49ers signing Michael Crabtree to extension would be ‘major surprise’
By Bryan Rose
The San Francisco 49ers know that they’ll have some tough decisions to make in the upcoming seasons regarding their salary cap and it’s likely a few big name players may be forced into free agency.
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Understandably, the 49ers don’t want one of those players to be wide receiver Michael Crabtree, though, CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco believes it would be a shock to see the 49ers extend Crabtree before he becomes a free agent.
“Crabtree is entering the final year of his deal, too. As everyone remembers, he was difficult to sign as a rookie when he had no outside negotiating power. It would be a major surprise if the 49ers reach an extension with him before he has a chance to test the open market next spring.”
Crabtree isn’t going to be an easy sign when he’s under contract, let alone when he hits the market so San Francisco will likely need to take a cautious approach to their stand with him.
Of course, vying for a new deal alongside Crabtree is fellow offensive threat Vernon Davis, who despite already being the third highest paid tight end in the NFL, believes he’s deserving of a new deal.
He’s unlikely to get it however given he still has multiple years left on his contract, unlike Crabtree who is only signed through the upcoming season.
The 49ers front office has been more than open about wanting Crabtree to return, so it sounds as if they will make a concerned effort to re-sign the former Texas Tech product though want to give him a full season to produce first.