Cornerback Carlos Rogers signed a four-year, $31.3 million deal to stay in San Francisco after his one year contract expired, and explained that it was all about winning games and stability. He signed on the first day of free agency, electing not to test the waters first
“[Did] I really want to go into free agency?” Rogers explained. “Maybe I get more money. I could be with a team that’s sorry. And they could continue to be sorry for like two years”
“And then once they want to change some stuff around, OK, they’re going to go after the people that are making the highest salary. And then I get cut.”
His re-signing provided stability for both him and the 49ers, as they were able to bring back all 11 starters from a defense that was perhaps the best in the league. They were first against the run, giving up just 77.3 yards per game, and second in points allowed, giving up just 14.3 points per game, just 0.1 points per game behind league leading Pittsburgh.
“This is a first for me,” Rogers said. “I’m pretty sure it’s rare for a lot of guys, to have all 11 starters back.”
In addition to keeping the defense intact, the 49ers were active in upgrading the offense. In addition to re-signing quarterback Alex Smith, the team added wide receivers Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, along with running back Brandon Jacobs. Combined with Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, and an offensive line that dominated the line of scrimmage, the 49ers look to be a serious Super Bowl threat this season.
Rogers is excited about the addition of the Moss and Manningham, as he does know a few things about covering those guys.
“I hope we just get half of his ability,” Rogers said of Moss. “Just his name’s a threat out there. (He’s) somebody you’re not going to single cover. You’ve got to put a double out there for him, and it’s going to open up space for a lot of those guys.”
