49ers Sign Antoine Bethea: Grading the Move and What’s Next for San Francisco

March 12, 2014   ·   Dylan DeSimone   ·   Jump to comments

San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke completed the quickest signing of his tenure in the Bay Area, inking veteran safety Antoine Bethea to a four-year, $21 million deal, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
This was particularly newsworthy because it happened within the first hour of free agency and it came at a need position. It was also uncharacteristic of Baalke and the front office. Cap-strapped and looking to extend their own players, most didn’t think the 49ers would be active in free agency—they rarely get too involved. 
But with Donte Whitner vacating the strong safety spot, signing a four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, there was a legitimate opening on the team. Bethea, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, joins a team that has a need for experience on the back end of its own prestigious squad.
At first glance, he looks like a nice add-on. Bethea can up-end players, and he has a light enough physique that gives...

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