Free Agency, Day Sixteen

I’m not sure there’s a worse crawl then the waning days of free agency. When there are still signings and rumors a plenty, but both move at a snail’s pace.

49ers sign RB Brandon Jacobs

The 49ers signed running back Brandon Jacobs to a one-year contract.

I can’t say I dislike the signing, though it doesn’t excite me at all. The 49ers seem to be adding a power back so that when they feel the need to limit Frank Gore’s carries in short yardage situations, they have a better option than the smaller Kendall Hunter. Make no mistake, Hunter will probably see more carries than Jacobs because of his potential to make big plays, but Jacobs will probably score more touchdowns because of when he will get the ball. It’s a nice approach, so long as they don’t ruin Frank Gore’s rhythm in the process.

Bengals re-sign LB Manny Lawson

The Bengals re-signed linebacker Manny Lawson to an undisclosed contract.

While I do wonder if this means they’ve given up on former first round pick Keith Rivers, I can’t say I dislike the signing. Lawson played well in his first season with the Bengals and it only makes sense for the Bengals to bring him back. Now if he can begin to make some more impact plays, he could be a steal.

Bears sign WR Devin Thomas

The Bears signed wide receiver Devin Thomas to a one-year deal.

Thomas has been a disappointment as a receiver ever since he was drafted in the second round by the Redskins in 2008. He rarely gets a chance to play in that role anymore and is used mostly as a special teamer. I believe that he’ll be used mostly in that role for the upcoming season and but not likely for much else.