Playing Catchup

SANTA CLARA — The reasons for Michael Crabtree's 71-day absence are still a mystery to his employer.

Just as mysterious is why it ended when it did.

The Crabtree conversation mostly turned to football on Wednesday, as the former Texas Tech star wide receiver finally signed a six-year contract with the 49ers. Crabtree took no responsibility for the prolonged contract impasse, saying he trusted his agent, Eugene Parker, to work out the details.

“Oh, man. I wouldn't know if they're upset with me or not,” Crabtree said of his popularity — or lack thereof — among 49ers fans. “All I can do is come in here and be the best teammate I can be and try to do the best job I can do.”

Crabtree arrived at the 49ers' practice facility at 11 a.m. after Parker and 49ers chief negotiator Paraag Marathe put the finishing touches on a deal early Tuesday morning that includes $17 million in guaranteed money.

“It didn't hurt at all that we were having success,” 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said. “It didn't hurt at all that there's a positive vibe out there, not just locally but nationally about where this team is going. Coach (Mike) Singletary has a good reputation now of not just helping guys on the field but off the field.”

But McCloughan said he still has no idea what Parker was trying to accomplish with his strategy to get Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick, paid on par with the No. 7 overall pick. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, whom the Raiders awarded a five-year, $38.25 million contract with $23.5 million guaranteed.

Parker did not attend the press conference to answer any questions. Instead, he left his client to face the barrage of inquiries and McCloughan to ponder Parker's motives.

“It's hard for me to really know,” McCloughan said. “I'd love to find out when it's all said and done. We came out of the gate and put a good offer on the table. They even said that, ‘For the 10th pick, that's a solid offer.'”

The contract details are not entirely known. The total package of the contract was widely reported as six years, $32 million. But that figure includes an unspecified one-time incentive for an unknown amount.

The sixth year of the contract voids to five years only if, within the first four years, Crabtree goes to a Pro Bowl in one season and plays 80 percent of the offensive snaps in a year the 49ers go to the playoffs in another season. Or, the deal voids if Crabtree earns two Pro Bowl appearances in his first five seasons.

Crabtree was on the practice field a short time later for the 49ers' walk-through practice. In the afternoon, he took part in his first NFL practice. Crabtree was easy to notice, as the only player without the trademark “SF” logo on his helmet.

He was the only player who appeared stuck in training camp with white tape on the crown of the helmet with hand-printed lettering that read, “Crabtree.” “Everything that's been said, everything that's been done, that's behind us,” Singletary said. “We are moving forward.”

Crabtree began practice Wednesday, but he will not suit up for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, Singletary said. He will continue to learn the offensive system in bits and pieces, and Singletary said he hopes Crabtree can make an impact with the 49ers return Oct. 25 to face the Houston Texans after the bye week.

“Hopefully after the bye, Michael will be ready to go,” Singletary said. “Certainly, it's going to start small, with a small role here and there, figuring out ways to get him on the field. We'll find ways to get him on the field.”

League sources said one of Crabtree's concerns was his ability to achieve big numbers in Jimmy Raye's offense. The 49ers are a power-running team that likes to throw the ball to the tight end.

Crabtree denied he is fixated on personal accomplishments.

“I'm not a numbers guy,” he said. “I'm a football player. Whatever coach asks me to do, I'm out there doing it to the best of my ability.

“Anything coach asks me to do, whether it's block or running go-routes for no reason, I'm doing it all just to win. Anything I can to do help the team win, I'm here.”

Crabtree lived in the South Bay for most of his time without a contract. He spent the past couple weeks living and training in Tampa, Fla., where he continued to keep close tabs on the 49ers.

“I watched every game,” Crabtree said. “This is the team that drafted me so I watched them very closely every Sunday. I'm looking forward to playing a big role in this offense.”

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco via email at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com