49ers 2019 free agency needs: Revisiting 5 players San Francisco should avoid
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree
This one is fairly obvious, so let’s get it out of the way first.
The Baltimore Ravens elected to part ways with veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree, making him a free agent. Crabtree, 31 years old, had his long tenure with the 49ers already and was a 1,000-yard receiver just once during that time.
San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree, of course, signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2015 and managed over 1,000 yards receiving a year later. Since then, however, he’s recorded just over 600 yards in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Granted, either total would have led the Niners a year ago. No San Francisco wideout even reached 500 receiving yards in 2018.
The problem, though, is Crabtree wouldn’t even fit the schematic needs head coach Kyle Shanahan has with his offense. He’s not the physical, intimidating pass catcher the 49ers will lose when officially parting ways with Pierre Garçon in 2019. And Crabtree no longer boasts the speed and separation skills he arguably had a number of years ago.
Overall, that ship proverbially sailed a long time ago. There wouldn’t be any interest, for those thinking of a reunion.
Although seeing Crabtree and cornerback Richard Sherman line up opposite each other in training camp would be entertaining, at least.