly in order to avoid being at the bottom of the NFC West again. GM Trent Baalke needs to go shopping!
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Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
