The San Francisco 49ers have some major questions moving forward and if Jim Harbaugh is traded or fired, the team could look at big moves, including a trade with tight end Vernon Davis and whether to re-sign Frank gore and Michael Crabtree as free agents following the struggles of Colin Kaepernick in the offense this year.
The Niners are coming up to a big crossroads in the recent history of the franchise, as Jim Harbaugh took the team from mediocrity to the top of the NFC and now he could be out. Harbaugh took over and brought the team to three straight NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, but some relationship issues and the struggles of Colin Kaepernick could be his undoing. The team signed Colin Kaepernick to a major deal and they are confident he is the franchise option for the future, but his regression this season is troubling.
Part of that could be chalked up to Harbaugh, but either way it looks like major moves are coming at the top for the Niners. Harbaugh is going to be targeted by the Raiders, Jets and other teams with openings and since he has time on his deal, the Niners could look at a trade. According to Pro Football Talk, the 49ers may look very different next season, as Harbaugh could be out, while Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore are free agents. The team also may look at trading Vernon Davis, as he was a disappointment this season and dealt with numerous injuries.
Crabtree and Gore each should command some attention on the market and that could lead to them leaving and could lead to a major drop off in the offense next season. The team drafted Carlos Hyde this past year and he could be poised to take over, while the Niners may look at other deals to replace Crabtree if he leaves. The team ranks 28th in the league in passing yards per game this season and for the first time in his tenure, the Niners have missed the playoffs and lost three straight games under Harbaugh.
While the issues this season are not all on Harbaugh, he is the easiest one to replace, as the team can trade or dismiss the coach. Harbaugh and the front office have had their issues and that has been reported on in the media and that is why many see him on the way out. The team went 7-7 into Week 16 this season and that loss to the Seahawks last week eliminated them from the playoffs. If the team moves on from Harbaugh they would be justified in doing so based on results from this season, but overall getting rid of a coach that went to three straight conference championship games in a span of four years seems a bit odd.
Kaepernick has 10 picks and 16 TDs this season and is completing just over 60 percent of his passes and he comes in after getting locked up with a new deal. Davis was injured for part of the season and did not put up his usual numbers, going for just 25 catches this season. Gore and Crabtree could be gone and Davis could end up traded if Harbaugh is pushed aside. The Niners have major decisions to make after the season and this comes after the team finally also released Ray McDonald after another sexual assault issue.
