Michael Crabtree's best option? Re-sign with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were largely expected to part ways with wide receiver Michael Crabtree this season. However, there hasn’t been much action in the free agency market. For both the franchise and the player, it could be in Crabtree’s best interest to return to the 49ers.

According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Crabtree has only met with the Miami Dolphins since testing the free agency waters two weeks ago.

"Crabtree has taken just one free-agent visit since the opening of the signing period on March 10. He met with Miami Dolphins coaches and officials last week but left without a contract. The Dolphins are also expected to meet with veteran wideout Greg Jennings."

Not only did Crabtree leave without a contract, but head coach Joe Philbin declined to comment on the interest level of the team.

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Despite having a lot of potential, there’s simply no market for Crabtree in free agency. Part of it is thanks to the upcoming large class of wide receivers available in the 2015 NFL Draft. There’s a ton of depth available for all 32 teams. According to Walter Football, 28 receivers are projected to be drafted in seven rounds — the 28th prospect potentially going in the fifth round.

Players like Sammie Coates, Tyler Lockett, and even Antwan Goodley could be more valuable than Crabtree at the moment. Most of it is due to potential against production. Despite playing in all 16 games last year, Crabtree had less than 700 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Looking at his six-year career with the 49ers, he’s only had one season with over 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns and that was in 2012.

In the same year that the 49ers need to renew their identity, it might be in the same interest for Crabtree to redo the same thing. General manager Trent Baalke didn’t rule out a return for the receiver (via Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee).

"“As long as Michael’s out there, he’s just like any other (unrestricted free agent),” Baalke said. “You never say never. Michael did a heck of a job with us for six years.”"

Honestly, it’s in Crabtree’s favor to return to San Francisco. He needs to show the league that he’s still a threat. He made a few big huge catches against the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints last season to keep the 49ers in playoff contention, but he needs to prove that he’s more worthwhile than a third-option receiver.

What better way to do that than to be in the position of a third option at receiver to start the season? Obviously, he’ll be behind Anquan Boldin and new addition Torrey Smith, but assuming Colin Kaepernick is better at looking at his options down the field, he’ll give Crabtree the potential to shine. Perhaps he can also win Kaepernick over in practice, with chemistry leading him to be a receiver targeted more often than he has in recent years.

Crabtree doesn’t have anything to lose. He already has a system in place with San Francisco. Despite the turmoil, there’s still going to be more familiarity returning there than moving on to another team, and Kaepernick will likely trust him more than any other quarterback. Perhaps he could use a revival year that makes him more attractive. Resign cheaply with the 49ers, then seek a bigger contract in the future.

Considering the receiver is only barely being looked at by the Dolphins, returning to the 49ers may be the only thing that saves Crabtree’s career.

Michael Crabtree’s best option? Re-sign with 49ers

By Brian Spaen | Mar 25, 2015

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