The San Francisco 49ers have had an interesting season in terms of drama off the field. On the field, they are starting to really look their dominant self while off the field, rumors are swirling about all kinds turmoil from the locker room to the coaching staff. Things might only get worse as several big-named players will be looking for money come the offseason. After negotiations stalled and roster spots were threatened, what will happen to some of the biggest contributors to the team.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Frank Gore had his roster spot threatened during the preseason. The running back is a constant 1,000-yard rusher, but his age and contract status reportedly put him in jeopardy of getting released. The 49ers have his replacements already on the roster. Carlos Hyde was drafted in the spring and slowly getting worked into the offense. Marcus Lattimore is reportedly healthy and ready to play. Gore is expendable despite his stats and dominance in the run game. With several other players moving into the priority category in terms of contract talks, is Gore the odd man out?
It is unclear where Michael Crabtree ranks in terms of contract negotiations. The wide receiver and San Francisco attempted to nail down a new deal before the season began and both sides failed to come to an agreement. Crabtree is an unrestricted free agent in 2015 and will be in high demand if available. The 49ers ideally do not want to let him go, but might not be willing to offer him the money he is demanding.
Vernon Davis is another player that is expecting to get paid this offseason. Davis held out for a good portion of offseason workouts this summer in hopes it would pressure the 49ers into giving him a new contract. That plan failed and now Davis has spent more time injured than not through six weeks this season. In terms of contract talks, he is last on the list. Yes, the tight end is extremely important to the 49ers, but he is not a free agent until 2016. Getting deals done for Crabtree and Gore will be first on the list.
The 49ers gave Colin Kaepernick a nice sum of money, but will they be willing to do the same for Crabtree and Gore. Both players will have no issues finding contracts elsewhere if the 49ers do not get moving on talks.
