Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend the NFL announced former 49ers linebacker and current free agent Larry Grant will be suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season. The suspension was handed out because Grant violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

Grant has only had a handful of visits with teams after he became a free agent in March. He was originally selected in the seventh-round of the 2008 draft by San Francisco, but he played his rookie season with the St. Louis Rams after being signed off the 49ers practice squad.

The Niners re-signed Grant in 2011 and he has played in every game the last two seasons either at linebacker or on special teams. If you recall, Grant made a name for himself in 2011 filling in for injured starter Patrick Willis. In the three games Grant started in place of Willis, the linebacker recorded 28 tackles, five passes defensed, one sack and one forced fumble. Last season, however, he saw limited action on the field at linebacker.

This will likely end Grant’s quest to find a team where he can compete for a starting job at linebacker. It also means he may not sign with a team until after he serves his four-game suspension in the regular season. If a team does sign Grant before the start of the regular season, he would be able to practice and play in the preseason. But this is highly unlikely as teams will not want to waste a roster spot on a player who would not be available until the fifth week of the season.

December 4, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Larry Grant (54) loses his helmet while tackling St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Rams 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In a perfect world, the San Francisco 49ers would obviously love to retain both Larry Grant and Tavares Gooden. However, reality tells us different, and in all likelihood one will be let go. GM Trent Baalke will have a very tough decision to make regarding these two vital players. Let us take a look on the pros and cons of each player, that will help us come to a better conclusion on which player is more valuable, reliable, and sensible.

December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Larry Grant (54) attempts to block a punt by St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Grant first broke into the league as a seventh-round draft pick (214th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. Although initially drafted by the 49ers, Grant would eventually get his first NFL start as a member of the St. Louis Rams, after being claimed off waivers that very same year. What started as a perfect story, as Grant attended City College of San Francisco, before finishing his career at Ohio State, was short lived. However, in the end, Grant eventually gravitated back to the city by the bay, re-signing with the 49ers in time for the 2011 season. Playing on back-to-back one-year contracts, Grant is now looking to cash in on a big money contract. So the question remains, is he worth the “moola?” When you compare him to Tavares Gooden, I would yes.

August 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Larry Grant (54) reacts after the play against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

For one, Grant provides the 49ers with more than just special teams ability. During the end of the 2011 regular season, Grant started in place of the injured Patrick Willis, and racked up 34 tackles (2 for loss) and 2.0 sacks. As if that was not impressive enough, Grant also amassed five passes defensed. His play was invaluable during that time, as the 49ers heavily depended on him, and Grant responded, playing at a very high-level. In 49ers DC Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme, it is imperative to have at least six or seven quality linebackers capable of filling in when called upon, and Grant does this perfectly.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden (56) celebrates with running back Anthony Dixon (24) as Green Bay Packers tight end Ryan Taylor (82) watches during the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Then you have arguably the heart and soul of the special teams in ace Tavares Gooden. The player known as “T-Good” got his first crack at NFL blood with the Baltimore Ravens. A 2008 third-round draft pick (71st overall), Gooden played sparingly on special teams before signing with San Francisco in 2011. Unlike Grant, Gooden does not possess the skill set needed to thrive in a starting role.

The only starting experience Gooden enjoyed was during the 2009 season. In 12 games, Gooden accumulated 47 tackles (two for loss) and  one pass defensed. Not great stats, and if the 49ers are to invest in a linebacker, they better make sure they are versatile enough to play a starting role. Although, I like Gooden’s passion for the game, he is no where near Grant’s productivity level. A primarily special teams standout, Gooden will most likely be looking elsewhere in 2013, as the 49ers realize the importance of Grant over Gooden.

The Super Bowl is this Sunday and for the first time in a long time I will not enjoy it. Since the conclusion of Championship Sunday, all the sports networks are hyping and previewing the Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. I personally have hated it! All I can think of is it should be the San Francisco 49ers playing the Patriots. When I see DE Justin Tuck or QB Eli Manning being interviewed, I picture LB Patrick Willis or DE Justin Smith getting interviewed and wondering what could have been. It is clear that even though the Niner season is over my focus is still on them. My center of attention is towards the free agents. This is the business part of the NFL, deciding what players to keep and the players the organization wants to cut ties with. There are many players on the Niners roster that are noticeable free agents. Here are my top 5. (more…)