Former New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Signs With San Francisco 49ers

Published: 28^th Mar 12 9:26 pm

by Jeff Shull
New York Giants, Houston Texans, Texas A&M Football Featured Columnist

RANT It!

The Star-Ledger-US PRESSWIRE

Former New York Giants running back and sometimes outspoken player Brandon Jacobs signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers Wednesday, despite many reports the Giants were still trying to bring him back.

They released him on March 9 after failing to come together on a reduced salary. The deal is reportedly a one year contract, worth up to $2 million.

The last two seasons were a roller coaster ride with Jacobs, who had moments like his helmet toss in Indianapolis, and his dominant performance against the Falcons in the playoffs this year.

But the franchise leader in rushing touchdowns was not about to play for chump change with the Giants, and apparently would not budge enough from his $4.4 million salary he was scheduled to earn in 2012.

Doesn’t seem like he broke the bank with the 49ers.

The one-year deal should not be a surprise. Not only will the 49ers likely get a taste of his mouth from time to time, but he is turning 30 this summer and coming off the worst year of his career.

He rushed for 571 yards on 152 carries.

The Giants now must direct their attention at finding a suitable backup for Ahmad Bradshaw, who has had his share of injuries problems over the past couple of seasons.

With the high probability Bradshaw could miss some time this season, Jerry Reese should look to either draft a running back in the early rounds of the 2012 draft, or find a replacement via trade or free agency.

Current backups DJ Ware, Andre Brown, and Da’Rel Scott could provide the Giants what they are looking for, but that is a big gamble given none have seen significant time in regular season games.

Brown is an interesting candidate, though he spent his time with the Giants last year on the practice squad. He was a fourth round draft pick in 2009 that did not get a chance after tearing his Achilles tendon his rookie year. He was released prior to the 2010 season before re-joining the team in 2011, getting cut and signed to the practice squad.

Scott could be the third piece in a similar situation to the “Earth, Wind, and Fire” backfield the Giants had in 2008. He is a home run threat that blazed a 4.34 at the combine last year. He spent most of 2011 on special teams returning kicks.

But who would be that second piece behind Bradshaw? I do not trust DJ Ware in that regard, but who knows what the Giants are thinking at this point.

It will be an interesting story come draft day if the Giants have not signed any new running backs.