Should the 49ers Consider a Michael Crabtree Return?
By David Ochoa
With only one 1000 yard season amidst multiple seasons of injuries and drama, it’s probable that the San Francisco 49ers didn’t get all they wanted out of Michael Crabtree when they drafted him in the first round in 2009. Now with Crabtree testing out the market in free agency and receiving very little interest, a return may be plausible.
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Crabtree was the 49ers’ number one receiver for a number of years. However, when Jim Harbaugh took over the team and implemented a run heavy offensive scheme, it seemingly didn’t sit well with Crabtree. Add in the fact of Anquan Boldin developing into the team’s go-to receiver as soon as he arrives, and we have the makings of a slighted Crabtree.
Crabtree’s stint with the 49ers ended the same way it began: bitter.
Towards the middle of the season, Crabtree came out and said he felt like he was “the third option.”
Crabtree’s disdain for the 49ers hasn’t exactly been a secret, and his sourness when he feels he’s been slighted is pretty well documented.
49ers’ beat writer Matt Maiocco had this interesting little quip about Crabtree’s interest in the 49ers.
RT @SalSiliezar is Crabtree staying or going? > The 49ers rank 33rd (give or take) among teams on which he’d prefer to play next season.
— Matt Maiocco (Threads @maiocconbcs) (@MaioccoNBCS) March 13, 2015
Obviously Crabtree wouldn’t come back to the 49ers without kicking and screaming, but that just might be the case.
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Crabtree has been known for having a bit of an ego, and it is likely he is severely overvaluing himself. Since the beginning of free agency almost a month ago, he’s only had two teams show interest in him, and he reportedly turned down $3 million to play for the Miami Dolphins.
If forced to, would the 49ers take Crabtree back and vice versa?
The 49ers’ WR corps may not be the best in the league, but they’re far from the worst. Boldin will do what he does best, newly acquired Torrey Smith gives the 49ers their coveted deep threat, and the young guys like Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington show promise. With a rookie draft pick in the mix, the 49ers are looking formidable through the air.
Would Crabtree add or detract from that?
With his habit of voicing displeasure and his knack for drama, it would probably be best for the 49ers to stay away from him.
With the off-season that the 49ers have had, they need all the positivity they can muster. Crabtree just doesn’t seem to fit the bill.
The bottom line is this: Crabtree just isn’t good enough for the salary he thinks he deserves, and the headaches that he brings.