Don't Stop At Bruce

So far in free-agency, the 49ers have addressed the most pressing need - at wide receiver, with the addition of 15 year veteran and future hall-of-famer Isaac Bruce. While this is a quick fix which may yield a year or at most 2 years of help to a struggling unit, it won't be enough. Upon review of the U.F.A. (Unrestricted Free Agent) list, there are several viable options for the Niners to beef up the wide-out position. Since this team has never drafted a legitimate target in the 1st round (with the one notable exception being the greatest receiver ever), I don't have a lot of faith in their ability to find one this April's draft.

Many of these guys would be a considerable upgrade on Brian Gilmore, Ashley Lelie, Darrell Jackson, and even Arnaz Battle. If they stop targeting improvement with the Bruce signing, they will be simply continuing the recent trend, (since T.O.'s departure in 2003), of stocking leftovers and table scraps as "playmakers". Here are some bonifide playmakers to keep an eye out for, including the recently rumored Javon Walker.

- Bryant Johnson (WR) UFA - 6'3"/213 - 5th Season (Cardinals)

- Javon Walker (WR) UFA - 6'3"/ 215 - 6th Season (Broncos)

- Jabar Gaffney (WR) UFA - 6'1"/200 - 6th Season (Patriots)

- Nate Washington (WR) RFA - 6'1"/185 - 3rd Season (Steelers)

- D.J. Hackett (WR) UFA - 6'2"/208 - 3rd Season (Seahawks)

- Randy Moss (WR) UFA - 6'4"/210 - 10th Season (Patriots) (They don't have a hope in hell, but it's fun to dream, isn't it?)

Oh, and while they're at it, why not take a flyer on local (Fresno St. product) former 1st overall QB David Carr. Why you ask? A couple of reasons:
1. A better 3rd QB option that J.T. O'Sullivan (sounds like an Irish Pub, not a QB)
2. Maybe 3rd team's a charm for Carr
3. Already one 1st overall bust on the team, there's room for another

But seriously, he showed enough in Houston, maybe not Carolina, that had he had help, they may have amounted to something. Wouldn't hurt to at least bring him in for O.T.A.'s and camp.
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