San Francisco 49ers DE Ray McDonald Wants to Return—as a Starter
Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers had a very rough 2010 season. He was among the team leaders in quarterback hits and hurries, but could not record a single sack the entire season.
He was asked (by Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) if there were any moments he could remember when the quarterback narrowly escaped his grasp, to which he replied:
“There’s like six or seven of them,” he said. “[My teammates] are always giving me crap about it. I had all these pressure and no sacks. I’ve got to finish those plays.”
McDonald has spent his entire four-year career with the Niners, and with the new CBA expected to make him an unrestricted free agent, the Niners will make him a priority to resign.
Many of the Niners defensive players have been staying in shape and working out at San Jose State University. After his first four years as a backup, McDonald hopes to come in and be a starter this season.
Prior to the lockout McDonald got good vibes from the talks he was having with the front office.
“Before we left, there was a good vibe amongst me and the coaching staff and the GM,” McDonald said. “They said they liked the way I played and want me back, so I’m just going off that. I want to be back here. I’m comfortable out here.”
There will likely be a spot for McDonald in the starting lineup if the Niners are unable to get Aubrayo Franklin to stick around. He is an unrestricted free agent who will be looking for a long term deal worth a ton of money, one the Niners may be unable to match.
If that were the case, the Niners believe one of their defensive ends could move over to nose, opening up a spot for McDonald.
However, McDonald recognizes he could get an opportunity else where.
“I figure if they [offer] a good deal, they’ll want me to come in and start and play a lot,” McDonald said. “That’s what I’m hoping. But if not, and someone else gives me the opportunity, I’ve got to go with the best opportunity for me.”
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