Salaam? Signed by 49er's!!!

[Guest]

Did anyone else hear about this? If not, here's the article...

49ers sign former Heisman winner Salaam
May 28, 2003

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers signed Heisman Trophy-winning running back Rashaan Salaam, who hasn't played in the NFL in four years.

Salaam, who won the Heisman in 1994 with Colorado, signed with the 49ers on Wednesday after impressing the team at a minicamp earlier in the month.

He has been released by four NFL teams in the past four years. Salaam rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie season with the Chicago Bears, but he was bothered by injuries for the next three seasons.

Salaam played for the Memphis Maniax during the XFL's only season in 2001, but he hasn't played in the NFL since 1999, getting into two games with the Cleveland Browns.

"Hopefully he'll get a chance and take advantage of it," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said. "He's a good athlete!"

I can't believe the 49ers made this move... but since they did, it has to make you wonder if they feel he could compete for more than just a roster spot. I don't see how he could with both Hearst and Barlow still there and Robertson, the MVP from NFL Europe too! Hmmm... what's everyone elses opinion on this?[/u]

[Endzone Express]

I forgot to login before I posted this...

Damn... lost a post! (lol)

[xposi px]

I really think Robertson should be their guy of the future. Salaan will only get some carries if worse comes to worse....IF he manages to stay on the team.

[Homeless]

I forgot to login before I posted this...

Damn... lost a post! (lol)

You still got a post

Good read, im guessing they signed this guy because they are about to let go Hearst.

[cwebb]

They won't release Hearst, but they need another young guy to back up Barlow in the near future and having four RBs isn't that much when you consider the injury risk even in mini-camps and practices!

[slowkidz]

I think the probability of releasing Hearst just got a lil higher, but as cwebb said, I don't think they will just yet.

[Roseman]

I beg to differ I think Hearst is Bye Bye June 1. The 9ers havent had a good history of being loyal to there players. This might be a good thing for us in Hafa X it Hearst does go to another team where he will have a cahnce to start full time!!!

[Poobah]

Speaking of "higher", can we assume Mr. Salaam has put his, ah, addiction behind him?


*singing Brewer and Shipley's biggest hit to himself* any takers on what song that is, not that it has a damn thing to do with football.

[9er Fan]

IMO, the 9ers will keep Hearst this year, and he'll turn into a 3rd down back. He's a great pass-blocker and receiver out of the backfield, and a great locker-room presense. Not to mention (I'm pretty sure on this) they're under the salary cap.

I'd say Salaam has a 20% chance of being on the team when opening day rolls around.

[joe_montana]

Wow, with Hearst, Barlow, and the Euro-League MVP this team must be PRETTY STUPID to sign a guy like Salaam. HaHaHa...oh. wait. Thats my team.