So much has happened that it can be difficult to keep track so, with that in mind, here is a quick recap of the bizarre events that have seen the Niners make the headlines for the wrong reasons:
- Cornerback Chris Culliver received a misdemeanour hit-and-run charges and felony charge of possession of brass knuckles following an incident with a cyclist on March 28
- Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has become part of an investigation into a "suspicious incident" involving himself wide receiver Quinton Patton, the Seattle Seahawks' Ricardo Lockette and a 25-year-old woman at a Miami hotel last month
- Outside linebacker Aldon Smith was charged with the false report of a bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in April.
The 49ers have had a lot to deal with this off-season, and have done so in different ways, they have been quiet on the situation involving Culliver - who has denied the charges against him - but have shown full support to both Kaepernick and Smith.
Indeed, San Francisco opted to pick up a fifth-year option on Smith's contract last Friday, despite the incident at LAX and the felony gun and DUI charges against him from previous indiscretions, a decision that will keep the pass-rush specialist signed through the 2015 season.
Smith could be set for a suspension from the NFL as a result of his antics, however, by picking up the option on his deal, the 49ers have shown that they have long-term faith in the 2011 first-round pick.
As for Kaepernick, the investigation against him isn't a criminal one, and the details over what actually happened remain sketchy, although it now seems clear - as you can ascertain from this wonderful timeline of events from Bleacher Report - that the 49ers' signal-caller did little, if anything wrong.
The 49ers have put talks over a contract extension on hold out of respect for the investigation, but with head coach Jim Harbaugh giving his public backing to Kaepernick, it seems likely that this one will quickly blow over and that San Francisco will reach a new multi-year deal with the 2011 second-round selection.
Now time to switch the focus over to actual normal off-season stuff we're meant to be talking about.
Since I last posted a detailed blog post the following roster moves have happened:
- Fullback Bruce Miller signed to a three-year contract extension
- Receiver Kassim Osgood re-signed to a one-year deal
- Cornerback Perrish Cox re-signed to a one-year deal
- Linebacker Michael Wilhoite and defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs both signed restricted free-agent tenders
- Brandon Lloyd signed on a one-year contract
The majority of these moves are no surprise. Miller has been an important and perhaps underrated part of the 49ers' offense and is very much deserving of an extension, while Osgood performed magnificently on special teams.
Wilhoite, who could start in the absence of the injured NaVorro Bowman at inside linebacker, was an exclusive rights free agent and had no real choice other than to sign tender.
Dobbs provided useful depth to the defensive line last season, however, it is debatable whether he will even make the roster.
Cox impressed during the play-offs and, given his familiarity with the 49ers' system and the issues surrounding Culliver, the decision to bring him back looks to be an astute one.
But undoubtedly the most surprising move the 49ers have made during the off-season is the one to bring back receiver Brandon Lloyd for a second spell.
Lloyd sat out the 2013 season after being released by the New England Patriots but, despite being 32 years of age, is not much of a gamble.
A fourth-round pick in 2003, Lloyd was very productive in his time with the Denver Broncos and the Patriots and his experience should be of value to a team a receiving core that lacked depth in 2013.
Lloyd's comeback may prove to be a success, however, with the Niners likely to draft a receiver in the early rounds, I do worry as to whether this signing could damage the development of Quinton Patton, who impressed during the back end of the season following his return from injury.
Dobbs provided useful depth to the defensive line last season, however, it is debatable whether he will even make the roster.
Cox impressed during the play-offs and, given his familiarity with the 49ers' system and the issues surrounding Culliver, the decision to bring him back looks to be an astute one.
But undoubtedly the most surprising move the 49ers have made during the off-season is the one to bring back receiver Brandon Lloyd for a second spell.
Lloyd sat out the 2013 season after being released by the New England Patriots but, despite being 32 years of age, is not much of a gamble.
A fourth-round pick in 2003, Lloyd was very productive in his time with the Denver Broncos and the Patriots and his experience should be of value to a team a receiving core that lacked depth in 2013.
Lloyd's comeback may prove to be a success, however, with the Niners likely to draft a receiver in the early rounds, I do worry as to whether this signing could damage the development of Quinton Patton, who impressed during the back end of the season following his return from injury.
That is an issue for another time, though. So for now let's just sit back and watch the draft unfold, but not before my preview piece, which will be with you shortly before things kick-off on Thursday.
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