49ers unlikely to re-sign Michael Crabtree next year?

Colin Kaepernick’s intention behind signing his new deal with the San Francisco 49ers was to allow the team the ability to sign many other key players to long-term contracts. As a quarterback, one of his top priorities likely was to have the team retain wide receiver Michael Crabtree longterm. But that may prove to be difficult.

CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco believes “it would be a major surprise” if the Niners work out a new deal with Crabtree before he becomes a free agent next year.

Here’s what Maiocco writes:

Crabtree is entering the final year of his deal, too. As everyone remembers, he was difficult to sign as a rookie when he had no outside negotiating power. It would be a major surprise if the 49ers reach an extension with him before he has a chance to test the open market next spring.

The Niners’ belief that they will be unable to retain Crabtree could explain why they dealt for former Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson this offseason. In addition to Johnson, they have Anquan Boldin signed through 2015. They also might need to negotiate with Vernon Davis, who has indicated plans to potentially hold out of training camp.

Crabtree is not a guy you want to lose, but they might not have much of a choice in the matter. At least they’ve proven the ability to re-stack their roster under GM Trent Baalke.

H/T Rotoworld