The San Francisco 49ers can put to rest any idea of bringing back Michael Crabtree in free agency as the wide receiver announced he is signing with the Oakland Raiders. According to ESPN, Crabtree inked a one-year deal worth $3 million with the opportunity to earn $2 million in incentives. That contract comes after interest from the Miami Dolphins and reportedly some from the 49ers, but now San Francisco will be searching for another way to fill a need.
After signing Torrey Smith in free agency, the 49ers are not eyeing any other options on the market. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, players like Greg Jennings and Hakeem Nicks are not taking visits up to the Bay Area. Jennings has been working out for the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars while Nicks is visiting the Tennessee Titans. If a free agent is not a target, will the 49ers eye top receivers in the draft instead?
According to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, the 49ers love Amari Cooper and will explore a trade up for the Alabama product in the draft. That could require the 49ers to jump as high as No. 6 or potentially No. 4. The Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are also eyeing the Heisman trophy finalist which could cost San Francisco in order to get him. If Cooper is taken before No. 5, the 49ers could move on Kevin White instead. He and Cooper are viewed as equals in terms of skillsets and readiness for the NFL. San Francisco would be getting about the same amount of quality while not having to spend as much in a trade up.
San Francisco is needing improvement from Colin Kaepernick this season if the 49ers are going to improve off of last season's struggles. Signing Smith certainly helped in that effort. Bringing on Reggie Bush also helps that while the veteran will pair well with Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter who is getting healthy after a season-ending injury. The ground game appears set, but the receiving games leaves something to be desired.
Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis return, but the aging receivers took a step back in 2014. Smith will help lead the way, but he needs more help. Cooper or White would be excellent additions while giving Kaepernick another tool to work with in the upcoming season.
