Streets ruled a restricted free agent
February 24, 2003
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
When NFL teams begin shopping for free agents Friday, 49ers wide receiver Tai Streets apparently won't be available as an unrestricted free agent as he and the 49ers once anticipated.
The NFL has sided with the 49ers and ruled that Streets, the 49ers' second-leading receiver last season, is actually a restricted free agent because he does not have the four accrued seasons needed for "unrestricted" status, 49ers general manager Terry Donahue confirmed Sunday.
"There was maybe a different interpretation of a void in his contract," Donahue said by phone as he returned from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. "In reality, we believe he's a restricted free agent."
Donahue said the 49ers will tender Streets a one-year contract within the next couple days to retain his rights. By doing so, the 49ers also have the right of first refusal and/or draft compensation should another team vie for him during free agency.
"We plan to have him back next year on the team," Donahue said.
Streets, a sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan in 1999, has hit enough performance incentives to void the final two seasons of a six-year deal. But by playing just two games in 1999 because of an Achilles injury, only his 2000-2002 seasons count toward his pension and thus his free agency standing.
Streets enjoyed a career year in 2002, totaling 72 receptions for 756 yards and five touchdowns while supplanting J.J. Stokes in the starting lineup.
Ralph Cindrich, Streets' agent, did not return calls seeking comment. Cindrich told FoxSports.com that he filed a grievance last week on Streets' behalf in the wake of the league's ruling.
That leaves defensive end Chike Okeafor as the 49ers' only starter who's slated to become an unrestricted free agent. Donahue confirmed that re-signing Okeafor is the 49ers' No. 1 priority heading into free agency.
Okeafor, a four-year veteran, had a career-high six sacks last season. "They clearly want him back and Chike wants to be there," Okeafor's agent, Andy Simms, said. "I can't put a time frame on (the negotiations). We've still got a ways to go. ... The only thing that gets in the way is dollars and cents. Dollars are important, but Chike wants to be there."
Donahue said the 49ers are $6.5 million to $7 million over the league-mandated $75 million salary cap, a surplus they must cut by Friday.
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