The San Francisco 49ers are not having the best offseason after they were forced to release Aldon Smith after another arrest. Entering a critical bounce-back season, the 49ers are not taking any chances while no player appears safe from elimination. The pressure is on to perform during training camp while some players like Torrey Smith are answering the call and others like Vernon Davis find themselves at risk.
According to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, Davis is at risk of being a potential roster cut. This is certainly not new news. The tight end has been seen his future with the franchise that drafted him back in 2006 put into question since the coaching staff departures at the end of last season. He was lined to the Buffalo Bills are Greg Roman left for the team. Considering he is entering the final year of his contract, nothing appears safe for Davis. The tight end struggled last season with just 26 catches in 14 games placing him under pressure this year.
The questions on Davis come as general manger Trent Baalke stressed his desire to keep the veteran around. Baalke told the San Jose Mercury News that he and Davis have discussed a contract extension, but one was not expected this offseason. However, in that same media dump came the desire to re-sign Smith who saw himself released after the arrest. Just because Baalke is talking contracts does not mean a player is safe from getting cut.
The 49ers could simply be waiting to see what they have in other players first. The battle for tight end involves Vance McDonald who is impressing so far in camp. The young star has a touchdown to his name in the team scrimmage while earning fans of the coaching staff.
"The way Vance was utilized in college and what he is becoming now in the NFL are two different things," offensive line coach Tony Sparano said, via SFGate.com. "I think with this guy, some of his best football is ahead of him. Vance is still a young player. I don't get caught up in all the draft stuff and where a guy was selected. I just know that having the opportunity to work with Vance, he's very eager. This kid loves football. He's got great passion. And he has some unique qualities. He's a big guy who can run fast, but still play in-line. Those things are hard to find."
The rise of McDonald comes with the rise of players like Torrey Smith who is quickly impressing with Colin Kaepernick. The wide receiver alongside Anquan Boldin is proving to be dynamic threats for the quarterback who is hoping to show that he really is elite. Smith told the media that he just needs Kaepernick to trust that he will be downfield waiting for a pass.
"It's not that I feel like I'm a speed demon or the fastest man in the world or anything," Smith said, via the San Jose Mercury News. "But sometimes I feel, 'Hey, I can run, bro. You can throw it out there and I'm going to go get it for you.'"
