SANTA CLARA — Letters from involved 49ers followers have been piling up in our social media mailbox, so let’s get round to answering them:
Each side are dedicated to a deal, however that doesn’t imply one is coming in a single day, when no onerous deadline looms. Talks are positive to renew at subsequent week’s scouting mix. The April 21 begin of the offseason program is a tender goal, however Could 5 looms bigger as soon as coaches are allowed to work with Purdy and gamers on the sphere. Then comes minicamp a month later, and coaching camp in late July (see: onerous deadline).
That is the 49ers’ No. 1 enterprise precedence. It is going to be their greatest contract ever. Most intriguing, a minimum of to me, is how lengthy either side decide to this contract, extra so than the place precisely his annual wage falls between $50 million and $60-plus million. Purdy’s agent, Kyle Strongin, has each proper to begin at Dak Prescott’s $60 million-per-year ceiling.
The 49ers, after years of rewarding their very own at market-setting charges, can’t undermine Purdy’s place and stature by lowballing him. But, they have to defend themselves in opposition to his historical past with shoulder and elbow accidents. His preliminary assured cash ought to cowl a minimum of three seasons, so ballpark $170 million greater than he’s earned the previous three.
Other than pursuing a beginning lineman (protection, or offense), the 49ers usually tend to spend their cash on in-house expertise, like final yr. This goes past extensions for Purdy and tight finish George Kittle, who I predict will signal a prolonged third contract that assures he retires a 49er.
An under-the-radar headache that would actually affect this offseason’s spending: Fred Warner’s contract extension. He’s owed $17.7 million in wage every of the following two seasons, and the 49ers must do for him what they did a yr in the past in paying extra to Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams. Dre Greenlaw’s future isn’t immediately tied to Warner’s extension, however it’s onerous to see these 49ers additionally affording Greenlaw, whose well being is an even bigger crimson flag than any financial calls for.
Line of defense. Particularly, defensive finish, the place they want a larger risk to deliver the most effective out of their greatest funding, Nick Bosa. Talking of, if the Los Angeles Chargers launch older brother Joey Bosa within the coming weeks, then the 49ers undoubtedly ought to look to double up on their Bosa rely, and that might shift their draft’s first-round focus.
A defensive deal with or two will assist, however this regime has hardly ever hit on that spot within the draft: Solomon Thomas, D.J. Jones, Kentavius Avenue, Julian Taylor, Javon Kinlaw, and, Kalia Davis.
That each one sounds very affordable, till you comply with the cash. Buckner acquired a contract extension final April, and the Colts would incur a $37 million hit on their cap if he’s jettisoned now.
Nothing but. And also you in all probability received’t belief something till the primary snap of the common season, if 2024 Week 1 was a lesson, about Christian McCaffrey and every other participant’s unsure well being. He spoke optimistically about his well being at season’s finish, and the 49ers desperately want him to return to 2023 Offensive Participant of the Yr type.
Deebo Samuel peaked in 2021, though 2023 noticed him rating 12 touchdowns (none within the playoffs). The 49ers wanted his all-around versatility to shine rather than McCaffrey final yr, and as a substitute he couldn’t chug across the nook or make clutch catches. In final yr’s Tremendous Bowl, he caught 3-of-11 targets for 33 yards; on Tremendous Bowl Sunday this yr, he went public with a commerce demand. The Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton would possibly suppose he may faucet extra out of Samuel, and the Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel may set off a rebirth with their reunion. Whether or not it’s as a substitute Pittsburgh, New York or a South-division squad (AFC or NFC), Samuel just isn’t the identical risk he was as a 2021 All-Professional.
Their 2023 third-round funding in Jake Moody is a sunk value at this level. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless value seeing how he fares – with a wholesome ankle, in contrast to final season — in a contest below new special-teams coordinator Brant Boyer. Or they’ll reduce ties and go together with BVA – greatest veteran out there.
Will that greatest participant out there instantly fill a gap for a Tremendous Bowl LX push, or one who could be groomed right into a long-term starter? This ageing regime must push for a win-now participant.
There shouldn’t be, however there may be all the time a approach. Ought to they elect to bypass left deal with Trent Williams’ successor or a fixer to their line of defense, that leaves cornerback, tight finish, extensive receiver, linebacker, working again, and security. Nope, it’s gotta be a lineman, proper?
It’s extra who , particularly if somebody has connections to a participant or employees member. They’re not on the market to most people. The larger the sport, the extra infested the pregame sidelines are with non permanent guests and distractions.
I can nonetheless really feel a draft, no draft pun supposed.
The chances are usually not within the 49ers’ favor, however with a galaxy of stars returning wholesome and a tender schedule within the works, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them hoist the Lombardi Trophy Feb. 8 at residence.
Initially Revealed: February 21, 2025 at 5:35 AM PST
