Crabtree Updates

FROM SF Chronicle:
By missing the first game of his rookie season, the un- signed receiver joins quarterback JaMarcus Russell (Raiders, 2007), tackle Bryant McKinnie (Vikings, 2002) and defensive tackle Ryan Sims (Chiefs, 2002) as drafted rookies to miss at least the opening game of the season.

As Profootballtalk.com pointed out, McKinnie and Sims missed multiple games of their rookie seasons before signing.

Crabtree, drafted 10th by San Francisco, shows no inclination toward signing a reported five-year, $20 million contract (with $16 million guaranteed) the club reportedly has offered.

The 49ers hold his rights until the day of the 2010 draft. That means if he intends to re-enter the draft, he cannot work out for individual teams beforehand, participate in the scouting combine or even talk to teams interested in his services.

If he does not sign a contract with the 49ers by Nov. 17, Crabtree won't be able to play in 2009

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have lowered their offer to first-round draft pick WR Michael Crabtree. A team source said the 49ers are willing to give Crabtree incentives that push the deal "up to a dollar less" than the package Green Bay Packers ninth-round draft pick DL B.J. Raji received, according to Yahoo! Sports' Michael Silver. The sourced added, "(But) we won't go over that. Otherwise, we're going to have the same problem next year, and the year after that…" The team is also reportedly offering less guaranteed money with every game Crabtree misses. The team offered him $16 million guaranteed with the thought he would play 80 games over five seasons. Their offer works out to $200,000 for each games, which is the amount the 49ers are prepared to subtract for each game Crabtree is unsigned.

(09-15) 22:11 PDT Santa Clara, Calif. (AP) --

San Francisco 49ers president Jed York says the team would like a face-to-face meeting with top draft pick Michael Crabtree.

The 49ers selected the former Texas Tech receiver with the 10th pick in this year's draft but haven't been able to sign him.

York tells KNBR radio on Tuesday night that an offer had been made to meet with Crabtree but he hasn't heard back from his agent, Eugene Parker.

Coach Mike Singletary acknowledged Monday the 49ers had discussed changing their offer to Crabtree.
Crabtree, who turned 22 on Monday, hasn't accepted the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million with a reported $16 million guaranteed — instead seeking money comparable to the higher picks.