Schefter: We Just Signed Allen Rossum! Released Cletis

[AsthmaField]

Rossum will be a better punt returner when he's 45 than Crayton is right now.

 

[AsthmaField]

Yep, this is more evidence that Miles is your new starter at WR.

Austin will be a starter and Rossum will obviously return kicks and punts. Call me crazy (I'm sure some of you will) but I'd like to see K Ogletree in the slot instead of Crayton.

KO is perfect for a slot receiver with his build and his quickness. He showed in the preseason that Romo can trust him.

I just think that Roy Williams/Miles Austin/Kevin Ogletree would be a very effective 3 WR set.

Let Crayton run straight out of bounds on his next punt return and take a seat on the bench.

 

[gimmesix]

For those ragging on Rossum's averages this year, I think he's only been active for two games ... so he hasn't had that many opportunities following a Pro bowl-caliber season.

Why he has been inactive is the question. It could be that the 49ers like what they've seen in someone younger who also can contribute elsewhere or that they believe he's lost a step.

Either way (or whatever the reason), I see no harm in Dallas bringing him in and giving him a shot to fill roles on this team that no one else has seized. If he has lost a step, then we can always cut him without any repercussions since all we "gave up" to get him was a scrub whose days on the roster were limited.

 

[Hoofbite]

He sure hasn't looked it this year. He's had numerous gaffes in the few times he's been out there as a returner. And he has enough trouble staying healthy just playing corner. And 10 touches is about Felix' limit at this point too.

So let him return kicks and give him 7-8 touches on offense.

Choice is pretty good too. I think it would be wise to utilize them all to the best of their ability.

Sunday wasn't his first this year. And more importantly, he brings nothing in terms of speed or athleticism to the position.

We've known this for 3-4 years now. All of sudden, week 5 its a problem?

The fumbles are bad but like I said, Crayton doesn't usually drop em.

Even if he doesn't do any better (which we'll never prove one way or another), at least it doesn't expose two key players who have enough injury issues to risk of further injury.

You're right, there will be no knowing. Well, I guess if Rossum scores every week we can pretty much say so but thats pretty unlikely.

As far as avoiding injury, if that was the point why not just throw anyone back?

Unless we're expecting Rossum to be some stud. I don't really think anyone is. Don't see why anyone should.

Take a look at the last handful of years and last year is pretty much the only one worth mentioning. In fact, he's pretty much similar to Crayton outside of last year. This year, Crayton is doing better than he is.

I just don't think a dedicated return man is a luxury this team can afford with a KO specialist and 3 QBs.

 

[MrMom]

For those ragging on Rossum's averages this year, I think he's only been active for two games ... so he hasn't had that many opportunities following a Pro bowl-caliber season.

Why he has been inactive is the question. It could be that the 49ers like what they've seen in someone younger who also can contribute elsewhere or that they believe he's lost a step.

Either way (or whatever the reason), I see no harm in Dallas bringing him in and giving him a shot to fill roles on this team that no one else has seized. If he has lost a step, then we can always cut him without any repercussions since all we "gave up" to get him was a scrub whose days on the roster were limited.

He also had a 74 yard punt return against the Seahawks called back this year. He still has some left in the tank.

 

[NextGenBoys]

No thanks....

You said that one day ago when referring to us signing him.

Wow, nice 180 you did once we got him.

 

[KingintheNorth]

I do want to say kudos to the Front Office for addressing a need at punt returner in Week 6 that almost every fan on this board pointed out in the off-season.


Also, how the heck did we draft 11 someodd special teamers in this past draft and not get a punt returner?

 

[gimmesix]

Also, how the heck did we draft 11 someodd special teamers in this past draft and not get a punt returner?

I don't think we targeted a return man because the focus was on fixing our coverage teams. We had Crayton to handle punt returns OK if someone like DeAngelo Smith didn't beat him out for the job and we had Felix and Austin as kick returners.

I think this move was less prompted by punt return needs, since Crayton had been OK this season up until the Chiefs game, and more by kick return needs, since Austin is going to be relied upon more as a receiver and Dallas can't risk Felix anymore in the return game.

Now, Rossum WILL take over as the punt returner because he's better than Crayton, but I don't think Dallas would have made this move if it didn't need a kick returner.

 

[dbair1967]

He has eight returns for touchdowns in his career. He spent five years in Atlanta with Joe DeCamillis as his special teams coach.

.

Yeah I had forgot about that connection. Makes sense.

 

[Stash]

So let him return kicks and give him 7-8 touches on offense.

Choice is pretty good too. I think it would be wise to utilize them all to the best of their ability.

I'd rather use those touches on offense.

We've known this for 3-4 years now. All of sudden, week 5 its a problem?

The fumbles are bad but like I said, Crayton doesn't usually drop em.

Yeah, we have. And myself and several others lamented the fact that the team didn't do anything to improve at punt returner.

You're right, there will be no knowing. Well, I guess if Rossum scores every week we can pretty much say so but thats pretty unlikely.

As far as avoiding injury, if that was the point why not just throw anyone back?

Unless we're expecting Rossum to be some stud. I don't really think anyone is. Don't see why anyone should.

Take a look at the last handful of years and last year is pretty much the only one worth mentioning. In fact, he's pretty much similar to Crayton outside of last year. This year, Crayton is doing better than he is.

I just don't think a dedicated return man is a luxury this team can afford with a KO specialist and 3 QBs.

He'll be active at the expense of the Cletis Gordons, Chauncey Washingtons and Marvin Whites of the world. And unlike them, Rossum has a chance to make a significant impact.

 

[Goldenrichards83]

If he gives us 1 td down for the rest of the year it is a great signing. At least we have a threat to score. Crayton posed no threat at all. I don't understand how anyone can't see this as a good signing.

 

[KingintheNorth]

assuming everyone is healthy, my guess for the inactive list is:
1. Stephen McGee QB
2. Kevin Ogletree WR
3. Montrae Holland G
4. Duke Preston C
5. Pat McQuistan T
6. Curtis Johnson or Victor Butler OLB
7. Jason Williams ILB
8. Ken Hamlin S (wishful thinking)

you guys are right, tough to pick the 45 active, especially when we now have 5 spots dedicated to Special Teamers.

 

[dbair1967]

Yeah, we have. And myself and several others lamented the fact that the team didn't do anything to improve at punt returner.

They did draft Deangelo Smith and I think there was some belief he'd be a contributor there. They knew they had what had been dependable guys in Crayton and Newman as well.

He'll be active at the expense of the Cletis Gordons, Chauncey Washingtons and Marvin Whites of the world. And unlike them, Rossum has a chance to make a significant impact.

He might, though I will be surprised if he makes much more of an "impact" than the guys we already had back there. He's pretty old, but he had a great yr statistically last yr. Yet the Niners basically gave up on him after a couple games this yr. Have no idea why, unless he's either hurt or just doesnt have much left.

If he catches them all and gains + yds every time, I'll be happy. The move might also be good for Crayton, as he can focus solely on his WR role now whether that be as the 2nd or 3rd guy. Since he probably wont have to spend much time working special teams drills in practice now, they might be able to work in more stuff for him as a slot WR, which is really his best role anyway.

 

[dbair1967]

assuming everyone is healthy, my guess for the inactive list is:
1. Stephen McGee QB
2. Kevin Ogletree WR
3. Montrae Holland G
4. Duke Preston C
5. Pat McQuistan T
6. Curtis Johnson or Victor Butler OLB
7. Jason Williams ILB
8. Ken Hamlin S (wishful thinking)

you guys are right, tough to pick the 45 active, especially when we now have 5 spots dedicated to Special Teamers.

Jason Williams wont be inactive

 

[Stash]

They did draft Deangelo Smith and I think there was some belief he'd be a contributor there. They knew they had what had been dependable guys in Crayton and Newman as well.

I didn't know much about Smith, but I was never crazy about the idea of either Newman (injury) or Crayton (average) being this team's punt returner. Now they've got a guy who specializes in returns. We can have plenty of other guys who do one thing for the team, why not Rossum who can return both punts and kickoffs?

He might, though I will be surprised if he makes much more of an "impact" than the guys we already had back there. He's pretty old, but he had a great yr statistically last yr. Yet the Niners basically gave up on him after a couple games this yr. Have no idea why, unless he's either hurt or just doesnt have much left.

Someone else mentioned two things, one, that the 49'ers might have a younger candidate, and two that Rossum still has it and had a 70 yard return against Seattle called back.

If he catches them all and gains + yds every time, I'll be happy. The move might also be good for Crayton, as he can focus solely on his WR role now whether that be as the 2nd or 3rd guy. Since he probably wont have to spend much time working special teams drills in practice now, they might be able to work in more stuff for him as a slot WR, which is really his best role anyway.

I agree that Crayton's best role is in the slot, but I'm so down on him right now that I don't much care what he does at this point. I think his being so 'average' was a detriment to the passing game and though it won't happen, I wouldn't mind seeing Ogletree getting some game action at Crayton's expense. But this signing probably all but guarantees Ogletree will be inactive on gamedays.

 

[Stash]

assuming everyone is healthy, my guess for the inactive list is:
1. Stephen McGee QB
2. Kevin Ogletree WR
3. Montrae Holland G
4. Duke Preston C
5. Pat McQuistan T
6. Curtis Johnson or Victor Butler OLB
7. Jason Williams ILB
8. Ken Hamlin S (wishful thinking)

you guys are right, tough to pick the 45 active, especially when we now have 5 spots dedicated to Special Teamers.

I'd take Williams off and add Mike Hamlin. I think this is a redshirt year for him.

And if Butler progresses, I can see him or Johnson displacing Octavien who I haven't heard or seen much of.

 

[dbair1967]

I agree that Crayton's best role is in the slot, but I'm so down on him right now that I don't much care what he does at this point. I think his being so 'average' was a detriment to the passing game and though it won't happen, I wouldn't mind seeing Ogletree getting some game action at Crayton's expense. But this signing probably all but guarantees Ogletree will be inactive on gamedays.

Ogletree probably isnt getting any real reps at WR this yr unless somebody gets hurt. I dont recal seeing him even get a single snap at WR last weekend, and he was the 4th guy active.

Crayton gets way too much hate from people here. He's a solid player who works hard and makes plays when he's out there. Teams need guys like him.

 

[TheSport78]

The Rossum signing also assumes that Austin will be the #2 WR, and FELIX will be healthy now that we have our kick/punt returner in Rossum.

 

[Bleu Star]

Adam_Schefter Filed to ESPN: The Cowboys will sign veteran returner Allen Rossum, whom the 49ers released last week to make room for Michael Crabtree.

I love this move. We need a return man like Wade needs a spine.

 

[Stash]

Ogletree probably isnt getting any real reps at WR this yr unless somebody gets hurt. I dont recal seeing him even get a single snap at WR last weekend, and he was the 4th guy active.

Yeah, like I said. I think this move assures that he's inactive the rest of the way.

Crayton gets way too much hate from people here. He's a solid player who works hard and makes plays when he's out there. Teams need guys like him.

Maybe as a #4 receiver, not as a #2. I don't "hate" him for being what he is - average. I more "hate" the fact that having an average receiver at #2 is often-times a detriment to the passing game.