49ers reduce Clements' role against Colts

In March of 2007, former Bills cornerback Nate Clements(notes) signed an eight-year, $80 million contract with the 49ers. NFL contracts are full of funny money, but the Niners guaranteed Clements $22.6 million upon signing. That is, by any standard (you'll pardon the expression) shutdown corner money. And by any other standard. Clements hasn't lived up to the price. It's not always a player's fault when he can't match the money he's paid -- what is he supposed to do, refuse the extra cash offered by a desperate or foolish team because he knows he's not elite? Not hardly. In his first year with the 49ers, Clements gave up 7.7 yards per pass play (stats courtesy Football Outsiders), which ranked 36th among NFL cornerbacks. In 2008, that YPP jumped up to 9.6, which ranked 75th. It hasn't been any better in 2009. Through Week 7, San Francisco ranks 29th in Pass Defense DVOA against #1 receivers, the kind Clements usually covers. These top receivers have g...