SANTA CLARA — Any scholar of 49ers custom and historical past is aware of the final time the franchise gained a Tremendous Bowl it had an awesome deal to do with a free-agent star search that included the signings of Deion Sanders, Ken Norton Jr., Rickey Jackson, Richard Dent and Gary Plummer going into the 1994 season.
The 49ers spared no expense of their quest to beat the Dallas Cowboys, and pulled off all these signings within the first yr of a wage cap.
The in-season commerce for Christian McCaffrey introduced with it an identical “go for it” mentality, one which common supervisor John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan delivered to the gamers as a proof for the acquisition.
Might vast receiver Odell Beckham Jr. be subsequent?
Fox Sports activities insider Jay Glazer reported Sunday that the 49ers, in addition to the Dallas Cowboys, had been anticipated to be lining up presents for Beckham by the top of this week. The Rams are additionally in play.
The solutions from each Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are constant with regards to gifted free brokers. They’ll at all times search for methods to make a staff higher. The query is how significantly better would Beckham make the 49ers?
In 12 video games (eight common season, 4 within the playoffs) with the Rams after coming off the primary of two ACL tears in his left knee, Beckham had 48 receptions for 593 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Three issues to think about:
Value
Beckham bought $1.25 million in wage and bonus cash for his time with the Rams on prime of what he made in Cleveland earlier than being launched. The 49ers have $6.2 million and alter by way of room underneath the wage cap in response to OverTheCap.com.
Cash shouldn’t be an issue except Beckham desires one thing outlandish, and at age 30 and coming off two ACL surgical procedures in successive seasons, that shouldn’t be the case. Extra possible, he’s cherry-picking a staff that he believes can get him one other ring whereas believing he’s greater than only a third receiver.
Well being
Is Beckham the identical explosive, acrobatic vast receiver he’s at all times been? Wanting that, would he willingly slot in as he did with the Rams final yr to be a part of a winner? Beckham reported on Twitter in July he performed the entire “again half of the season with out an ACL.”
Does that make him extra wholesome or much less wholesome following a second operation?
As soon as Beckham agrees to phrases with somebody, the bodily examination could also be his hardest take a look at.
Chemistry
If Beckham got here aboard and pushed apart Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud and rookie Danny Grey for enjoying time, so be it. That’s life within the NFL. As soon as on the sector, the place would Beckham slot in with an offense that has Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Elijah Mitchell and George Kittle ready in line for touches?
If Beckham desires essentially the most receptions he can get, Dallas might be a greater possibility.
And the way would Beckham, coming off a severe damage, take to the blocking obligations Shanahan requires from his vast receivers? Aiyuk and Jennings are excellent in that regard for a staff dedicated to the run.
Appears unlikely, though many thought the identical about buying and selling for McCaffrey. Going “all in” means taking the occasional threat.