Marcus Ball Released by 49ers

[1971GreyCup]

I think he last played his last season here in the 2012 Grey Cup. He went out on top.

[AngeloV]

Actually, that was his first season. Also played 2013.

[jerrym]

At only 29, and considering his record with the Argos in 2012-13, I would love to have him back, especially considering the defensive sieve backfield we had last year.

In two seasons with Toronto, Ball had 142 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions (with 2 touchdown returns)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Ball

[AngeloV]

At only 29, and considering his record with the Argos in 2012-13, I would love to have him back, especially considering the defensive sieve backfield we had last year.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Ball

I don't see it happening. He plays the same spot as Winston Venable. Not a good fit for the Argos right now. If he comes back to the CFL, I would bet on him wearing green.

["Issues"Mcgee]

I thought he was great when he was with the Argos. The last I had heard of him was during that whole baseball bat incident which was extremely bizarre.

[Jon Gonzo]

I don't see it happening. He plays the same spot as Winston Venable. Not a good fit for the Argos right now. If he comes back to the CFL, I would bet on him wearing green.

Venable can play both WIL and SAM. One of the reasons the Argos pegged him as a priority in FAgency.

[paulwoods13]

It would be a nice problem to have.

[1971GreyCup]

It look like he has played in 18 games over the last three seasons. Practise roster salaries are $6,900 USD per week. On the 53 man roster its sizeably more at $450,000 USD minimum. In his three seasons in the NFL, he has played 5 games (Saints 2014), 1 game (Panthers 2015) and 15 games (49ers 2016). It looks like as a rule, in the NFL practise roster players, they pro-rate your minimum salary as a fraction of the minimum NFL, plus pay you the practise roster pay for the balance with a guaranteed 3 weeks ($79,000 USD). Teams can pay more, and the Patriots do.

Last year was a good year, when Marcus made at least $429,000 USD for 15 games or the 49ers. In 2014, the Saints paid Marcus at least $210,000 USD. In between, for the game he played for the Panthers, he was likely paid $169,000 USD.

If he returned to the CFL in good form, if he could earn money similar to his first two years in the NFL.

[AngeloV]

It would be a nice problem to have.

It's also 4 years later. No guarantee he would be the same player, and if there is a bidding war for him with Chris Jones, who he excelled under, I would pass.

[doubleblue]

It's also 4 years later. No guarantee he would be the same player, and if there is a bidding war for him with Chris Jones, who he excelled under, I would pass.

I would think they will pass on Ball unless he comes in at a reasonable price under the cap. Most come back from the NFL heavier and slower but there has been a few players who come back and play well for several years. Maybe it depends on how much they love the game, stay humble and work on their conditioning etc. Unfortunately they seem to be in the minority.

[ArgoRavi]

It's also 4 years later. No guarantee he would be the same player, and if there is a bidding war for him with Chris Jones, who he excelled under, I would pass.

I agree, AV. Ball at 29 and four years removed from the CFL may not be the same player he was when he left.

[1971GreyCup]

Curious comment by Marcus Ball on Instagram. He was cut by the 49ers for something he had no control over. Perhaps SF cut him to make room for their 2017 7th round pick?

Supportive comments from his 2012/13 teammates.

[Jon Gonzo]

I agree, AV. Ball at 29 and four years removed from the CFL may not be the same player he was when he left.

While I don't remember a whole lot of players who have gone lengthy stints here, there and back again with resounding successes (CFL-NFL-CFL).....I'd be more than happy to let this decision be made on the field. That's what Training Camp is for. Not like this team couldn't use a hard nosed LB like Marcus Ball. A gamer is a gamer is a gamer, and having a 29 year old drop 10 pounds isn't exactly the biggest challenge one may face in a career full of them.

[AngeloV]

While I don't remember a whole lot of players who have gone lengthy stints here, there and back again with resounding successes (CFL-NFL-CFL).....I'd be more than happy to let this decision be made on the field. That's what Training Camp is for. Not like this team couldn't use a hard nosed LB like Marcus Ball. A gamer is a gamer is a gamer, and having a 29 year old drop 10 pounds isn't exactly the biggest challenge one may face in a career full of them.

You also have to consider he was playing safety the last 4 years and not LB.

[gilthethrill]

It's also 4 years later. No guarantee he would be the same player, and if there is a bidding war for him with Chris Jones, who he excelled under, I would pass.

I hate to do this, but I have to agree with you in this topic of conversation AV.

[AngeloV]

I hate to do this, but I have to agree with you in this topic of conversation AV.

If he was only down there for a year, I would say go for him. But usually players that leave for an extended period of time come back and just aren't the same.

[gilthethrill]

If he was only down there for a year, I would say go for him. But usually players that leave for an extended period of time come back and just aren't the same.

That is true more often than not.

[paulwoods13]

All true, but if he could be signed for a reasonable amount (unlikely, IMO, given the salary he has become used to), there is no downside to bringing him in and seeing if he still has it. If not, he gets cut.

[jerrym]

All true, but if he could be signed for a reasonable amount (unlikely, IMO, given the salary he has become used to), there is no downside to bringing him in and seeing if he still has it. If not, he gets cut.

While I would love to have him back, I agree there is a good chance he will sign elsewhere, but like you say if we can get him within budget constraints, then I see little to lose (other than possibly a signing bonus) in bringing him to TC to see if he still has it.

[1971GreyCup]

It's pretty hard to find a downside of landing a popular player with CFL experience. He has 15 games experience playing at the highest level in 2016. Most of the previous three years he earned $6,900 per week. He'd likely make more in Canada. He was considered a very good teammate and at past Argofan Corn Roasts, came across humble and approachable. He has a young family and am pretty sure he'd like a few more earning years before retirement.