SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Michael Crabtree signed a six-year contract to join the 49ers early Wednesday after a drawn-out negotiation process that had some wondering whether the star wide receiver would show up this season.
“It’s a lot of relief off my shoulders,” Crabtree said.
While specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, Crabtree will receive nearly $17 million in guaranteed money, according to The Associated Press.
Crabtree, who caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last year as a sophomore at Texas Tech, was the only draft pick who hadn’t signed.
Crabtree could provide the game- breaking receiving threat the 49ers have been lacking, assuming he can quickly learn the offense after missing all of training camp. The 10th pick overall, he also sat out offseason minicamps and organized team activities while recovering from a foot injury, but was a regular presence at the team’s training facility.
Crabtree’s contract can be voided after five years with two solid seasons. It’s unclear when Crabtree will be ready after missing so much time, but San Francisco has a bye next week. It’s conceivable he could make his debut Oct. 25 at Houston.
Rookie Fein dies
SEATTLE — Tony Fein, an Iraq war veteran and NFL rookie linebacker who played with the Ravens during the preseason, died of unexplained causes after collapsing at a friend’s house.
Fein, 27, an undrafted rookie free agent from Mississippi, was lying face down and unconscious, vomiting and barely breathing when medics arrived at a house outside Port Orchard, Wash., on Tuesday morning, a medical officer said. Fein went into cardiac arrest during the drive to Harrison Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Footnotes.
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said he plans to start Sunday against Tampa Bay in what will be his first action since breaking his rib in the season opener.
• Giants quarterback Eli Manning (heel) was held out of practice and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders, putting backup David Carr in line for the start.
• Seahawks nine-time Pro Bowl tackle Walter Jones (knee) will not return until at least November, if at all this season, while quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (broken rib) practiced and, in coach Jim Mora’s words, “is without question doing everything possible to get out on the football field” for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.
