One general manager, whose team could have used WR Michael Crabtree, said he never would have taken him because he could sense a holdout and didn't like his attitude. Crabtree, the 10th player picked, by the 49ers, wants a better deal than Darrius Heyward-bey (five years, $38.5 million with $23.5 million guaranteed), the first wideout taken when he was drafted seventh by the Raiders. Crabtree is trying to beat the slotting system that pays players based on where they are drafted. That system needs to be scrapped anyway. Rookies are being paid extraordinary money before they even step on the field, which takes money away from the veterans. The NFL needs to adopt the NBA system of predetermined reasonable contracts based on where a player is picked. Redirecting the money is one of Goodell's goals in the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Crabtree has threatened to go back in the draft next year. Even if he signs now, he will have a limited impact on the Niners this season.
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