If an agent makes a splash with a contract in 2009, he'll advertise it in
neon lights to reel in the top players in 2010. If he doesn't make a splash, you can bet that his competitors will use that against him.
Second,
Al Davis really botched things up for Crabtree. Heading into the draft, Crabtree was supposed to be the top wide receiver taken. When the Raiders drafted
Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7, it was a blow to Crabtree (and his agent), one for which they are trying to make amends with a big contract.
The Raiders then compounded the problem by giving Heyward-Bey a massive contract. According to reports, his deal calls for $23.5 million in guaranteed money. The No. 1 overall pick last year,
Jake Long, got $30 million guaranteed.
Crabtree thinks he's better than Heyward-Bey, and he wants to make more money than Heyward-Bey. The sheer magnitude of Heyward-Bey's contract makes what was an overly ambitious goal that much more difficult.
Lastly, there's a perception around the league that the 49ers can be pushed around in these sorts of matters.
They have a young power structure headed by 28–year-old Jed York. They got bullied a few years ago with the Lance Briggs tampering issue. And most of all, they've had six consecutive losing seasons. Only the
Detroit Lions have suffered longer.
And this is where things get sticky. York is trying to change culture and perception of the organization. He and the 49ers can't cave in to Crabtree's demands because that only perpetuates that sense of weakness.
Furthermore, the 49ers don't need to capitulate.
But the first few days of 49ers training camp have been marked by solid play by the receivers.
Isaac Bruce looks competent as usual.
Josh Morgan is making dazzling one-handed grabs.
Brandon Jones seems to haul in a 35-yard reception every practice. Throw in
Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle, Dominique Zeigler and
Micheal Spurlock, and this is by far the deepest the 49ers' receiving corps has been in 10 years.
At this point, Crabtree is gravy. So let the count continue.
