http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/teams/san_francisco_49ers/58 Recent articles about San Francisco 49ers en-us San Francisco 49ers wideout Joshua Morgan is running, even sprinting, again on his surgically repaired right leg that limited him to only five games in 2011 for the NFC West champions. Morgan broke a bone in his lower leg Oct. 9 against Tampa Bay and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Leaving team headquarters Thursday, he declared, ''I'm back!'' while sporting his typical smile. While Morgan is set to become a free agent, coach Jim Harbaugh has said the team plans to bring him back. Morgan insists he'll be ready to sign the moment the team reaches out. The 26-year-old Morgan, a four-year veteran out of Virginia Tech, had 15 catches for 220 yards and one touchdown. Five of those catches came in that game with the Buccaneers. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:59 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_wideout_joshua_morgan_eager_to_get_back/9848575 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_wideout_joshua_morgan_eager_to_get_back/9848575 49ers wideout Joshua Morgan eager to get back http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_wideout_joshua_morgan_eager_to_get_back/9848575 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald was arrested early Wednesday morning due to an outstanding warrant from 2010 on suspicion of driving under the influence. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the warrant was issued in August because of a failure to provide completion of a first-offender program following the first arrest. McDonald was pulled over by Sunnyvale police, who learned of the outstanding arrest warrant. He was arrested and released shortly after 7 a.m. The 27-year-old McDonald just completed his fifth season with San Francisco, registering a career-high 5.5 sacks. He added 2.5 sacks in the NFC title game against the New York Giants. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:40:58 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_de_mcdonald_arrested/9834601 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_de_mcdonald_arrested/9834601 49ers DE McDonald arrested http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_de_mcdonald_arrested/9834601 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/d/3d07c22151989da832eacd489da98ba0d82d6a59/mini/5a.jpg Though he has been benched and was considered a bust in the past, the San Francisco 49ers are confident that Alex Smith is their guy at quarterback. “We’re all in lockstep as an organization that Alex Smith is our guy. It’s well-documented. You saw the way he played this year,” coach Jim Harbaugh said on Comcast Bay Area Tuesday. “(He is a) tremendous leader on our football team.” “There’s Alex and there are other guys, too, that are high priorities. We want our guys. There are guys who play like 49ers, and what they do is they play their hearts out for our team. So Alex and others, (it’s) going to be a high-priority to get those guys signed.” Harbaugh has backed Alex Smith since the moment he was hired by the 49ers. Even before the quarterback was signed to a new contract Harbaugh was telling him he would be the team’s signal caller. In November, Harbaugh called him elite. A month later, he said the former No. 1 overall pick was the team’s long-term answer. Many people believe the confidence Harbaugh has shown in Smith led to the young quarterback’s career year. I give Smith credit for playing well (and playing extremely well against the Saints in the playoffs), but I believe he overachieved and was supported by a stellar defense. If either one drops off, the 49ers won’t look as good. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:38 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_feel_alex_smith_is_our_guy/9831853 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_feel_alex_smith_is_our_guy/9831853 49ers feel Alex Smith is ‘our guy’ http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_feel_alex_smith_is_our_guy/9831853 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/8/18b67e2a522d831d652640d4101e46c41bff446f/mini/Arizona_Cardinals_v_0d7c.jpg San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested in California Wednesday on an outstanding warrant stemming from his 2010 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. McDonald, 27, was taken into custody after police stopped him for a traffic violation in Sunnyvale, about 40 miles south of San Francisco, at around 2:00am local time, the San Jose Mercury News reported. Officers reportedly learned of the outstanding arrest warrant in connection with his June 2010 DUI arrest in San Mateo County. McDonald was released at approximately 7:00am, according to the report. He became the second 49ers player to be arrested within the last two weeks. Linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested Jan. 28 on DUI charges in Miami. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:24:52 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ray_mcdonald_arrested_on_warrant/9828292 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ray_mcdonald_arrested_on_warrant/9828292 Ray McDonald arrested on warrant http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ray_mcdonald_arrested_on_warrant/9828292 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/e/ced41321cbee67b1132af41400c043540094340e/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f90710869.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0E33D42149A9DB5695F5570C74E2B16F0554B5FBBA23497EB.jpg San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald was arrested Wednesday morning in Sunnyvale, Calif. for an outstanding warrant, stemming from his 2010 arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence in San Mateo County. The San Jose Mercury News reports that McDonald was released from the Santa Clara County Main Jail at just after 7:00 a.m. PST. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:30:48 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_ray_mcdonald_arrested/9827137 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_ray_mcdonald_arrested/9827137 49ers’ Ray McDonald arrested http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_ray_mcdonald_arrested/9827137 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/1/a1054eea8e4e4aeb902bbd6aa08161c76cc95f9b/mini/7e.jpg According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the San Francisco 49ers haven’t started any contract talks with quarterback Alex Smith.  Head coach Jim Harbaugh has confirmed that he wants to bring Smith back for next season. Harbaugh may want to re-sign Smith, but if a team comes in and makes Smith an offer that he can’t refuse and the 49ers won’t match, he might be headed elsewhere. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:33:06 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_havent_started_contract_talks_with_alex_smith/9815503 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_havent_started_contract_talks_with_alex_smith/9815503 49ers haven’t started contract talks with Alex Smith http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_havent_started_contract_talks_with_alex_smith/9815503 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/f/ef08fdb01f32e5cb3a38bc87008d0a0958591c1a/mini/San_Francisco_49ers_9bc8.jpg Rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick was drafted in 2011 by the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Jim Harbuagh to become a potential starter down the road. But after a great season by Alex Smith, no one is sure when Kaepernick will get on the field and really show what he can do.  Especially since Harbaugh has indicated that he wants Smith back. During a question and answer on RGJ.com, Kaepernick indicated that he plans on battleing Smith for the 49ers starting job during next season’s training camp. “I plan on being in San Francisco and plan on trying to take the starting job,” said Kaeperbick.  “That’s what your goal is as a football player.” There’s also a chance that the 49ers won;t re-sign Smith since he’s a free agent and a team may decide to pay him more then the 49ers would. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:21:42 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colin_kaepernick_determined_to_become_the_49ers_starter/9815404 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colin_kaepernick_determined_to_become_the_49ers_starter/9815404 Colin Kaepernick determined to become the 49ers starter http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colin_kaepernick_determined_to_become_the_49ers_starter/9815404 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After producing the best season of his career, Alex Smith no doubt wants a long-term contract from the 49ers. But the 49ers need to determine just how long they are willing to commit to Smith in terms of contract years. Both sides obviously still want each other after San Francisco’s great turnaround season, but it’s likely some kind of middle ground will have to be reached for a deal to get done. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:45:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/how_long_are_niners_willing_to_commit_to_qb/9811201 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/how_long_are_niners_willing_to_commit_to_qb/9811201 How long are Niners willing to commit to QB? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/how_long_are_niners_willing_to_commit_to_qb/9811201 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/0/106b51743b8d0682316e4b8e5abd437dd2cfb5f3/mini/Arizona_Cardinals_v_3b08.jpg To say the San Francisco 49ers were a play or two away from the Super Bowl is an understatement because this team played determined football against all east coast odds, and were just a Kyle Williams' freak play away from beating them. Next on the agenda is getting back to the NFC Championship and ultimately booking a flight to the Super Bowl one year ago from this coming weekend. They will do that by signing an extensive free agent class of players that reached stardom this season and will expect paychecks in return. Here are the 49ers' free agent players in order of the priority in which they should be signed. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:24:24 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804964 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804964 49ers: ranking the priorities of the team's free agent class http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804964 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png To say the San Francisco 49ers were a play or two away from the Super Bowl is an understatement because this team played determined football against all east coast odds, and were just a Kyle Williams' freak play away from beating them. Next on the agenda is getting back to the NFC Championship and ultimately booking a flight to the Super Bowl one year ago from this coming weekend. They will do that by signing an extensive free agent class of players that reached stardom this season and will expect paychecks in return. Here are the 49ers' free agent players in order of the priority in which they should be signed. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:54:21 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/san_francisco_49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804667 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/san_francisco_49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804667 San Francisco 49ers: ranking the priorities of the team's free agent class http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/san_francisco_49ers_ranking_the_priorities_of_the_teams_free_agent_class/9804667 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Carlos Rogers may be a free agent for the second time in as many seasons, though he is likely to get more attention this time. It’s hard to envision the 49ers using a franchise tag, which likely will be close to $11 million, on a soon to be 31-year old cornerback. Whereas Rogers was one of the most productive corners in the NFL and he played the ball exceptionally well, he had a little inconsistency in covering receivers. In fact, the Giants went after him with some success in the playoffs. Source: National Football Post Attached Thumbnails Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:25:52 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_unlikely_to_use_franchise_tag_on_cb_carlos_rogers/9777319 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_unlikely_to_use_franchise_tag_on_cb_carlos_rogers/9777319 49ers Unlikely To Use Franchise Tag On CB Carlos Rogers http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_unlikely_to_use_franchise_tag_on_cb_carlos_rogers/9777319 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/904e7c127ce01dfcb0e6236453eb567665c6685b/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f82882992.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF193B60283B7BB243DFBBB939082D0E48D36.jpg Pro Football Weekly reports that an inside source has informed them that 49ers intend to retain QB Alex Smith despite his late season struggles. "I think they still want to re-sign Alex Smith in a big way," said the source. "He'll be affordable, and he wants to come back. I would be shocked if they don't re-sign him." There's been plenty of speculation that the 49ers may consider some of the other available options during free agency and the draft but San Francisco hasn't given any indication that would suggest that they'll allow Smith to leave. I'd expect to see them re-sign Smith to reasonable contract. Source: NFL Trade Rumors Attached Thumbnails Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:53:34 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_want_to_re_sign_qb_alex_smith_in_a_big_way/9776929 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_want_to_re_sign_qb_alex_smith_in_a_big_way/9776929 49ers Want To Re-Sign QB Alex Smith In A “Big Way” http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_want_to_re_sign_qb_alex_smith_in_a_big_way/9776929 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/0/106b51743b8d0682316e4b8e5abd437dd2cfb5f3/mini/Arizona_Cardinals_v_3b08.jpg INDIANAPOLIS -- San Francisco's Jim Harbaugh has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award for leading the 49ers back to the playoffs. In his first season as an NFL coach, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to a 13-3 mark, an NFC West title and the conference championship game. They beat New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs before losing the conference title game to the Giants. "I think it was an amazing season," Harbaugh said. "In a lot of ways, beyond description. Incredible." A former NFL quarterback and successful coach at Stanford, Harbaugh earned 45... Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:48:16 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jim_harbaugh_wins_nfl_coach_of_the_year_award_for_leading_49ers_back_to_playoffs/9770317 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jim_harbaugh_wins_nfl_coach_of_the_year_award_for_leading_49ers_back_to_playoffs/9770317 Jim Harbaugh Wins NFL Coach of the Year Award for Leading 49ers Back to Playoffs http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jim_harbaugh_wins_nfl_coach_of_the_year_award_for_leading_49ers_back_to_playoffs/9770317 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers will become a free agent on March 13th and is reportedly looking for a four to five year deal to stay in San Francisco. He’s also indicated that he’s willing to give the 49ers a hometown discount, but he also wants to get paid like a top tier NFL cornerback. Safety Dashon Goldson is also scheduled to hit free agency and will look to cash as well in free agency. In order to keep both Rogers and Goldson, the 49ers may need to place the franchise tag on one of them.  The franchise tag for a corner would cost about $10.8 million and safeties will cost $6.4 million for next season under the tag. Losing either Rogers or Goldson would hurt the 49ers, but if they end up losing both players in free agency, it could be detrimental. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:51:16 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/carlos_rogers_willing_to_accept_discount_to_stay_in_san_francisco/9689617 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/carlos_rogers_willing_to_accept_discount_to_stay_in_san_francisco/9689617 Carlos Rogers Willing to Accept Discount to Stay in San Francisco http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/carlos_rogers_willing_to_accept_discount_to_stay_in_san_francisco/9689617 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/904e7c127ce01dfcb0e6236453eb567665c6685b/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f82882992.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF193B60283B7BB243DFBBB939082D0E48D36.jpg   Teams that pick relatively late in the NFL Draft have usually had a great amount of success the previous season. The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in such a situation this season and boy has it been a long time coming for the franchise. Another aspect of success, which is much more beneficial, is the fact that San Francisco might actually have the ability to go best player available in certain rounds, rather than having to reach for a position of need. That said, the 49ers do have some clear needs on both sides of the ball that they will have to address in the draft and supplement via free agency. Today I am going to give you my full seven round San Francisco 49ers mock draft. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:03:24 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/full_7_round_2012_san_francisco_49ers_mock_draft/9667714 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/full_7_round_2012_san_francisco_49ers_mock_draft/9667714 Full 7 Round 2012 San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/full_7_round_2012_san_francisco_49ers_mock_draft/9667714 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png 2011 was the final season of DeSean Jackson’s rookie contract.  It paid him $600,000 dollars.  To a struggling writer that’s a pot of gold but to an NFL receiver it’s chump change.  Jackson held out at the start of the season in hopes of a new contract.  When the Eagles wouldn’t budge he eventually reported only to have his second consecutive season of declining numbers.  In 2009, Jackson caught nine touchdown passes.  In two seasons since he has combined for only 10 with six in 2010 and four in 2011. Because of this decline Jackson’s estimation of his value differs significantly from that of the Eagles.  If a contract can’t be negotiated between the two parties DeSean Jackson will become a prized free agent in 2012.  Here are five teams that could use his services. Chicago Bears:  The Bears desperately need help at the receiver position.  The Roy Williams – Sam Hurd experiment in 2011 was an epic failure.  Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are explosive but are complimentary receivers a... Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:23:29 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/5_nfl_teams_that_could_use_desean_jackson/9655756 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/5_nfl_teams_that_could_use_desean_jackson/9655756 5 NFL Teams that Could use DeSean Jackson http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/5_nfl_teams_that_could_use_desean_jackson/9655756 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/e/be7a95e44395ab4dbeaf45a2ed47390b39109b33/mini/d4.jpg MIAMI -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was charged Saturday with driving under the influence in Miami Beach. Miami-Dade County jail records show Smith was booked Saturday morning and held on $1,000 bond. Jail records did not show whether Smith was represented by an attorney. A Miami-Dade County Corrections spokeswoman said Smith was arrested by Miami Beach police. A police spokesman said he had no information immediately available about the arrest. Smith was drafted as the seventh overall draft pick in 2011. During his first season, he had 14 sacks -- a franchise record for a rookie linebacker. He... Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:50:21 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_linebacker_aldon_smith_arrested_for_dui_in_miami/9650941 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_linebacker_aldon_smith_arrested_for_dui_in_miami/9650941 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith Arrested for DUI in Miami http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_linebacker_aldon_smith_arrested_for_dui_in_miami/9650941 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png San Francisco 49ers kick returner Kyle Williams received numerous death threats and hate mail from fans after committing two crucial mistakes in last Sunday’s loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship. There was one letter that Williams received that was very touching.  It was from 7 year-old Owen Shure of Los Angeles California. The letter said the following: Dear Mr. Williams: We just watched the Playoff game. I feel really bad for you but I wanted to tell you that you had a great season. you sould be very proud, so I wanted to say thank you. I am your #1 FAN! Owen Shure Los Angeles, CA p.s. your awsome The immature and stupid fans that decided to send Williams death threats can learn a lot from a child.   Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:45:25 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kyle_williams_gets_a_touching_letter_from_a_7_year_old/9609863 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kyle_williams_gets_a_touching_letter_from_a_7_year_old/9609863 49er receives sweet letter from little boy http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_williams_gets_a_touching_letter_from_a_7_year_old/9609863 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/3/132b9608d49ce40b9b4599ee6d8f8c773b9140e7/mini/williams-letter.jpg San Francisco 49ers punt returner Kyle Williams has received numerous death threats after two costly turnovers during Sunday’s NFC Championship game. After reading of these stupid comments, I can’t help but laugh. If 49ers fans think they lost yesterday’s NFC title game because of Williams, they don’t understand the game of football. When fans wish death on someone, it’s clear there’s something seriously wrong with them. Javier Pasquel tweeted, “@KyleWilliams_10. I hope you, you’re wife, kids and family die, you deserve it.” Justin Junio tweeted, “Jim Harbaugh, please give @KyleWilliams_10 the game ball. And make sure it explodes when he gets in his car.” Rashad Bates tweeted, “@KyleWilliams_10 two costly fumbles #reallydude? Enjoy the entire offseason knowing YOU cost us the Super Bowl I pray we resign Ginn #smh” Cole Mathew MitGuard wrote on his Facebook page, “Kyle Williams… you need to leave San Francisco forever, you should never be allowed ... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:29:09 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_kyle_williams_receives_death_threats_via_social_media/9530741 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/49ers_kyle_williams_receives_death_threats_via_social_media/9530741 Kyle Williams threatened online http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_kyle_williams_receives_death_threats_via_social_media/9530741 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/1/a169c214488cd63d90d574c50bd28582032a2ecc/mini/kyle-williams.jpg