The man Michael Crabtree is displacing in the starting lineup, Josh Morgan, is taking the news like a pro.
Brandon Jones, who many of you have probably are unfamiliar with but received $5.4 million guaranteed to sign in San Francisco this offseason, is less willing to play the good soldier.
“I thought I was going to have a big role back in March when I signed
here,” Jones told the Sacramento Bee. “I thought I would have a role. And definitely in training camp. You’re out there playing and you think you’re going to have a role, but things happen.”
Jones wasn’t a factor before Crabtree showed up, and the rookie’s quick ascension to the starting lineup will just push Jones down the depth chart. Jones said he wasn’t sure what role he had, and that he has sought answers from the coaching staff.
“I’ve tried to seek answers. Of course, you’re not going to get the
answers that you want. But I’ve seeked answers . . . My job is to play
football, to play receiver. I don’t dictate who plays or anything. If
it was up to me, if I was the coach I’d be playing. That’s why it’s not
my job.”
Jones’ signing seems like an example of poor roster building by the front office. He was essentially given starter-worthy money, before the 49ers marginalized him by bringing back Isaac Bruce and drafting Crabtree. Now they have one of the most overpaid fourth/fifth receivers in the league.
49ers coach Mike Singletary probably won’t be thrilled with Jones’ comments, but he said Wednesday that he’s not worried about what message he is sending to the team by starting Crabtree.
“The most important message is that we want to win,” Singletary said.