Late Monday night, former 49ers linebacker Manny Lawson agreed to a one-year deal for $3 million to join the Cincinnati Bengals. Lawson is reunited with former teammate cornerback Nate Clements in Cincinnati.
The small contract given to Lawson suggests that the 49ers might not have desired to bring him back. If Lawson, a starter for the 49ers, could come so cheap, why wouldn't the 49ers pursued him? This could also mean that Lawson just didn't want to return to the team.
With the 49ers drafting linebacker Aldon Smith this year, Lawson's return seemed unlikely. And in Cincinnati, Lawson will benefit from their 4-3 defensive scheme -- a scheme that Lawson is better suited for.
Currently in practice, Smith has been working with the second team as Parys Haralson and Ahmad Brooks have been manning the outside linebacker position.
Smith noted that the 49ers plan to use him as a defensive end in third down situations. But how much playing time will he get as a starting outside linebacker? The 49ers drafted Smith with the intent that he would become a starter.
Lawson's departure adds a little more pressure on the 49ers to develop Smith to be a starter. And as training camp continues on, the team is hoping that Smith can live up to that role.
If Smith does show signs of potential, the 49ers could very well roll the dice and have Smith see some starting time over Brooks. The team could use a jolt like that to jumpstart their defense.
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As reported on Monday, a source indicated that nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin had agreed to a deal with the 49ers. The team has not confirmed the report. So as of right now, Franklin has not officially signed with the 49ers. There will be more clarification today as the 49ers return to practice.
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