San Francisco 49ers

"It's what the market is. Brock is going to ask for something that no one has ever asked for before," 49ers CEO Jed York said last week when asked about a contract extension for Purdy. The 24-year-old won't be eligible for an extension until next offseason, but given his age and impressive performance through his first two NFL seasons, he should at the very least join the $50 Million a Year Club, a group that currently only includes Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.

Bosa does seem to be on the right side of questionable after getting some practice work in. The 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year had two sacks last week and if active, gets to go up against an injury-plagued Los Angeles offensive line.

The hits keep coming for the 49ers, who will be without Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel and likely Kittle as well. Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings could dominate targets in this one, and the Niners may go run-heavy with Jordan Mason set up for another big workload.

Samuel is expected to be sidelined for multiple games due to a strained calf, leaving a significant hole in the team's receiving corps. Jauan Jennings will likely stick in the slot, leaving the combination of Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell and Cowing as the second outside receiver. Barrows specifically notes that Cowing could be used to stretch the field horizontally while working out of the backfield on plays such as wide receiver sweeps or screens.

Already without Christian McCaffrey for at least three more games, the 49ers will also be minus their top receiver in Samuel, who's put up 164 yards on a team-high 13 catches through two games while adding a rushing touchdown. This could at least be good news for Brandon Aiyuk owners who are hoping he shakes off his slow start to the season.

McCaffrey is already ruled out for the game due to his Achilles and calf injuries, and head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Friday that a short-term injured reserve stay is potentially in the cards for the star running back. In such a scenario, Purdy would be down a key pass catcher and primary defensive attention-getter for up to a four-game span, which could affect the quarterback's overall efficiency both directly and indirectly.

McCaffrey's Achilles and calf issues continue to linger, and they caused him considerable discomfort during a limited practice session Thursday. That led to the star running back being ruled out for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Vikings, and although Jordan Mason will once again serve as his direct replacement, Samuel is likely to continue moonlighting as a ball carrier after logging eight rush attempts in Week 1. If McCaffrey indeed goes on injured reserve prior to Week 2's kickoff, he'll be required to miss at least three additional games beyond Sunday's.

Mason was the talk of the league after Monday night's win over the Jets, when he filled in for McCaffrey and rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Mason is already confirmed to fill the lead-back role again in Week 2 with McCaffrey ruled out, and with head coach Kyle Shanahan conceding Friday that IR is now a consideration for the star running back, Mason's run at the helm of the backfield could endure at least three additional games beyond Sunday's.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan ruled McCaffrey out after the running back reported not feeling very well following Thursday's limited practice participation. Shanahan also confirmed placing McCaffrey on short-term IR, which would require him to miss at least four total games, is now also under consideration. Shanahan stated a conversation on that front would be had "in the next 24 hours," meaning a decision is likely to be made before Sunday's game kicks off.

McCaffrey has been practicing on a limited basis after missing Monday's 32-19 win over the Jets. Jordan Mason rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in McCaffrey's absence, and Mason would start again in Week 2 if McCaffrey remains sidelined. In addition to the calf strain that was bothering McCaffrey heading into the season, he's also dealing with Achilles tendinitis.

Mason rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL start with McCaffrey sidelined for Monday's season opener against the Jets. McCaffrey has returned to practice on a limited basis, but it makes sense for the 49ers to continue to take a cautious approach with last season's leading rusher as he recovers from Achilles tendinitis and a calf strain, especially since Mason showed he can fill in more than capably.

McCaffrey was a surprise inactive for the season opener due to lingering calf and Achilles issues, even though the star running back had professed certainty Friday that he would play and even handle a normal workload. He explained Wednesday that his mindset every week is that he's going to play, but that come game day, it was deemed more prudent that he sit out. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, McCaffrey's more pressing concern is his Achilles tendinitis, due to its tendency to intermittently surface at varying degrees of severity.

Hufanga is working his way back from an Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season early, and he avoided the PUP list while logging limited practice sessions ahead of Monday's Week 1 matchup against the Jets. While he was inactive for the season opener, coach Kyle Shanahan noted that he expects the safety to continue to ramp up his activity level in practice. Hufanga's status for Week 2 will not become clear until later in the week.

McCaffrey was a surprise inactive for Monday's game against the Jets, and Shanahan has since clarified that the running back is suffering from Achilles tendinitis. Shanahan further noted his decision to sit McCaffrey was rooted in a desire to keep him healthy for the long haul as the 49ers attempt to make another deep postseason run. McCaffrey is considered day-to-day ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Vikings.

For those who grabbed Jordan Mason as a last-minute replacement for McCaffrey, congratulations! All Mason did was rush for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries in Week 1.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Saturday that Aiyuk will play less than usual Monday after the star wide receiver held out of practices during training camp while seeking a contract extension. That could open the door for Jennings to pick up additional snaps on offense, and he is good to go for Monday's contest after battling through an ankle injury during practice earlier in the week. The 2020 seventh-round pick played in 13 regular-season games for the 49ers last season, finishing with 19 catches on 33 targets for 265 yards and one touchdown.

McCaffrey has already logged three practices this week, participating Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. When asked Friday if there was any doubt he'd play against the Jets, McCaffrey answered with a succinct "no" and expressed optimism he'd handle his usual robust workload in the opener.

Dobbs and Allen battled for the backup spot throughout training camp and the preseason, but the job ultimately went to Allen. Purdy went from third-stringer to starter in San Francisco's quarterback room just two years ago, so an injury-aided ascent up the depth chart isn't out of the question for Dobbs, but the mobile quarterback is fighting an uphill battle to see the field at all after starting 12 games in 2023, split between the Cardinals and Vikings.

At various points over the last several weeks, it seemed possible Purdy could be down a key weapon moving forward after trade talks surrounding Aiyuk heated up. However, with the fifth-year wideout now officially back in the fold, Purdy will be assured of full continuity in terms of the primary skill-position weapons the quarterback worked with during his breakout 2023 campaign.

Wagoner's ESPN colleague Adam Schefter notes the deal is the same one the 49ers have had on the table for Aiyuk since Aug. 12. The extension does include $76 million guaranteed, and $47 million of that amount will be paid to the wideout before April 1 of next year. Aiyuk had not participated in practice either Wednesday or Thursday despite head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch both publicly stating they expected him to be on the field, but that now naturally is a non-issue.

Ricky Pearsall is the rookie wide receiver getting the most attention in San Francisco, though a shoulder issue has limited his involvement in training camp. Between Pearsall's injury and Brandon Aiyuk's hold-in, Cowing appears to have taken advantage of his extra time on the field to flash some explosiveness. The Arizona product could ultimately find himself contributing to the offensive unit if Pearsall and Aiyuk remain off the field.

Greenlaw had 120 total tackles in 15 games for the 49ers in 2023 before suffering an Achilles tear while running onto the field during the Super Bowl. It is unlikely that Greenlaw plays in 2024, but the 49ers haven't ruled out a return late in the season.

The 49ers have traded running backs Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson for fifth-round picks during the Kyle Shanahan era, and Mitchell could be on the move as well if another team is willing to give up a fifth-round pick for him. Mitchell has recovered from the hamstring injury that bothered him during training camp, but the 49ers also have Jordan Mason and rookie fourth-round draft pick Isaac Guerendo to fill depth roles behind workhorse starter Christian McCaffrey, who is recovering from a calf injury. Breida, Patrick Taylor, Cody Schrader and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are also vying for roster spots, and trading Mitchell would clear the space for San Francisco to keep one of those four on the 53-man roster.

Thomas is a surprising projected cut considering he had 55 catches with the Commanders last season while Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu -- whom Barrows and Lombardi have making the team as backups to George Kittle -- have 36 combined regular-season NFL catches, all by Saubert. The 33-year-old Thomas was briefly cut in August, likely to make room for a less proven player on the 90-man roster, but he re-signed with the 49ers less than two weeks later. It's possible Barrows and Lombardi weren't aware of Thomas' credentials when compiling their roster projections, as they describe the veteran tight end with 2,002 receiving yards across 94 NFL regular-season appearances as "a blocking project."

Schultz reports that there are still minor details that need to be agreed upon and approved by team ownership. At several points in the last few weeks it appeared that Aiuyk would be traded, and a deal is apparently in place with Pittsburgh. However, the 49ers have continued to negotiate with Aiyuk and appear to be close to keeping him instead.

Brandon Aiyuk has dominated headlines and speculation in San Francisco, but Williams hasn't reported to camp while seeking a new deal. Despite entering his age-36 season, Williams remains an elite left tackle and is a key cog in the 49ers' offense. It's unclear if any progress has been made in negotiations between the parties, but Shanahan is unlikely to provide any updates until a deal is made official.

Lynch noted he was still hopeful a deal could get done with the disgruntled receiver despite also describing the process as "a long, arduous" one. Negotiations with Aiyuk began before the draft in April, and the duration has now exceeded every other contract extension negotiation during Lynch's tenure except for that of Nick Bosa's last offseason and summer.

It's an unusual phase in what has been an offseason-long saga, as the 49ers reportedly don't want to trade Aiyuk but have also prepared for that contingency. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the consummation of the trade is just "one phone call away," and there apparently is no firm timeline for when San Francisco will decide to either commit to Aiyuk or bring closure to the situation by moving him to Pittsburgh

San Francisco let Aiyuk's representatives talk to other teams last week ahead of a potential trade, but things have gone quiet on that front since then. Per Breer, the Patriots offered a deal in excess of $30 million per season while the Steelers' offer came in at around $28 million per year, but the fact that the wideout hasn't yet accepted either contract and been traded suggests that process may have simply been a ploy by the 49ers to better establish Aiyuk's market value.

Allen has incumbency advantage after spending the 2023 season in the San Francisco organization, though Dobbs started 12 games last season between Arizona and Minnesota while Allen hasn't started a regular-season game since 2021. While Dobbs still has time to make up ground, Allen got the start and played the entire first half of Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans. Dobbs played well in the second half to possibly close the gap slightly ahead of the team's second preseason game August 18 against the Saints.

The 49ers are hoping the injury won't affect McCaffrey's availability for Week 1 against the Jets on September 9, but even if McCaffrey recovers by then, he could be eased back in to avoid aggravating the calf strain. Mitchell is dealing with a strained hamstring heading into the preseason, but if he's able to recover before the regular season, he's expected to compete with Jordan Mason for the top backup spot behind McCaffrey.

The Patriots reportedly had the framework of a deal done to acquire Aiyuk, but Schefter reports they are now intent on developing some of the young talent currently on their roster at the position. Meanwhile, the Steelers have re-engaged in trade discussions, leaving Pittsburgh and Cleveland as the known potential destinations for Aiyuk if the 49ers decide to deal the receiver.

There was a significant shift in the 49ers' position regarding Aiyuk on Monday, as the team publicly signaled their willingness to listen on offers for the disgruntled wide receiver for the first time. The Steelers and Commanders have been the teams most frequently linked to Aiyuk as a potential landing spot, though it appears as if the market may have shifted. The potential for a deal is still unclear, as any team interested in Aiyuk will have to agree to a new contract with him as well as compensate the 49ers.

Which other teams have been granted permission isn't clear, but the Steelers, Patriots and Browns have all been rumored as possible destinations in recent days. Any team thinking about trading for Aiyuk will want the structure of a contract in place before giving up assets to acquire him, so this is a big step forward toward a potential deal for the wideout, who continues to stage a hold-in during San Francisco's training camp due to his dissatisfaction with his current contract.

Mordecai has shown promise in training camp for the 49ers, and the undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin has arm talent close to or even better than Brock Purdy, Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen. Mordecai's fighting an uphill battle to secure a roster spot on a win-now 49ers team with three capable quarterbacks on the depth chart already, but then again, Purdy wasn't expected to be a contributor before going from Mr. Irrelevant to starting in Super Bowl LVIII in under two years.

Mason isn't much of a threat to McCaffrey's spot atop San Francisco's running back depth chart, but Mason's growth as a pass catcher could help him challenge Elijah Mitchell for the primary backup role. Mason has just three catches through two NFL regular seasons compared to 83 rushing attempts, and he hasn't been targeted in six playoff games, but his offseason workout regimen could help the 25-year-old running back add a pass-catching dimension to his game.

Pearsall began training camp on the NFI list, but he returned to practice Monday. He's made tough catches and generated separation off defenders during team drills, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said after Wednesday's practice that he has been happy with Pearsall's progress thus far. Pearsall has been absorbing information from veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and the rookie first-round pick appears could be on his way to earning a consistent role in the high-powered 49ers offense.

"I feel like we have a real big advantage to make one guy miss. If it's just you and the kicker, nine times out of 10, the kicker's not making the tackle," Samuel added Friday. Barrows notes, due to the NFL's new kickoff rules, that returns could look like outside zone runs that San Francisco and other teams run on offense. Samuel has averaged 6.3 yards per carry over the last three seasons and scored 16 touchdowns over that span, which should carry over to kick returns if he takes on that role.

Purdy was working with several inexperienced players during 11-on-11 drills, including 2022 sixth-round pick Nick Zakelj at center and 2024 third-round pick Dominick Puni at right guard. Purdy overthrew his receivers twice, including a pass intended for Deebo Samuel that was intercepted by safety Ji'Ayir Brown. McCaffery and Kittle are expected to have days off during training camp and throughout the regular season, but if the 49ers can't reach a contract extension with Williams, Purdy could find himself under much more pressure in the pocket than he has over the last two seasons.

Kittle underwent offseason core surgery, which caused him to lose nearly 30 pounds while recovering. However, he had enough time to build back his strength and should be in line to begin the season at full capacity. Kittle will be seeking his fourth season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.

Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the 49ers as he seeks a new contract, but he does plan to report to training camp. The team has consistently stated they plan to keep the star wide receiver for at least the 2024 season, though there are plenty of potential suitors if the situation becomes untenable. Aiyuk is reportedly seeking a contract in the same range as Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown and Justin Jefferson, all of whom signed extensions this offseason with an average annual value of over $30 million.

The Aiyuk saga looks set to drag into training camp due to the receiver's recent trade request, and the Commanders, Patriots and Steelers are seen in some circles as the top three candidates if the wideout is indeed moved. However, Brooks cites the Lions, who have clear Super Bowl aspirations, as a darkhorse landing spot due to their need for a true No. 1 outside receiver. Meanwhile, Brooks notes that while the Giants have limited cap space, they could benefit from a proven wideout that would draw defensive attention from rookie speedster Malik Nabers and the team's running backs.

Aiyuk formally requested a trade from the 49ers on Tuesday, and last month he listed the Commanders and Steelers as his preferred alternatives to remaining with the 49ers. However, it comes as no surprise that additional teams are interested in acquiring him. There's a clear fit for Aiyuk with the Patriots, as they have several young pass catchers on the roster but are lacking proven producers.

A sixth-round pick in 2023, Winters played mainly on special teams as a rookie, but the TCU product drew raves from veteran Fred Warner during OTAs and could be ready to make an impact on defense with his speed. Dre Greenlaw appears likely to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from an Achilles tear, which leaves one starting spot in the team's 4-3 defense open next to Warner and free-agent signing De'Vondre Campbell.

Placement on the PUP list would cost the linebacker at least the first four games of the season. Greenlaw was able to shed a walking boot in May, but with training camp just around the corner, he's running out of time to get fully healthy. The 49ers signed De'Vondre Campbell this offseason to help fill the void in the middle of the defense while Greenlaw remains unavailable.

The veteran fullback has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his seven seasons with the 49ers, but general manager John Lynch still went to Juszczyk earlier in the offseason with the pay cut request. Juszczyk noted he'd expected to be paid according to his value, but even with the restructuring of his deal, he remains the league's highest-paid fullback with a salary that averages more than $4.5 million annually.

Despite reports that San Francisco's coaching staff hopes to lighten McCaffrey's workload in 2024, he is projected to post another highly productive season after leading the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 2,023 yards for scrimmage during the 2023 regular season. Tristan H. Cockcroft selected McCaffrey first overall in Friday's mock draft.

Aiyuk's quote came in response to a question about where he sees himself playing in 2024 as contentious extension talks between his representatives and the 49ers continue to unfold. The wide receiver is under contract with San Francisco on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract for 2024, which is set to pay him $14.124 million. Aiyuk believes he'll ultimately remain in San Francisco but views Washington and Pittsburgh as his two top destinations in the event of a trade.

While Mitchell has taken the bulk of first-team carries during minicamp and OTAs, he has also missed at least six games in each of his three seasons in the league due to various injuries. Barrows notes that Mason is a reliably hard runner who can step into an RB2 role should Mitchell miss time. As the third-string running back behind McCaffrey and Mitchell in 2023, Mason finished the regular season with 40 carries for 206 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games, adding three catches for 31 yards.

Shanahan noted that the 49ers "have to protect [McCaffrey] from himself. He doesn't like to ever come out no matter what the situation is." Elijah Mitchell is projected to be the main backup to McCaffrey, but given the former has missed six or more games in each of the last three seasons due to injuries, Barrows believes Jordan Mason could see an increase in carries as a power back in 2024. The 28-year-old McCaffrey won the 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year award after registering 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns across 16 regular-season games.

There have been constant rumors swirling of a possible Aiyuk trade for most of the offseason, but Monday's meeting apparently was a productive one that seemingly upped the chances of the talented wideout remaining with the team. Gordon cites colleague Tom Pelissero of NFL Network as stating the 49ers and Aiyuk's representatives will continue a dialogue in coming weeks as they attempt to bridge differences in the total value of a potential extension.

Dobbs started a career-high 12 games in 2023 and had moments of brilliance before fading late in the season. All told, he maintained a 13:10 TD:INT while averaging a subpar 5.9 yards per attempt. He should remain one of the top backups in the league, though first he'll have to hold off Brandon Allen for his spot on the depth chart. .

The wideout sat out San Francisco's minicamp and is seeking a new contract, but so far this offseason, the Niners have been unwilling to pay him at the top of the market or trade him to a team that will. Monday's meeting could signal a shift on one of those fronts, however. Aiyuk is set to earn $14.12 million in 2025 on the final year of his rookie contract if he doesn't receive an extension.

The University of Florida product has already been used at multiple positions in the offense and as a punt returner. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who's prioritized cross-training Pearsall this offseason in order to prepare him to step in wherever needed, has liked what he's seen. "We're getting him a lot of reps, getting a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we've been really impressed with how he's started off," Shanahan said.

Kittle typically plays at around 250 pounds during the season, but because he was restricted from working out due to both his core muscle surgery and lingering shoulder and rib issues, he didn't see the inside of a weight room for more than a month. However, Kittle has been building back up since approximately mid-March and says he feels nearly "back to 100 percent," which should give him a very good chance of entering training camp without any restrictions.

While Aiyuk's career production may not match that perception, there have been a lot of mouths to feed on offense during his time with the 49ers, and he's coming off a 2023 season in which he finished seventh in receiving yards and second in yards per catch among players with at least 40 receptions. The 26-year-old wideout skipped minicamp while looking for a contract extension, but negotiations have stalled and a new deal seems unlikely this offseason. Aiyuk, a first-round pick in 2020, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, but San Francisco would have the option of placing the franchise tag on him in 2025.

The veteran tight end is currently recovering from core muscle surgery, which might have been the main thing preventing the 49ers from working out a new deal with him already. Kittle has two seasons remaining on the five-year, $75 million contract extension he signed in 2020, and he topped 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career in 2023.

The 35-year-old left tackle has three years and about $75 million left on his current deal, but Williams is still widely viewed as the best player in the league at his position, and he may want to be compensated accordingly as the market catches up to him. The 49ers aren't likely to be anxious to begin any negotiations, however, as they still have a possible deal with Brandon Aiyuk to work out.

Lombardi mentions Guerendo's speed could come in handy as a return man on special teams, but as far as offense goes, the 2024 fourth-round draft pick out of Louisville doesn't appear to be headed for a prominent role as a rookie. Guerendo likely won't push McCaffrey or Mitchell for one of the top two spots on the depth chart, and he'll need to beat out incumbent third-stringer Jordan Mason and rookie undrafted free agent Cody Schrader for playing time.

Mitchell is set to reprise his role as McCaffrey's top backup in 2024, with Guerendo likely to move into that spot in 2025, as Mitchell's contract will expire after the 2024 season. McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards in 2023, and Mitchell's opportunities will likely remain limited while McCaffrey is healthy, but Mitchell proved capable of handling a starting role with 963 rushing yards as a rookie in 2021.

With Aiyuk holding out for a contract extension and veterans Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings not participating fully in practices, Pearsall has been the most prominent receiver for the 49ers during spring. Pearsall has developed a rapport with Purdy, with the duo connecting multiple times during 11-on-11 drills. That has caught the attention of head coach Kyle Shanahan, who noted after Tuesday's practice that the two "have had a lot of fun working together."

San Francisco rewarded star running back Christian McCaffrey with a two-year, $38 million extension Tuesday, but wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is likely next in line for an extension before Ward. The cornerback hasn't been participating in the offseason program up to this point as he recovers from offseason core-muscle surgery, but Ward is recovering at the team facility and hopes to remain with the 49ers after the three-year, $40.5 million contract he signed prior to the 2022 season expires at the end of the 2024 campaign.

While a number of star wideouts have received new deals this offseason, including a market-setting contract for Justin Jefferson on Monday, discussions between Aiyuk and San Francisco seem to have stalled. The team could be prepared to let the 26-year-old play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 and then let him leave in free agency, having secured depth at the position by signing Jauan Jennings to a modest two-year, $15.4 million contract last week and selecting Ricky Pearsall 31st overall in this year's draft.

Kittle has been present for OTAs, but he's remained sidelined for any on-field work after undergoing surgery earlier in the offseason. The veteran tight end recently acknowledged he was dealing with the issue since midway through last season and confirmed he's on track to be fully available for the start of training camp.

The reserve receiver fits the underrated label to a T, considering he's best known for his downfield blocking, which has earned the praise of star teammate George Kittle. However, Blair notes Jennings has been a true all-around contributor for San Francisco, with his versatility most prominently featured in the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs this past February when he recorded a 4-42-1 receiving line and also threw a touchdown to Christian McCaffrey. Jennings' value is recognized by the organization, however, considering he received a two-year deal with $10.5 million guaranteed this offseason.

Typically, it's more notable when a player doesn't show up to offseason activities, but Bosa had never been at the 49ers' practices in the month of May before, due to either injury rehab or leverage in contract discussions. Bosa is both healthy and happy after signing a lucrative extension ahead of the 2023 season, and both coaches and players noted that the star edge rusher's presence set a positive tone for the team in practice and raised the level of competitiveness.

Rosenthal notes the 49ers naturally like Pearsall's potential after investing the 31st overall pick in the Florida product this past April, but he adds that Jennings' knowledge of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense and knack for tough catches makes him difficult to displace. Jennings has 78 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns over his first 45 career games, and he's often proven capable of spelling Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel effectively when called upon.

San Francisco handed out big-money contracts just before or during training camp to George Kittle, Fred Warner, Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa over the past four offseasons, so Shanahan is used to star players missing OTAs in the midst of negotiations. An extension for Aiyuk doesn't seem imminent, but San Francisco doesn't intend to trade the 2020 first-round draft pick, considering that his strong play was pivotal to the 49ers reaching the Super Bowl last season.

The 49ers parted ways with Arik Armstead, Chase Young, Javon Kinlaw and Clelin Ferrell in the offseason, and while the team brought in veteran Leonard Floyd, there should still be more opportunities left over for Jackson to take on a larger role. With Nick Bosa drawing consistent double teams, Jackson could thrive as a pass rusher in one-on-one matchups. Jackson had 3.0 sacks and 14 pressures in 2023 but didn't play after Week 8 due to a knee injury.

Following the 2024 NFL Draft, 49ers general manager John Lynch made it clear the team would not be trading one of its star wideouts, Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. "During the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely they do," Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show. "We're past that now." San Francisco did draft two wide receivers in April, including first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, but that seems intended to position the club for 2025, as Aiyuk will become a free agent next offseason.

Shortly after the 2024 NFL Draft, 49ers general manager John Lynch shut the door on the idea of trading one of the team's star wideouts, Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. "During the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely they do," Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show. "We're past that now." San Francisco did add two receivers in the draft, including first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, but that seems like a move geared toward the 2025 campaign, as Aiyuk will become a free agent next offseason. Samuel is under contract through 2025, although his $16.6 million salary in the final year isn't guaranteed.

Rather than being threatened by the addition of another wide receiver, Aiyuk complimented the move. Aiyuk and Pearsall played together at Arizona State in 2019, and Pearsall went on to spend two additional years at Arizona State and another two with Florida before ultimately becoming a first-round selection, four years after the 49ers drafted Aiyuk 25th overall in 2020. With both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel expected to remain in San Francisco for 2024, Pearsall will likely need to beat out Jauan Jennings to earn consistent playing time as a rookie.

The 49ers double dipped at wide receiver during the draft, selecting Pearsall in the first round and Jacob Cowing in the fourth round. Those moves look like contingency plans for when the team likely has to decide between keeping Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel in 2025. With San Francisco in win-now mode, the team intends to keep both standout wide receivers on the roster in 2024. The team's decision to draft a wide receiver in the first round added to speculation of a rift between Aiyuk and the team's front office, but his reaction to the pick suggests otherwise. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Aiyuk texted "Fire pick, can't lie," to general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan after the team drafted Pearsall, who was Aiyuk's teammate at Arizona State in 2019 before Aiyuk went to the NFL and Pearsall transferred to Florida.

The 49ers invested the 31st overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night in Pearsall, who posted a 146-2,206-13 line over his last three college seasons while adding 219 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Pearsall's selection could theoretically signify San Francisco would consider trading Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, but Wagoner notes the fact the team still has Super Bowl aspirations and that head coach Kyle Shanahan is never easy on young receivers could lead to the speedy Florida product primarily filling a returner role in 2024.

Aiyuk's future has been the subject of plenty of speculation already this offseason, and Wagoner opines Pearsall coming on board will only ratchet it up. However, he adds that head coach Kyle Shanahan is also known for being hard on young receivers and the team still has Super Bowl aspirations, meaning there's also a good chance San Francisco maintains the status quo at the position for one more year.

The 49ers continue to deny that Aiyuk is available but have also admitted that there has been little progress made toward a new contract for him. Silver reports that San Francisco is seeking a 2024 first-round pick in return, a price other teams have been unwilling to meet to this point. In addition to the compensation teams will have to send to the 49ers, they would also need to ink Aiyuk to a new contract, and he's reportedly seeking at least $25 million per year.

"It's what the market is. Brock is going to ask for something that no one has ever asked for before," 49ers CEO Jed York said last week when asked about a contract extension for Purdy. The 24-year-old won't be eligible for an extension until next offseason, but given his age and impressive performance through his first two NFL seasons, he should at the very least join the $50 Million a Year Club, a group that currently only includes Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.