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Solomon Thomas, 5 other 49ers who left in free agency for Raiders

By Safa Shooshtry

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree was the first-round pick (10th overall) of the 49ers in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech.

Crabtree’s time with San Francisco began a bit tumultuously with him holding out until he got the contract he wanted. He would miss the first five games of his rookie season, then would finish his rookie campaign with 48 receptions, 625 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Crabtree would continue to improve his numbers in his second and third seasons. His breakout season would happen in 2012, which by no coincidence, was the season Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback.

Crabtree built a great rapport with Kaepernick and would finish the 2012 season with 85 receptions, 1,105 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.

The numbers in yards and touchdowns would be season bests for Crabtree in his career.

In Crabtree’s time with the team, he would end up playing in three NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. After head coach Jim Harbaugh was let go from the team after the 2014 season, a mass exodus of players would happen, Crabtree being one of the players to leave.

He would sign with the Raiders on a one-year deal and ahead of the 2015 season (and would eventually get extended). Crabtree managed another 1,000-plus yard season in 2016 for the Raiders, but that would be his second and final time surpassing the mark.

Crabtree went on to spend time with the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals but would call it quits after being cut by the Cardinals early on in the 2019 season.