The mega-deal Colin Kaepernick agreed to last week certainly drew a lot of eyre. Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati were likely paying attention, too.
Crabtree and Iupati are two players also waiting to ink new contracts with the San Francisco 49ers, but both may be out of luck thanks to Kaepernick’s new deal.
Sources told CSN Bay Area that Kaepernick’s extension complicates matters for both Iupati and Crabtree. Per the report, the Niners may not have enough money to give Iupati what he might command in terms of guaranteed money, while the team has no intention of overpaying Crabtree or undergoing difficult contract negotiations with him.
But Kaepernick’s new contract certainly is no guarantee that wide receiver Michael Crabtree and guard Mike Iupati are soon to follow. In fact, the Kaepernick deal might actually complicate matters, according to industry insiders.
Iupati, a two-time Pro Bowl player who was a first-team All-Pro in the 2012 season, figures to get more guaranteed money than what the 49ers paid Kaepernick if he reaches the open market. He is entering the final year of his contract. He would likely have to make some dramatic concessions to return to the 49ers.
Crabtree is entering the final year of his deal, too. As everyone remembers, he was difficult to sign as a rookie when he had no outside negotiating power. It would be a major surprise if the 49ers reach an extension with him before he has a chance to test the open market next spring.
Iupati and fellow offensive lineman Alex Boone are both seeking new deals. CSN Bay Area believes Boone may be in a better position to get paid by San Francisco.
In addition, the report indicates centers Daniel Kilgore and Marcus Martin can both play guard and could potentially take Iupati’s spot if he signs elsewhere.
As for Crabtree — signing him after he was drafted was a hectic process, one that included a holdout.
After the 49ers added Bruce Ellington in the draft and trade for Stevie Johnson, the Sacramento Bee suggested Crabtree was expendable.
With Johnson and Ellington board, in addition to Anquan Boldin and Quinton Patton under contract through the 2015 season, San Francisco may be content to let Crabtree walk in free agency.
The team could use the franchise tag on him and buy at least another year, but it does not appear they would be willing to break the bank on him.
