Ed Reed, Charles Woodson, Michael Huff

[Proudiddy]

Leaving the ravens for the Texans, at supposedly around 4 mil per. I want to stab myself in the balls.

I'm happy with what Gettleman is doing, but man... If Gross would have restructured, or if we would've traded DWill (which I'm not a fan of, but apparently the team is bent on), we could've cleared enough space to sign him at a huge position of need. He is a future Hall of Famer and safeties can play up into their late 30s without significant drop-off.

In general, I'm against signing veterans 30+, but Reed would've been a huge exception. I have been, as I'm sure many of you have been, a huge fan of his since his Miami days.

Anyway, moving forward...

Anyone think Woodson could/should still be a possibility the longer FA carries on. He isn't Reed but he's still really good. And if not him, I'm still VERY interested in Michael Huff, who, if I'm not mistaken, has experience playing both safety spots.

And according to this article, as well as what the reported numbers are for the DBs who have most recently signed contracts, it appears that the market is drying up and these guys should be had for a bargain of a price. Woodson even said he feels "shunned."

I know we just signed Mitchell, and it's likely that someone like Norman or Moore will be moved to safety as well, but I really think Huff or Woodson could make a huge difference for us back there this season.

http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/3/20/4129372/ed-reed-texans-charles-woodson-shunned

The NFL free agency safety mark is slowly sorting itself out. Jason LaCanfora is reporting that Ed Reed is close to signing a contract with the Houston Texans. LaCanfora reported the deal is two years and speculated it would be in the $5-6 million per year range.

In other safety news, Charles Woodson made an appearance on NFL Network and told them he felt shunned thus far, thinking there would be more interest. The 49ers hosted Woodson last week, but he left town without a contract. After reports Woodson was seen at the airport, his agent went so far as to say contract numbers had not been discussed between the two sides.

The 49ers ended up signing Craig Dahl to a three-year contract. Although some comments have indicated he will get a chance to compete for the starting safety position, it would seem likely that the 49ers are not done in the safety market. There are some free agent options, but the draft appears to be the likely next step for the 49ers. They could still sign Woodson or talk with Michael Huff, but it seems like the depth chart is already approaching the breaking point.

I updated our mock draft database earlier today, and safety continues to make four appearances. Matt Elam showed up three times, and Jonathan Cyprien made one appearance. It is always hard to predict what the 49ers front office will do in free agency and the draft, and it is even more difficult at the safety position this year. The team has several safeties on the roster, but it is hard to tell what the team thinks of them.

Do they see Trenton Robinson as a guy who could compete for some serious playing time in the secondary, or is he a guy who is destined for special teams play? He didn't get much of either, which would seem to indicate he didn't exactly wow on special teams.

What do they make of C.J. Spillman? He's a special teams ace, but it remains to be seen if they think he is a starting caliber safety.

Assuming the team does not sign a Woodson or Huff, this draft will tell us a lot about what they think of the safety position as it currently stands. I expect a higher pick on safety, but this team has surprised me before.

[Cam's New Arm]

As much as I DO want Woody, or any other guy who would help the team now, I want more for this team to be built the correct way.

I love the thought of us having a young promissing secondary. If that unit can grow together, with a piece or two down the road (draft?), emagine how much better off we'd be.

Standard Nickle Formation:

#59 deciphers the offensive code, yelling out audibles to the others while #52 does the same for his side of the field (corner and nickle back)

#30, back there evaluating the situation helping his younger teammates when possible, as well as the reverse

#76 and #95 bark orders to younger line-mates to create a dynamic coherent pass rush / run support.

Oh, and don't forget our 3rd down ace: #58

There is a reason teams build through the draft. Cohesion is much more valuable than talent, imo.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

I think trading d-will would give us negative cap space right now. As for woodson and reed, they have missed a lot of time with injuries recently and can't play special teams, so I could understand why gettleman would go with Mitchell instead of bending over backwards for one of those guys. I don't really know much about Huff or what he wants.

As for the Gross thing, they asked him to take a paycut and he didn't, nor is he obligated to. I'm sure they could restructure to get Gross' number down, but that would push more money into next year, and they might not want to do that.

While I would like us to get a woodson or reed, I think they probably want to go to a contender and we'd have to pay more to get them. I would like the team to knock a signing out of the park, but I'm also content to add depth and competition basically for free with no future liabilities.

[Hotsauce]

[rayzor]

As much as I DO want Woody, or any other guy who would help the team now, I want more for this team to be built the correct way.

I love the thought of us having a young promissing secondary. If that unit can grow together, with a piece or two down the road (draft?), emagine how much better off we'd be.

Standard Nickle Formation:

#59 deciphers the offensive code, yelling out audibles to the others while #52 does the same for his side of the field (corner and nickle back)

#30, back there evaluating the situation helping his younger teammates when possible, as well as the reverse

#76 and #95 bark orders to younger line-mates to create a dynamic coherent pass rush / run support.

Oh, and don't forget our 3rd down ace: #58

There is a reason teams build through the draft. Cohesion is much more valuable than talent, imo.

you know whats better than having a young DB corpswho grows up together? a db corps that is successful and balanced between experienced and inexperienced.

we need guys like woodson for the young guys to emulate on the field. is it a guarantee for success? nope, but it's sure better than throwing them out in the field and letting them figure it out for themselves.

and winning>>> cohesion.

[Snake]

I think trading d-will would give us negative cap space right now. As for woodson and reed, they have missed a lot of time with injuries recently and can't play special teams, so I could understand why gettleman would go with Mitchell instead of bending over backwards for one of those guys. I don't really know much about Huff or what he wants.

As for the Gross thing, they asked him to take a paycut and he didn't, nor is he obligated to. I'm sure they could restructure to get Gross' number down, but that would push more money into next year, and they might not want to do that.

While I would like us to get a woodson or reed, I think they probably want to go to a contender and we'd have to pay more to get them. I would like the team to knock a signing out of the park, but I'm also content to add depth and competition basically for free with no future liabilities.

I have a feeling that Gross will be cut in a year or two. Same with Beason if they do not restructure.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

I have a feeling that Gross will be cut in a year or two. Same with Beason if they do not restructure.

Gross' contract runs through this year and next year. If nothing happens soon, I imagine we'll take him into this season as is, and then force a pay cut or release him before next season. Kind of a raw deal for one of our all time best, but NFL contracts are always signed with someone's fingers crossed behind their backs.

[TylerVagyler]

Reed wanted to go to a contender and I doubt he saw us as one.

Same can be said for Woodson.

[carolina-chuck]

Give me HUFF!

Fuggn Gross need to restructure already!

[DeeJay]

June 1st cuts don't hit us hard right?

[Who Said What?]

Why is it likely that Norman is going to move to safety? This is the second time I have heard something that seems like someone's fake ass reporting. Please show me something where a coach said this. Also, Jordan Gross put his body on the line for years and has done a decent job. He has the leverage and should not take a pay cut so that we can sign people older than him like Ed Reed and Woodson. Shite thread man.

[Proudiddy]

Why is it likely that Norman is going to move to safety? This is the second time I have heard something that seems like someone's fake ass reporting. Please show me something where a coach said this. Also, Jordan Gross put his body on the line for years and has done a decent job. He has the leverage and should not take a pay cut so that we can sign people older than him like Ed Reed and Woodson. Shite thread man.

Tell us how you really feel.

I said "someone like" Norman or Moore may move to safety, I didn't speak in absolutes. It has been reported that Moore may move to safety, at least when he was with Chicago, and Norman's skills could translate really well to safety so I suggested his name as well.

Calm down dude...

[Frizzy350]

Why is it likely that Norman is going to move to safety? This is the second time I have heard something that seems like someone's fake ass reporting. Please show me something where a coach said this. Also, Jordan Gross put his body on the line for years and has done a decent job. He has the leverage and should not take a pay cut so that we can sign people older than him like Ed Reed and Woodson. Shite thread man.

Yea Gross has put his body on the line (like any football player that isn't a kicker/punter) and has done an above decent job. He never deserved the contract he got in the first place and he's the most experienced and highest paid player on one of the worst offensive lines in the sport that routinely let Cam and the offense down.

I don't care if it was directly his fault or not. If he's such a leader why wasn't he burning a fire under our other guys' asses? Instead he's insisting to be paid 12 million a year to be a non-factor. I'd rather have a line complete with capable starters than a few superstars who in the end aren't making a difference.

disclaimer: I am in no way, shape or form supporting the OP decision to go after Reed, Woodson or Huff. I'd only take any of them for the vet minimum. Reed is ancient, woodson wants to be on a contender's squad, Huff has been a career bust (not bust, but definitely a let down).

[SmashNDash]

Although I'm not basing it off much, I think being here so long has made Gross content with a culture of losing. He's going to take his payday, even if it costs us some players and wins.

Reed is signed, Woodson is old and I think he's looking for 5+ million a year and is not worth that. Huff I'm very interested in if he comes cheap. I am somewhat excited about Mitchell though, and I think he has a chance to do something here. On his one year contract though, I'm worried he'll break out like Marlon McCree did and be gone after a year.