Leon Washington To Niners Rumors

There are rumors going around today that the San Francisco 49ers are thinking of signing New York Jets running back Leon Washington to a contract. Why? I’m not sure but the rumors are apparently gaining steam, at least according to ESPN 1320 in Sacramento.

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ESPN1320: Leon Washington rumors tied to the 49ers are heating up. They would have to give up a second rounder to get him. Injuries make it risky.

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Profootballtalk.com also talks about the rumor saying the two sides have talked but no official visits have been setup. What that tells me is that the rumors aren’t exactly heating up. Agents and players are talking plenty right now, till an official visit is set up I wouldn’t necessarily call it a rumor that’s heating up.

Now my question is why would the 49ers be interested in Washington? I know they’re looking for a change of back, especially a third down back. During Leon’s career he’s filled that roll quite well, as he caught 47 passes in the 2008 season. He had 15 in the first seven games of 2009 before he suffered a season ending injury. So yea, he can provide the Niners what they want, if he returns healthy.

Washington will be 28 before the season started, not old but also not too young. Being a leg fracture he should be able to fully heal, but how effective will he be in his first season back? Matter fact, how healthy is he now?

His health his my main concern with making this move, especially when you consider the Niners would have to give up their second round pick. Granted they do have two first rounders, which could lessen the loss of a pick, but still they’ve got some major picks to help in the turn around of this franchise.

If I was the Niners and willing to give up a draft pick in a free agent signing, I’d revisit the possibility of Darren Sproles. He’s healthy, a change of pace back and you know what you’ll be getting. He’ll come at a steeper price but he can help the team more. Another option would be to use one of those first round draft picks on a running back like C.J. Spiller.

But yea if it was me I’d stay of Washington till he proves he’s healthy, especially at what he’ll cost a team. The ‘Niners can easily take the NFC West and they need to add pieces that they know will contribute. With Washington who knows what you’ll get.