Holdout Peterson hints at a return

Oakland Tribune, Aug 4, 2004 by Roger Phillips, STAFF WRITER

SANTA CLARA -- San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue said Tuesday he is encouraged by comments made a day earlier by star linebacker Julian Peterson, who is absent from training camp in a contract dispute.

During an interview on Sirius NFL Radio, Peterson indicated he plans to play this season, and ultimately will accept the 49ers' franchise-player tender of $6.1 million, assuming the sides are unable to agree on a long-term contract.

"I don't plan to sit out the season," Peterson said on the satellite radio broadcast. "I think that in the worst-case scenario, I'll have to sign the franchise tag. What we're trying to work on is that if I do so happen to sign this franchise tag, we would work out a long-term deal during the season."

Of Peterson's remarks, Donahue said, "I thought it was great. Our view is, we wish he wouldn't miss the preseason because we have a new defense and new terminology. Julian needs to get in shape and learn the defense. We're hopeful he'll come in as soon as he feels comfortable doing it. I think he'll play on the tender, and I think we'll see if we can get a long-term deal done."

The 49ers have offered Peterson a six-year contract worth $37.8 million, a deal that includes a $15.5 million signing bonus, but Donahue indicated that is not necessarily their best and final offer.

"We're always open-minded," Donahue said. "There may be some creativity that we can do that we haven't done that somebody will bring to our attention that will be better for the deal. Will we consider it? Sure.

"We'd like to keep Julian Peterson long-term. We've said that, and I think we've shown that by our offer."

THREE-WAY SCRAP: The 49ers' starting defensive tackles are Bryant Young and Anthony Adams.

Who will be the third defensive tackle? A contest is brewing among rookie Isaac Sopoaga, second-year player Josh Shaw and first-year player Michael Landry, a free-agent pickup.

Landry, whom Erickson said weighs about 330 pounds, is winning the competition, based on the depth chart.

"He is real solid against the run," Erickson said. "That is his biggest plus, plugging up the running game."

Sopoaga, Erickson said, has a lot to learn.

"If he can learn to play low and stay low, he will be fine," Erickson said of Sopoaga, a fourth-round draft choice. "He was able to get away with playing high in college (at Hawaii) because he was so much stronger than everybody else. If and when he learns to stay low, he will be a force to be reckoned with."

THIS'N' THAT: Several players did not practice Tuesday, including quarterback Tim Rattay (sore arm and groin), cornerback Ahmed Plummer (groin), defensive tackle Adams (sprained right ankle), center Jeremy Newberry (sore right knee) and rookie receiver Rashaun Woods (right hamstring). Erickson said all are expected back in action within a few days, if not sooner. ... The 49ers released defensive tackle Matt Mitrione and re-signed receiver Wendall Williams, who had been cut two days earlier.