News Archive
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| Productive Day April 3 2002 By Bryan Hersh of 49ers Paradise The 49ers must really feel that they are out of the salary cap misery that has plagued them since the Eddie Debartlo era. On Tuesday the 49ers signed two versatile players to shore up their defense. Safety Tony Parrish formerly of the Bears, and one of the hottest safeties on the market was signed to a five year $12 million deal. Sean Moran a defensive lineman who can play inside and out, but figures to play on end with the 49ers was signed to a 3 year $2.4 million deal; after spending last season with the Rams. The signing of Parrish virtually eliminates any chance that the 49ers will re-sign former Pro Bowl safety Lance Schulters. Parrish and Schulters were rated as the two best safeties in the draft, with Schulters looking to move East, and Parrish - West, the move seemed logical. Parrish can play both safety possesion, but will play the strong position - next to Zack Bronson with the 49ers. He has very similar abilities to Schulters, being a hard hitter, good in pass coverage and a little faster than Schulters; Parrish figures to be a healthy addition to the team. Earlier, Parrish had this to say: ``I really wanted to be close to home with the family, so they can get a little bit more of the NFL experience, I like the fact that it's a good, young defense on a solid, playoff-caliber team. I don't think I've got to fill any shoes. I'll just wear mine, and they'll be fine.'' Parrish seems to be the ideal fit for the 49ers and should fit nicely into Brett Maxie's defense. Defensive lineman Sean Moran. Moran will be in his 7th season when he begins as a 49er, and will be with his third team. According to general manager Terry Donahue, Moran will compete for the starting defensive end position currently held by John Engelberger, but will not be handed the position. At the very least the signing of Moran will bring a huge boost to the depth of the line. With added versatility, and help for the rotation Moran will be a big addition to the team.
The 49ers made two very big moves in signing Moran and Parrish. The signings remove the need of drafting a safety and reduces the need of drafting a defensive lineman. It also helps keep Bryant Young at his home position of defensive tackle. The team would like to find a guard to step in for Ray Brown who is turning 40, before the draft. In the event that they do - by signing someone like Chris Naeole, the team would likely target a cornerback in the first round of the draft.
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