Crabtree addresses the media for first time as a 49er

Michael Crabtree spoke to the media briefly this afternoon after signing a new six-year deal with the 49ers.

You can watch the video on the 49ers website.

The rookie stated that he followed the 49ers during the holdout and now that he is signed, he's ready to be a part of the team.

"Anything I can do to win, anything to help this team win, I'm here."

Crabtree didn't get a chance to talk much during his press conference, but he made sure that we all understood that the holdout is in the past and he is ready to be a 49er. He did mention that the experience from the holdout was an important matter for him.

"I'm very humbled. It's a humbling experience. Getting a chance to sit back and better myself person, as a player as a teammate."

The rookie looked relieved as he was talking with the media, knowing that all the media attention might have been overwhelming.

Head coach Mike Singletary opened the press conference saying that he was excited that Crabtree has signed. He also confirmed that Crabtree will not play this Sunday but when the time is right, he will be on the roster. Singletary said the team asked for a roster exemption from the NFL.

"We will find ways to get him on the field. I'm excited for him and excited for us."

General manager Scot McCloughan also spoke to the media, saying that the contract talks started at around noon on Tuesday and ended at 4:00 am the following day. McCloughan said that the team wanted to make a point with this signing, that they were going to be firm on what they did.

"It was a very good deal for both sides for the 10th pick in the draft."

McCloughan said that the focus will not be on Crabtree, but on the team's effort.

QB Shaun Hill also spoke briefly to the media, stating since the holdout is over, everyone can move on. He was asked about Crabtree and if all the recent happenings would be a distraction.

"It's not a distraction," Hill said. "We're a focused team and we're focusing on Atlanta."

A transcript of the entire press conference should be available shortly from the 49ers.

===

Pro Football Talk is reporting that the deal is for six years, $32 million with $17 million guaranteed. The final year can be voided, a base of about $4 million.

The source tells us that, in his first four seasons (including 2009), Crabtree must either qualify for two Pro Bowls, or he must qualify for one Pro Bowl in one year and he must participate in 80 percent of the offensive snaps in a separate year in which the team makes the playoffs.

In other words, if in 2010 he qualifies for the Pro Bowl and the team makes the playoffs and he participates in 80 percent of the snaps, he'll still need to make it to the Pro Bowl or achieve the 80-percent/playoffs in another season.

He won't achieve that this year, so he has the other years to get it done. That will be hard to do since there are a lot of elite wide receivers in the NFC.