There is a strong list of available wide receivers that will hit the free agency market next month and the 49ers will keep their options open. Especially with their struggles at the position this past season, expect the 49ers to try to secure that top receiver to get them over the hump.
(**For this piece, I am going to put the draft talk on the side.)
Looking through the list, players like Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson and DeSean Jackson have been discussed as great possibilities. However, these top receivers will be asking for top receiver money and the 49ers might not have that kind of money to pay a to receiver.
With roughly around $30 million to spend this upcoming season, the 49ers are already focusing their effort on retaining key players. One of the key players they have publicly announced they want to bring back is receiver Joshua Morgan.
"I'm back!" Morgan said Thursday at the team headquarters. "I'm running again and have been for about two weeks - yes, sprinting."
Morgan was injured in the team's fifth game this past season, injuring his lower right leg. He was placed on injured reserve and had to have surgery. But his progression is a good sign for the 49ers as they look to bring him back possibly on a one-year deal.
With Morgan expected to return to the 49ers, the team will have Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams under contract for the upcoming season. Adding a top wide receiver would put them as one of the league's emerging receiving groups.
But not adding a receiver like Bowe wouldn't be the end of the team's hopes of establishing a strong receiving group. In fact, possibly adding a less high-profile, cheaper alternative might be a better solution.
Not only would this put some relief on the finances of the team, but adding a cheaper wide receiver would help the development of Crabtree, Morgan and Williams. Crabtree could remain as the team's top receiver and the new free agent receiver will start with him. Morgan will work his way back from surgery as the backup with Williams.
Looking at the list of available receivers, the 49ers could add a less expensive player like Robert Meachem, Mario Manningham or Early Doucet into the mix. All three are still developing in their craft as receivers and are looking to continue that growth elsewhere as starters.
Giving middle-tier receivers to grow in a starting role might work out.
Ultimately for the 49ers, signing a top receiver would be perfect for the team. That's their best option. But if their cap space won't allow them to do so, getting a middle-tier, cheaper receiver might not be that bad.
There's so much growth that can be achieved by this team. If this past season is any indication of things to come, Harbaugh, with a full offseason, can finally get his hands to mold the aerial attack into something dangerous. And he can do that without a big name receiver.
Comments