Mike and Michael Sitting in a Crabtree

Singletary would like to have Crabtree this year

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Coach Mike Singletary said Monday that the San Francisco 49ers would still like to have first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree play for the team this season.

Responding to a report that Crabtree and his agent were about to renew negotiations with the team, Singletary said he would not close the door on Crabtree, even though the wide receiver from Texas Tech has yet to practice with the 49ers because of a contract impasse.

Crabtree, the No. 10 overall selection, is the only pick from this year's NFL draft to remain unsigned.

"Any guy that can play and help us win, I would never say, 'No, we don't need him,' " Singletary said. "We need all the good football players we can get."

Crabtree is seeking money comparable to higher picks. He has turned down a reported five-year, $20 million offer from the team that includes $16 million in guaranteed money.

The first-place 49ers are off to a 3-1 start without Crabtree, but their offense ranks 28th in the NFL. San Francisco's passing game also ranks 28th and none of the team's wide receivers rank among the league's top 50 in receptions.

The 49ers must sign Crabtree by Nov. 17 for him to remain eligible to play this season. The team would have a seven-week window before the 2010 draft to trade Crabtree if he doesn't sign. If Crabtree is not traded, he would go back into the draft next April.

Well, it looks like after two weeks of no discussion between Crabtree and the 49ers, an agreement is still possible. Despite San Fran's offensive struggles this season, the team is off to a 3-1 start and you would have to think they have the Niners have the leverage going into these talks. That of course is assuming that Crabtree and his agent will be reasonable and that may be a bit of a stretch.

I think S.F. will have to bend a little to appease Crabtree. Why not just guarantee his whole contract? What's an extra 4 million? Plus, that would make Crab the only player to have his whole contract guranteed. See, I solved another crisis. Now on to that whole Middle East thing.

P.S. - At least Michael's absence has spawned a great t-shirt.