Michael Crabtree accepted six-year contract from 49ers

On Wednesday, Michael Crabtree, a star wide receiver even as a rookie, finally headed out for his first practice with the San Francisco 49ers to prepare for the home game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.


Before that, he had signed a six-year contract, which was said to offer him nearly $17 million in guaranteed money, after a drawn-out negotiation process that had some wondering whether the star wide receiver would ever show up this season.

Although the 10th pick overall had missed all of training camp and sit out offseason minicamps and OTAs, he still believes that he can learn the offense quickly and will play a big role for the team in his No. 15 49ers jersey. If so, Crabtree would provide the game-breaking receiving threat the 49ers have been lacking.

49ers stick to their choice with Michael Crabtree

Even though the first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree has yet to practice with the team and turned down a reported five-year, $20 million offer from the team that includes $16 million in guaranteed money, and threatened to go back to the 2010 draft, the San Francisco 49ers still believe that the No. 10 overall selection is the wide receiver that could help them win, if he is willing to put on 49ers jersey in time.

Coach Mike Singletary said Monday that he would not close the door on Crabtree although it has been reported that Crabtree and his agent were about to renew negotiations with the team.


“Any guy that can play and help us win, I would never say, ‘No, we don’t need him,’ ” Singletary said. “We need all the good football players we can get.”

Crabtree is the only pick from this year’s NFL draft to remain unsigned because he had been money comparable to higher picks. If he will not sign with the 49ers after Nov. 17, the team would have a seven-week window to trade him before the 2010 draft. If not being traded, Crabtree would be able to go back into the draft next April.

The 49ers rank 28th in offense and passing game, and they have not seen any wide receiver rank among the league’s top 50 in receptions. And that may be the reason why it seems that they plan to hold Crabtree to the last moment.