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49ers go back to Candlestick

            There is still more news on a busy day for the 49ers and the NFL.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Niner Insider Kevin Lynch, the 49ers will change the name of their stadium from Monster Park back to its old standby, Candlestick Park.

            49ers Vice President of Communications Lisa Lang announced in a conference call that the 49ers and Monster Cable adjusted its sponsorship agreement, which included the company relinquishing its naming rights to the 49ers’ stadium.

            The article also stated that, according to the city of San Francisco‘s Prop H limits, there are only four companies which have naming rights to the 49ers’ stadium: Monster, Virgin Airlines, Organic Inc. and Wells Fargo.

            I had always called Candlestick Candlestick even when it was Monster Park, but now it is nice to know Candlestick will be not only the idealistic name for the 49ers’ stadium, but the accurate name.

Smith’s contract extended

            On Thursday, the 49ers exercised a “buyback” clause in Alex Smith’s contract, extending the 2005 number one overall pick’s contract with the 49ers through 2010. The clause supposedly is worth $5.86 million.

49ers GM comments on NFL investigation

            As mentioned here on 49ersgab.com earlier in the week, the NFL is investigating the 49ers into possible tampering with Chicago Bears unrestricted free agent linebacker Lance Briggs.

            49ers GM Scott McCloughan had this to say on the NFL’s investigation: “There’s nothing to it. It’s just maneuvering by an organization trying to find the best way to keep their guy.”

NFLDraftCountdown.com’s response

            After reporting on 49ersgab.com on Thursday that NFLDraftCountdown.com has projected Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves as the team’s first-round pick in its latest mock draft, instead of choosing a wide receiver, I asked the Web site’s President, Scott Wright, for some justification into the projection. Here is his emailed response:

“One big factor is that San Francisco will be able to get a very good receiver in round two, maybe even Early Doucet who they really like.

I definitely feel that the Niners #1 need is for a wide receiver, but Mike Martz should be able to get more out of their current group and the bottom line is that it usually takes 2-3 years for wideouts to develop and Mike Nolan and that current regime might not have that long.  They need an instant impact from that top pick and as the Giants showed us in the Super Bowl, you just can’t underestimate the value of a pass rusher like Quentin Groves.”

            Thanks to Scott for that! More 49ers news this weekend!