The right situation for Josh Cribbs to come to San Francisco

Josh Cribbs would be a great addition to the 49ers, but
the demand of a huge contract will make it hard.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Last week, Cleveland Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs made a lot of noise about his future with the team. Cribbs is under contract with the Browns through 2012, but he feels that his contract doesn't pay him the amount he deserves.

The Browns have offered him a contract that pays him $1.4 million per year, but Cribbs believes that isn't enough. On his Twitter, Cribbs said that he doesn't feel that he's a priority for the Browns and his days with the Browns are coming to an end.

With the 49ers being ranked last in punt return yards and 23rd in kickoffs, the 49ers could very well make a trade for Cribbs. However, there might be some road blocks for Cribbs.

• Cribbs views himself as not only a returnman, but also as a great threat on the offense. He can work out as a receiver and should be a significant factor in working on the Wildcat. However, how much can the 49ers use Cribbs on offense? He is most dangerous in the open field, which is for punt returns. The 49ers offense has to do some changing to cater to Cribbs.
• Cribbs will turn 27 this summer and even though that's not a bad age for a football players, all the effective returnmen in the game are much younger. We don't know how age will be a factor and it might be safer and cheaper to get a young returner in the Draft.
• The 49ers will have to give up a good amount to get Cribbs in the trade. The rebuilding Browns could very well ask for draft picks for the 49ers just to make the trade. Are the 49ers willing to give up some draft picks?
• Cribbs will demand a big contract, possibly at least five years. Are the 49ers willing to spend that much? They could draft or sign a return specialist for cheap. But with Cribbs, the team already knows what he is capable of doing.

The 49ers can look at a few players that they can draft to return kicks. There are some that are definitely worth considering for the 49ers, and if given the right situation in the Draft, the 49ers should grab one then.

In any case, the 49ers will address this issue this off-season. The punt return game needs help and keeping Josh Morgan back for kickoffs isn't the best idea. Cribbs could be the answer, but at what price are the 49ers willing to give up? Do the 49ers go for an established player or go for a cheaper one in the Draft?

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The 49ers signed tight end Joe Jon Finley to a future contract ono Monday. He beat out draft pick Bear Pascoe last year to make the practice squad.

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Bobby April, who was released by the Buffalo Bills this off-season will meet with head coach Mike Singletary today about the open special teams coordinator position. He might be the best candidate for the job. April has also been in talks with the Steelers about their opening.

Larry Mac Duff, the special teams coordinator for the 49ers before Al Everest took over in 2007 is another candidate the 49ers have met up with for the open position.

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