dorian (covina) [via mobile]

Hey Mike what do you see the niners targeting in free agency? Do you see them targeting someone like crowder or phillips?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

Sounds like the 49ers will take a lower-keyed approach to the market this year. That is counter to recent form, but probably the best move. It's a picked-over market.

Carl (Boston)

Is there a better WR in the game then Larry Fitzgerald. He is the best i have seen in a while. Maybe, and this is a strech, only Moss is a good comparison but Larry is a god.

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

I thought he improved this past season. Randy Moss was better in 2007, when he had Brady and that offense was functioning at an extremely high level. But no one I saw in 2008 was better than Fitzgerald. He does everything well.

Orbicio (Atlanta, GA)

Is there a real chance that the 49ers will sign Michael Vick?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

No. Once and for all, they will not sign him.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Which NFC West team do you see making the biggest splash in free agency?

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

I'm not anticipating any NFC West team making a big splash in free agency. I once thought the 49ers would making a splash. They have the cap room and they have a first-year team president looking to make his mark. But Jed York and Scot McCloughan keep talking about taking care of their own guys. The Rams could be in position once they release high-priced veterans, but when you look at the market, which players are truly splash-worthy? Not very many.

Zack (Reading, PA)

Mike, is this chat only NFC West, or for all teams?

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

We will focus on the NFC West today.

Ali (Burtonsville, MD)

Hey Mike if the Redskins potentially sign Dallas free agent Chris Canty, how will he fit in a 4-3 scheme? Isn't he a 3-4 DE? That transition might not work?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

You raise a point that applies across all divisions. People have asked me whether the 49ers would have interest in Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth is an up-the-field tackle. The 49ers run a 3-4, which emphasizes gap control. The fit would not be right.

Greg (Boston)

Why would anyone want to focus on the NFC West, what an abomination....Anyways, what do the Hawks need to do to bring back the joy in Seattle?

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

Rediscover their offense. The Seahawks need to regain some excitement on that side of the ball. If they do, they'll score enough points to help out their defense.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

How is Justin Smith fitting in the 3-4? He doesn't seem bulky enough to defend the run and not fast enough to be an effective pass rusher.

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

They used him as an outside linebacker for a while. I thought he enjoyed a strong season for the 49ers. Very active. He was playing right defensive end late in the season. They list him at 285 pounds. That's big enough to play end in a 3-4.

Mike (Baltimore, MD)

will Arizona trade Boldin, and if so where do you see him ending up?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

Right now I'm leaning toward no trade, based on the Cardinals' apparent desire to establish how they do business -- on their terms, not at the players' whims. I think it would take a tremendous offer for the Caridnals to part with Boldin. The Eagles have the need and the draft capital to make a move, so I would put them high on any list of potential suitors.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Have you heard anything about any progress between Alex Smith and the 49ers? Is Smith willing to take a pay cut?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Yes, I do think Smith is amenable to a pay cut. The team has not appeared to be in a rush to re-work the deal. The 49ers have enough cap room already. I would expect something to get done, allowing Smith to remain in San Francisco. He would presumably want some assurances that he could compete for the starting job.

Kate (Norwalk, CT)

Hi Mike, Do you see the Cardinals making a run at Derrick Ward since James is on his way on and they really have no true #1 runner?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

The draft appears deep in running backs. For that reason, I would expect the Cardinals (and 49ers, for that matter) to put more emphasis on drafting a back. I know of no specific interest in Ward.

Steiny (NYC)

Should Trent Green retire?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

I see not reason for him to keep playing. No team is going to name him its starter. He should have plenty of money in the bank. And the concussion history is real.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Mike, I thought Ben Patrick was one of the great steals of the 2007 draft. How has he developed? Is he a legitimate threat, especially with Arizona being loaded at receiver?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Injuries really hurt him last season. The Cardinals wanted him to emerge as the versatile tight end they covet. It never happened. The Cardinals will presumably address the position in the draft.

John (Philly, Pa)

the seahawks and 49ers are listed with the Eagles being the to suitors for Housh in free agency. Do the 49ers or Hawks have a chance?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

I would not expect the Seahawks or 49ers to open the vault for Houshmandzadeh, based on what I'm hearing from those teams.

Wally (Seattle)

How do you see the 'Hawks addressing their need at WR? They just can't go with Branch, Burleson, Engram (if he resigns) again, can they?

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

Keep an eye on Michael Crabtree in the draft.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Do you see Arizona as a threat to take it all next year, or were they a talented team who got hot at the right time?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

They got hot at the right time. We haven't seen the consistency over a full season to project the Cardinals as having arrived. Their postseason experience should provide a foundation, but no guarantees. The Cardinals did not handle success very well last season until the playoffs. My read was that the playoffs brought an urgency that spurred the Cardinals to more focused play. Take away that urgency and we still aren't sure if the Cardinals can play at a high level for a full season.

Steiny (NYC)

Kurt Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said that Warner deserves the pay of top QB's in the NFL. Do you agree with him?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

Yes, he deserves it. But can he get it? Those are two different things. In other words, Warner would be deserving of a top deal. The market might not produce such a deal for him.

Carlos (LA,CA)

Mike, With the fallout of Andre Smith in the combine. Any chance he can slip all the way to 10, if so would San Fran consider him drafting him? Thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

I've said the 49ers should probably go with a lower-risk player in that slot, but a pure personnel man such as Scot McCloughan might have a hard time passing up a top talent. By pure personnel man, I mean a guy who values the measurables to a high degree.

Nick (ny)

Why would the niners not go after a big time WR they have no WRS and people wonder why they never win.

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

They are talking about favoring a strong ground game. Top free-agent receivers will not be lining up in Santa Clara for a chance to catch passes from Shaun Hill or Alex Smith in a run-oriented offense.

Dennis (Phoenix,AZ) [via mobile]

What do you see the Cards doimg in the draft specifics please

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

I see them watching to see if one of the top running backs falls to them in the first round. I see them also looking for a tight end and outside pass rusher. And then I see them drafting for the offensive line.

Jose (Virginia)

Hey Mike, How can the rams pass up a franchise QB? I swear by fantasy football and Mark Bulger had almost no value at the end of the year. I think he is definitely on the downswing.

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

It's just tough to commit that much money to one position. Marc Bulger signed a $60 million deal (or thereabouts) not all that long ago. That makes it hard for the team to give up on Bulger right now.

Tony BKLYN NY

warner at 12+ million a year or start matty and go after albert for that 3-4 they are trying to evolve into?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Turning over the offense to Matt Leinart would qualify as beyond bold. If it takes $12M to bring back Warner, the Cardinals probably need to go that route. I do not see Haynesworth as a 3-4 defensive lineman.

Carlos (LA,CA)

Mike, If you would take a guess in which FA would sign San Fran? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Moran Norris! Talk about exciting!

Every 49er fan alive

Will the Niners ever win a Superbowl with the Yorks owning the team?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

"Ever" is a long time. Jed York certainly has the enthusiasm. Let's see if he develops the wisdom over time.

jesse (sacramento, CA)

do you see a possible holt trade in the works or is it most likely a salary cap cut situation. why not trade him to the Eagles for lito shepperd, that way both sides get what they need in return for players that are on their way out anyway

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

A trade would seem unlikely. The acquiring team would pick up a $6.65M salary and a $1.25M roster bonus. The Rams will not keep Holt at his current price. If they release him, another team could sign him for much less than $6.65M in base and $1.25M in roster.

YoungGsuperstar,Washington,DC [via mobile]

Mike, I know there is a lot bof talk about Albert Haynesworth and him earning around 15-16 million a year...I just wanna know do you think he is worth that much? 15-16 million a year(that's quarterback money) around his age..Also do you think he will play up to that hype?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

I would not want to invest that kind of money in him over the long term. He was at his best playing for a new deal. What happens after he gets paid?

Josh (Irvine, CA)

Mike, the RAMS have needs all over the field on both sides of the ball. Who do you see them snagging at #2? Curry would look really good in horns, but OT is another huge need. Also, do you see Bartell sticking around? We can't afford to lose one of our few good young players.

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Right now it's looking like Bartell will hit the market. In the draft, I lean toward the offensive tackle, perhaps Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith. Adding Curry to that mix on defense definitely appeals.

Carlos (LA,CA)

Mike, True or False. Vernon Davis has a breakout year? Or reaching bust material? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

I haven't seen the consistency from him to expect a breakout year, particularly after learning yet another offense.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

Cards making any progress with their other free agents, like DE Antonio Smith? Or extending the contracts of some of their other key role players?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

I haven't even heard if the Cardinals have made an offer to Smith. It's sounded from the beginning as though Smith would hit the market. Warner is the focus in the short term.

Mike (AZ)

Mike, are the Cardinals ready to be a legit contender every year or do you think it was a one and done deal?

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

I do not think the Cardinals have shown they'll be a contender year after year. Ken Whisenhunt is the right coach, but the QB situation is murky for the longer term and the coaching staff suffered key losses, starting with Todd Haley.

jacob (va beach)

who are the chiefs taking at 3rd.

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Aaron Curry seems to fit the Scott Pioli profile, at least on the surface. If that happens, the Seahawks could get first crack at a receiver.

Cincinnati ohio [via mobile]

I want to know wat will it take for the rams to stop the run and open up hole for jackson

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Better drafting. We simply have not seen the Rams draft offensive linemen very well in the middle rounds. This team needs to get stronger and more physical up and down the middle. That means getting stonger in the middle of the offensive line, stronger at DT, stronger at MLB and stronger at SS.

Daniel (st. louis mo)

Did somebody just use fantasy football value to determind what the Rams should do at QB? I think they should give Bulger a chance with a quailty line and a healthy Jackson. They are not going anywhere next year so they might as well see if he can still do it. Plus he would cost more against the cap if released than if they kept him.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

Marc Bulger probably needs a full season behind a decent line to recover from the beatings he has taken. Those beatings have affected how he carries himself and how he delivers the ball, in my view. He has not had much fun playing the game and that needs to change.

Sarah (Denver)

If the Seahawks grab Crabtree, is there any chance that they might release Branch? He's being paid WAY too much considering his production, and the money could be better used elsewhere.

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

I would expect Branch to survive another season in Seattle based on how he played late in the year. Another injury would not help his long-term standing, though.

josh tacoma, wa [via mobile]

Hey do you think the seahawks will look for a center in free agency and does ruskell go for a running back in the 1st round or early 2nd?

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

I do think the Seahawks could use a veteran interior offensive lineman as insurance and as a potential starter. I base this on Chris Spencer's injury history, contract status and level of play. I could see Seattle going after a running back with that second pick.

Paul (Albany, OR)

I know the Rams drafted Scheuning out of Oregon State last year. Is he not progressing to earn playing time this year? Are there any other young guys coming through so they do not have to rely on a true rookie to start? Thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Roy Schuening was a fifth-round pick, so he would probably not project as a starter this quickly. John Greco is definitely ahead of him in terms of being in line to play.

Frankie (Chicago)

Mike, are the Rams going to resign Ron Bartell or not? This kid is knocking on the door to elite status, but we didn't tie him up early enough. What's the update here?

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Sounds like he'll test the market and see if someone will pay him big money. That was what I was hearing this morning. They do have time to hammer out something.

jason fayetteville nc [via mobile]

hey mike do you think the niners will try to in after a safety in the free agency

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

GM Scot McCloughan said there's a very good chance the starting free safety is already on the roster. That would be Dashon Goldson.

william joliet, il [via mobile]

what is arizonas most pressing need in the draft?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Probably running back. They will release Edgerrin James at some point, most likely. Tight end is a need, too, but the Cardinals could get by with their current group. The situation at running back is a little more urgent.

Frankie (Chicago)

Are the Rams planning or looking to sign a top flight center like Jason Brown, Matt Birk, or Duke Preston? Its about time to upgrade on Brett Romberg, and Nick Leckey...yuck...

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

I think they have some interest in Jason Brown, but I do not know how aggressive the Rams will be in free agency.

kc oakland

how about Jimmy Williams?

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

He would also be in the mix to play safety for the 49ers, but I think Goldson will get first crack at the job, with Reggie Smith possibly getting some work at safety as well.

Frankie (Chicago)

There has ben rumblings about a safety like James Butler from the Giants coming to St. Louis to reunite with Spags. Any truth to this? Or would they target a Yeriemiah Bell, or Jim Leonhard instead? We need a stud next to OJ.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

They have more than $6M tied up in Oshiomogho Atogwe. That probably takes the Rams out of the running for expensive safeties.

Nate P. (San Diego, CA)

tell me something about the chargers that we wouldn't know.

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

You tempt me. Looking at my roster database, the Chargers are one of four teams without a projected UFA at QB, RB, WR and TE.

Nate P. (San Diego, CA)

yay i got one

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

It was not an NFC West question, but like I said, you tempted me.

Andrew (Orlando FL)

If there's two minutes left in the Super Bowl and my team needs a touchdown to win I would take Big Ben over Manning or Brady any day.

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Particularly if it's Super Bowl XLIII. Great last drive by Roethlisberger. Almost as dramatic as his periodic injury disclosures.

Frankie (Chicago)

What is going to happen with Orlando Pace, and Torry Holt? They combine for about 16 mil against the cap this year, but can we really afford to cut/trade Holt now that Bennett is gone? We would just be creating more needs. Whats going on here?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

I would expect the Rams to release Holt and probably Pace as well. Keeping Holt would just seem to cost too much. That is my feel.

Daniel (st. louis mo)

Be honest, did you have to check to see how to spell Oshiomogho Atogwe? I just copied and pasted it.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

I used to have to check. But after a year of covering this division, I can spell anyone's name in the division off the top of my head. Oshiomogho Atogwe. There. Did it again. So proud!

kl (phillly)

is michael lewis still with the 49ers?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

Yes he is, and I would expect him to start for another season, most likely. But the team would presumably be targeting that position for 2010.

Frankie (Chicago)

I just don't think releasing Holt now makes much sense. So we'e going to have 2 rookies from last year, who both showed lots of promise in Donnie Avery, and Keenan Burton as our starters, with another 2nd year player, Derek Stanley as the #3 guy? I dont like the sound of that.

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

Let's continue this discussion on the NFC West blog. You raise good points. I just think the writing is on the wall. They weren't going to get anything out of Bennett anyway, most likely.

Mike Sando

  (1:01 PM)

Thanks for dropping by. Like I said, let's continue this on the blog. I'll start a new thread.

Mike Sando

  (1:01 PM)

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest