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.

QB Huard was released by 49ers and might return to Chiefs

After the 13th-year pro Damon Huard was released by the San Francisco 49ers, 49ers coach Mike Singletary said quite a few good words for the 36-year-old quarterback.


“I am thankful that we were lucky enough to have Damon here with us this offseason,” Singletary said. “He was a professional in every sense. What he did with our quarterbacks was outstanding. He helped them to have a better idea about what it takes to be a pro. Not only did he provide them great tips throughout, but he helped build their confidence.”

Being best known for lengthy backup stints, Stuart used to back up Miami Dolphins’ Dan Marino and New England Patriots’ Tom Brady. He had chance to start 13 games over the last two seasons while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs but failed to stay on the job for long during the five seasons he was with the Chiefs, who could be in the market for a quarterback after starter Matt Cassel hurt his knee last week and might be sidelined for two to four weeks. And Huard would be a good choice in replacement if it would be confirmed that Cassel will be sidelined for the first few regular season games. Hope that Huard will get a chance to wear a team's nfl jersey soon.

In the 49ers, after Huard was released, Nate Davis, the 35th pick of 5th round this year, will succeed the job of No. 3 quarterback behind starter Shaun Hill and backup Alex Smith.