Archive for December, 2016

Sign Tony Romo or prepare for three plus years of cellar dwelling: An open letter to 49ers GM Trent Baalke

Posted: December 19, 2016 in Football, NFL
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Dear Mr. Baalke,

Your team can best improve by signing/trading for displaced Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

WHY?

The San Francisco 49ers grade out at dead last in passing yards per game. And they have literally won one game this year. One game. (1-13).

Colin Kaepernick is on his way out and the other quarterbacks on the roster with starting experience are Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder.

WHAT OTHER OPTIONS DO THEY HAVE?

The 49ers can overdraft a talented but rocky young passer like DeShone Kizer from Notre Dame or Mitch Trubisky from North Carolina with no offensive weapons for miles to catch a pass, or an offensive line to block for them. It’s entirely possible that there is a quarterback who will be eligible for the 2017 NFL draft that can become a star. But the 49ers don’t have the offensive players or the leadership to grow said player.

Of course, there is always free agency. Kirk Cousins is set to be a free agent but will likely sign a contract with Washington. Jay Cutler may become available but is not worth the price of admission. The other available free agent QBs do not bring to the table what Romo does.

ISN’T SIGNING ROMO EXPENSIVE FOR AN OLD GUY?

Yes. Signing Tony Romo will cost about 20-25 million in cap space (according to spotrac.com). The 49ers have that space. 20 million plus is a huge amount of money to dedicate to one player. Signing Romo closes the door on signing other players at positions of need. So what would the Niners get in return?

  • A highly successful, veteran quarterback to show the ropes to a young passer (Brad Kaaya [Miami U.], Davis Webb [Cal], Deshaun Watson [Clemson], etc) much like Aaron Rodgers learned behind Brett Favre for three years in Football Harvard Green Bay.
  • A shot to compete in a very open NFC West. Seattle’s offense has struggled this season ranking 22nd out of 32 possible teams. From 2012 – 2015 the team ended the season as a top 10 offense in each of those four seasons. Arizona and Los Angeles are not competitive football teams either. The 49ers with some healthy talent on defense and a passing game can challenge in the weak NFC West.
  • Butts in seats. 49ers faithful living in the bay area can go to a game and watch a quarterback not only that they’re not ashamed of but who is actually really good and a major strength of the team.

AND WHAT IF THEY DON’T?

Google: “2005 San Francisco 49ers”