49ers Team Notes

[San Francisco 49ers]

This is a news feed for your San Francisco 49ers.

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Pending free agents 49ers should have an eye on in Super Bowl LIX

The San Francisco 49ers won’t be participating in Super Bowl LIX. They won’t even have many former players in the game.

There could be a handful of future 49ers suiting up for Sunday’s showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

We sifted through the pending free agents for both teams and picked out the ones who should be on the 49ers’ radar going into the final game of the 2024 season:

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/lis...9ers-should-have-an-eye-on-in-super-bowl-lix/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Deebo Samuel trade request shifts 49ers offseason needs

The San Francisco 49ers’ list of offseason needs got a shakeup on Super Bowl Sunday when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported wide receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade.

Sitting atop the list of needs are the offensive line and defensive line in some order. San Francisco needs to find an upgrade at center, and a starting left guard. They also need starting help and depth at defensive end and defensive tackle.

After that it was murky. They have a slew of things to address at cornerback, safety, linebacker and tight end, but Samuel’s trade request made wide receiver a much more clear need for San Francisco this offseason. It may even land directly behind the trenches if we’re jotting down a list.

Receiver was already a position we’ve discussed as a need for the 49ers, and that was before it came to light they’d likely not have Samuel on their roster in 2025.

If we remove Samuel from the mix, Brandon Aiyuk sits as the clear No. 1 on the WR depth chart. He’s coming back from a major knee injury he suffered in Week 7 of last season. That throws his availability and effectiveness into question for 2025.

Jauan Jennings looks like the clear No. 2 WR on the roster, but he’s only under contract through 2025 and his play last year may have elevated his market beyond where the 49ers might be able to keep him on the roster after his deal is up.

San Francisco did pick Ricky Pearsall in the first round and Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of last year’s draft. Pearsall flashed at the end of last year, but he’s not a sure thing going into his second year. Cowing was a relative non-factor and will be a significant question mark entering 2025.

The 49ers need to at the very least add reliable depth in their receiving corps, and it would behoove them to perhaps draft a receiver earlier than they initially anticipated. Getting young talent into the receivers room allows them to overcome some of the potential obstacles at the position this year while also building out an arsenal for quarterback Brock Purdy.

More Latest 49ers news!​

Pending free agents 49ers should have an eye on in Super Bowl LIX​

49ers offseason takes rough turn with former All-Pro's trade request​

Only 2 former 49ers playing in Super Bowl LIX​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/deebo-samuel-trade-request-shifts-49ers-offseason-needs/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers CEO Jed York puts foot down on Brock Purdy contract

Another prominent voice for the San Francisco 49ers is advocating for quarterback Brock Purdy as he enters his first extension-eligible offseason.

49ers CEO Jed York spoke with the Associated Press in New Orleans and made it clear where he stands on Purdy as the 49ers’ franchise QB.

“I know we want Brock to be here for a long time and we’ll do everything we can to make that work,” York told the AP.

It’s unclear exactly what Purdy’s price tag will be, but York and the 49ers haven’t been shy about shelling out money to keep their core players around.

There are some questions about Purdy’s ability to carry a team the way other top QBs do after a down year in 2024, but his resume after only two years as a starter is extremely impressive. It also stands to reason he can bounce back after a down year entering his third season as a starter.

York has overseen some QB tumult during his tenure as the team’s CEO, so it makes sense that he’d be eager to keep Purdy around after the QB led the 49ers to an NFC championship game in 2022 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2023.

San Francisco’s 6-11 finish in 2024 sparked some discourse about head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch’s capabilities to get the 49ers over the hump to a Super Bowl.

York told the AP he has no such reservations.

“There’s so much work before you get to that point,” York said. “Obviously it started at the end of the season to get this thing ready and get this thing right and get this thing back on track. There’s no one that I respect more and trust more than John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to get us back on track.”

There’s plenty of work for that duo to do to get the roster back to Super Bowl form. That work can’t earnestly begin until Purdy’s contract is done, and it sounds like York and the 49ers are eager to check that offseason box.

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49ers may not need to look far to find 1 new starting OL​

49ers chances of losing preferred DC candidate increase​

49ers options with all 33 of their 2025 free agents​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...-york-puts-foot-down-on-brock-purdy-contract/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers among NFC favorites to play in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium

The 2024 season was mostly a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers, but that didn’t stop them from landing among the early NFC favorites to play in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.

After the Philadelphia Eagles knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, BetMGM released early odds on next year’s Super Bowl winner.

The Eagles are the favorite as the defending champs. They’re also one of just two NFC teams favored ahead of the 49ers.

Here’s the full list via BetMGM:

Philadelphia Eagles +650
Baltimore Ravens +700
Kansas City Chiefs +750
Buffalo Bills +750
Detroit Lions +800
San Francisco 49ers +1400
Cincinnati Bengals +1800
Washington Commanders +2000
Green Bay Packers +2000
Los Angeles Rams +2500
Los Angeles Chargers +2500
Houston Texans +2500
Minnesota Vikings +3500
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3500
Chicago Bears +4000
Denver Broncos +4000
Miami Dolphins +4000
Seattle Seahawks +6000
Atlanta Falcons +6000
Arizona Cardinals +6600
Dallas Cowboys +6600
Pittsburgh Steelers +8000
New York Jets +10000
Jacksonville Jaguars +10000
Indianapolis Colts +10000
New England Patriots +12500
Carolina Panthers +15000
Cleveland Browns +15000
Las Vegas Raiders +15000
New Orleans Saints +15000
Tennessee Titans +20000
New York Giants +30000

At these odds, a $100 wager on the 49ers would win $1400.

Only the Eagles and Lions are favored ahead of San Francisco entering the 2025 offseason, which makes sense. They were the top two seeds in the NFC this season and neither club appears poised for a significant step back.

It’ll take a huge offseason for the 49ers to get ahead of one of those teams in the odds. It will more likely require them to string wins together early next year and show that 2024 was a fluke instead of a new norm.

We’ll keep an eye on these odds for changes as we enter free agency and the draft.

More!​

49ers take page from Eagles book in post-Super Bowl mock draft​

ESPN forecasts 49ers bounce-back in too-early power rankings​

Would 49ers really ditch Brock Purdy for 41-year-old QB?​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...es-to-play-in-super-bowl-lx-at-levis-stadium/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers assistant head coach in line to grab Saints DC job

Per a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach/defense Brandon Staley is a leading candidate to take over as the New Orleans Saints‘ new defensive coordinator alongside new Saints head coach Kellen Moore.

Reports broke on Tuesday morning that former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore had agreed to become the next head coach of the Saints after the Eagles captured the Super Bowl LIX title over the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in New Orleans.

Staley spent the 2024 season with the 49ers after three seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers‘ head coach from 2021-23.

Former Chargers HC Brandon Staley, who spent last season as an assistant coach in San Francisco, is a leading candidate to become Kellen Moore‘s defensive coordinator in New Orleans, per sources. pic.twitter.com/JzdhZmHKo0

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2025

With Staley helping oversee San Francisco’s defensive operations, the 49ers owned the NFL’s No. 8 total defense (317.4 yards per game), its No. 5 passing defense (192.8 yards per game), its No. 18 rushing defense (124.6 yards per game).

San Francisco ranked 29th in scoring defense, surrendering 25.6 points per game. The 49ers’ offense takes some blame in that as San Francisco finished with the sixth-most giveaways in the 2024 season.

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...ading-candidate-saints-defensive-coordinator/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

ESPN mock draft has 49ers taking risk to get ahead of looming problem

There are a slew of directions the San Francisco 49ers can go in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft that would all make sense.

Their two clear, most pressing needs are on the offensive and defensive lines where multiple new starters are needed on both sides of the ball.

San Francisco’s team-building ethos would typically make the defensive line their go-to position with the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft, but they may be in a place where they have to address a looming problem on the offensive line instead.

In a one-round mock draft by ESPN’s Field Yates, the 49ers skip their defensive line to help bolster their offensive line with Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

The analysis is the typical analysis regarding the 49ers taking an OL with the 11th pick – they can use an upgrade at right tackle while also readying themselves to replace soon-to-be 37-year-old Trent Williams. Simmons appears to have all the physical tools to be that player for the 49ers after a successful three-year college career.

A question that goes beyond who the pick would be lies within whether the 49ers would actually draft an offensive lineman that high. The other time they did it was in the 2018 draft when they selected Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey. At that point the 49ers desperately needed help at offensive tackle, so the need was clear and immediate.

There’s an argument to be made they’re in that same boat now.

Williams is not only closer to 40 than 30, but he dealt with an ankle injury last season that limited him to 10 games. He’s yet to play more than 15 games in a season during his five years with San Francisco.

If the 49ers bounce back toward Super Bowl contention in 2025, they won’t be picking nearly this early next year and finding a quality offensive tackle later in the draft could prove difficult.

Simmons specifically fits not only because of his success at Ohio State, but he has experience as a right tackle during his one season as a starter with San Diego State before transferring to join the Buckeyes. He’s also coming off an ACL tear in October, and the 49ers have the personnel in place to ensure they’re not rushing Simmons into action.

Combine that with the potential to upgrade over right tackle Colton McKivitiz and the need looks substantial enough that San Francisco may be willing to take a swing on the offensive line in the first round for the second time since 2017.

More!​

49ers should jump at chance to make 1 of these trades for Deebo Samuel​

49ers assistant head coach in line to grab Saints DC job​

49ers among NFC favorites to play in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...-taking-risk-to-get-ahead-of-looming-problem/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

PFF's 'biggest roster decision' for 49ers isn't a decision at all

The San Francisco 49ers have a handful of tough calls to make with their roster this offseason. None of them involve Pro Football Focus’s “biggest roster decision” for San Francisco.

In a piece analyzing each team’s biggest roster decision, PFF glosses over their tough call with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, a tricky situation with restricted free agent running back Jordan Mason, and quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract to instead highlight Trent Williams’ future.

Via PFF:

The 49ers are already in the midst of a chaotic offseason, which features a potential Deebo Samuel trade and a likely Brock Purdy extension. However, the most overarching question might just be about whether Williams will play in 2025.

The 36-year-old was fantastic yet again, even in a shortened 2024 season. Williams notched PFF pass- and run-blocking grades above 81.4, permitting only one sack on 381 pass-blocking snaps. At the same time, Williams didn’t play after Week 11 due to an ankle injury, and retirement very much appears to be on the table.

Whether or not Williams suits up next season, general manager John Lynch will likely look to land a potential starter down the line at left tackle. But if Williams retires, that would make left tackle arguably the 49ers’ biggest need, trumping cornerback, edge defender and linebacker, as the team would need an instant starter to protect Purdy’s blindside.

Indications from general manager John Lynch on Williams’s future have been clear. He said at his end-of-season presser that Williams would return in 2025.

“No. Trent’s doing well,” Lynch said when asked about uncertainty on Williams’ future. “He had a bruise in the ankle joint and it probably took a little longer than anyone anticipated, but sometimes that happens. And the good news is, it’s taken a positive turn. Trent’s mindset is where it always is and he’s still very interested in being a great player that he is. And I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. So, Trent’s committed as ever and we love having Trent Williams a part of us.”

That would seem to rule out any question about Williams’s outlook.

Perhaps PFF knows something about the soon-to-be 37-year-old waffling on playing in 2025. If he does decide to hang up his pads, the decision is a no-brainer on finding a new left tackle early in the draft. San Francisco may head that direction anyway in anticipation of a future without Williams.

The real biggest decision is on Purdy’s contract. They’re publicly committed to paying him, but the dollars are going to be fascinating since a huge QB contract will hinder some of their ability to build around Purdy.

How they operate in those negotiations and where Purdy’s contract lands will play a huge role in determining both the short and long-term fate of the 49ers.

More Latest 49ers news!​

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Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...er-decision-for-49ers-isnt-a-decision-at-all/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

ESPN doesn’t think 49ers are still Super Bowl contenders

At least for the moment, ESPN doesn’t view the San Francisco 49ers as legitimate Super Bowl contenders entering the 2025 NFL season.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke down his NFL overhaul tiers as the offseason arrives.

Fowler grouped teams into categories of “still major contenders,” “on the cusp,” “need a postseason breakthrough,” “teetering contenders,” “headed on the right track,” “stuck in the middle… but a move or two away,” “stuck in QB purgatory,” “this could go either way,” “new coach, new direction,” “rebuild in the works” and “yep, still rebuilding.”

While the 49ers aren’t in that dreaded land of quarterback purgatory or in a full-on rebuild, Fowler doesn’t view San Francisco as a major player either.

Fowler tabbed the 49ers alongside the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts in the “stuck in the middle… but a move or two away” grouping.

Here’s what Fowler had to say about the 49ers’ situation.

The 49ers’ subpar 2024 shouldn’t prompt a full rebuild. And, really, is there any choice but to run it back? The roster is saddled with bloated salaries only suitable for a win-now plan. Scaling back in parts is a sound strategy — and the 49ers are doing so by designating defensive tackle Javon Hargrave a post-June 1 cut and seeking to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Once those two moves are made, the 49ers can focus on a Brock Purdy extension. Star tight end George Kittle also is a year from free agency. Where San Francisco needs to improve is along the offensive line; it was thin before guard Aaron Banks was set to reach free agency. – Fowler, ESPN.

While the 49ers certainly have some tough free agency decisions to make and an aging corps, it’s crazy how quickly the national narrative shifts on a team that dealt with a litany of injury issues during the 2024 season.

Sure, San Francisco sunk to a 6-11 finish in 2024, which represented the cellar in the NFC West. But, the 49ers played for and nearly won the Super Bowl just the season before.

Given a healthy group around him, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy directed San Francisco to the NFC championship game in 2022 and to the brink of a world championship in 2023. Of course, Purdy was also injured early in that 2022 NFC championship game or the tale that season in Philadelphia might also have been different.

The 49ers could certainly look to beef up their offensive line with their No. 11 overall selection and perhaps find an eventual heir apparent to left tackle Trent Williams.

Some 2025 NFL mock drafts even like the 49ers to use multiple early picks along its offensive line.

Lest football fans forget, the NFL world isn’t too far removed from Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts being under fire to close the 2023 campaign. After a 10-1 start to begin the 2023 season, Philadelphia lost six of its final seven games, including its wild card date at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-9.

Of course, the Eagles rebounded to capture the NFC’s No. 2 seed entering the playoffs and captured the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy with a 40-22 romp over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

With the right offseason moves and a good bill of health, San Francisco could reenter that top of the NFC and NFL pecking order in a hurry.

As it currently stands, Fowler had 16 NFL teams ranked in tiers above San Francisco as the offseason begins.

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...5-nfl-season-tiers-not-super-bowl-contenders/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers former 1st-round pick predicted to have breakout season by ESPN

The San Francisco 49ers got quality production from their 2024 draft class, but they’ll need the collective arrow from that group of players to continue trending up in 2025 if they’re going to get back to Super Bowl form.

Their first-round pick from last season, Ricky Pearsall, was predicted by ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry to be one of the NFL’s top breakout names in 2025.

On a panel that selected players and coaches like Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (the No. 1 overall pick in 2024), New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (No. 3 overall) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4 overall pick), Thiry pointed to Pearsall (No. 31) above the others for the increased opportunity he’ll presumably have in 2025.

Via ESPN:

The 49ers drafted Pearsall with the intention that he would play a larger role in his second season, but after recovering from a gunshot wound, he was needed earlier than anticipated following a series of injuries to teammates. After a full offseason with quarterback Brock Purdy, along with the likely departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. (requested a trade), Pearsall will prove why the 49ers took him in the first round.

Fire pick. Can’t lie.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense is notoriously tough on rookies, but what makes Pearsall’s success in Year 1 even more impressive is his adversity-filled path to playing time.

He dealt with a hamstring injury that cost him the early part of training camp, then he suffered a shoulder injury immediately after returning that kept him out of preseason games. Then he was shot through the chest the weekend before the regular season opened, costing him six weeks of games and practices.

That he was able to get 11 games under his belt and haul in 31 catches for 300 yards and four touchdowns is impressive, and makes him a sound choice for a breakout campaign if he’s able to stay healthy for a full offseason.

More!​

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CBS highlights importance of 49ers’ free agency season​

ESPN doesn’t think 49ers are still Super Bowl contenders​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...ck-predicted-to-have-breakout-season-by-espn/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers shut out of ESPN expert panel's Super Bowl LX predictions

If ESPN’s 13 NFL experts are correct, the San Francisco 49ers should pack it in for the 2025 season and try again in 2026.

After a dreary 6-11 season that saw the 49ers miss the postseason for the first time since 2020, they were left completely out of early Super Bowl LX predictions from the Worldwide Leader.

In the 13 predicted matchups, five different NFC teams are represented. The Detroit Lions were picked four times after an injury-riddled season that saw them fall in the divisional round to the Washington Commanders. Washington, the NFC runner up, was picked twice. The Green Bay Packers received a pair of nods. The Los Angeles Rams got one, and the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles got four. Interestingly, only one person picked the Eagles to repeat.

Four AFC teams were picked: the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore was picked six times, the Bills four times, the Bengals twice and the Chiefs once.

It’s not a huge surprise given where the 49ers landed in a ranking of contenders by the ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Given that the season just ended, most of the predictions involved the best teams from the 2024 season. It’ll be interesting to see if any of these predictions change or if the vibe around any of the clubs is different after free agency and the NFL draft.

One thing is clear: the NFC isn’t going to be easy for the 49ers to get through even if they do make the improvements necessary to return to Super Bowl form.

Philadelphia is returning a dominant roster that figures to be the best in the NFL once again. Detroit is doing the same, and they should have better injury luck after a disastrous campaign on that front. Washington looks like they could be formidable for a long time after quarterback Jayden Daniels’ sensational season. Former 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters is also running the show in Washington. Green Bay is still young with an upward trajectory, and LA is coming off an NFC West title.

It’s understandable the 49ers weren’t on the early 2025 radar, but they should get there if their offseason goes according to plan.

More Uncategorized!​

Underrated free agent who could solve 1 of 49ers biggest issues​

49ers may not need to look far to find 1 new starting OL​

49ers chances of losing preferred DC candidate increase​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...espn-expert-panels-super-bowl-lx-predictions/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Underrated free agent who could solve 1 of 49ers biggest issues

There are a couple of clear weaknesses the San Francisco 49ers have to shore up on their offensive line if they’re going to revamp their roster back into one that can contend for a Super Bowl.

One of those is left guard, where they don’t have a starter with Aaron Banks hitting the unrestricted free agent market. The other is at center, where starter Jake Brendel is set to return after a rough couple of seasons.

Center has typically been an important position for head coach Kyle Shanahan, and it looked in 2022 like Brendel might have promise as the long-term answer for the 49ers at an affordable price. His pass blocking regressed in 2023 and 2024, which opened the door for an upgrade in front of quarterback Brock Purdy.

There’s a chance the 49ers look for that upgrade via the draft. They’ve never used an early pick on a center, opting instead for more experienced veteran options.

If they go that route again, Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly may be the answer. Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, was listed as the most underrated center in this year’s free agency class by Pro Football Focus.

Via PFF:

Kelly played more than 600 snaps in each of his past seven seasons but did miss at least one game in four of his past five campaigns. His absence visibly impacted the Colts‘ offensive line, which was among the best when fully healthy.

Kelly is still among the best pass-blocking centers in the NFL and could solidify the interior of any offensive line. His 73.2 PFF pass-blocking grade over the past three seasons ranks fourth among 28 qualifying centers, while his 2.9% pressure rate allowed also ranks fourth.

The injury issues could give the 49ers pause, but the upside is tantalizing and it may help keep his cost in the range San Francisco can afford at the position.

Kelly, a first-round pick of the Colts in the 2016 draft, has played in 121 out of a possible 148 games across his nine-year career. He last played a full season in 2022 before missing three games in 2023 and seven in 2024.

Another potential hangup is his age. Kelly turns 32 in May, which eliminates him from being a long-term answer. Given the 49ers’ urgency in trying to win a Super Bowl in 2025, a plug-and-play free agent makes more sense than taking an immediate swing on a draft pick.

On the other hand, drafting a center early may still be the move for the 49ers if they don’t think they have a longer-term answer already on the roster. They need to find a player who can hold that position down for the foreseeable future whether they sign Kelly or not. Adding Kelly now may be their best chance to contend in the short-term, and that makes him a player the 49ers should kick tires on in free agency.

More Uncategorized!​

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Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...nt-who-could-solve-1-of-49ers-biggest-issues/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers snag Day 3 pick by trading All-Pro in mock draft

The San Francisco 49ers‘ offseason took a turn after it was revealed that star receiver Deebo Samuel had requested a trade.

Samuel’s trade request has many speculating on what type of compensation might get a deal done to move Samuel on from San Francisco.

In his latest 2025 NFL mock draft, Patriots Wire’s Jordy McElroy projected New England to pull off a mid-round blockbuster.

McElroy forecasted the Patriots sending their fourth-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for Samuel.

Deebo Samuel is a versatile weapon capable of helping the Patriots at both receiver and running back. The long injury history is a concern, but it’s worth rolling the dice for a fourth-round draft pick. Samuel joining the likes of Tee Higgins, assuming the Patriots pick him up in free agency, and Harold Fannin Jr. would take the offense to new heights. – McElroy, Patriots Wire.

It’s a trade that makes sense for New England. The Patriots get a proven offensive weapon to help quarterback Drake Maye, who was New England’s first-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

Is it enough for San Francisco, though? Would the 49ers be willing to part with Samuel for a fourth-round draft pick?

If the 49ers were to work out this deal, San Francisco would suddenly possess eight picks in the 2025 NFL draft’s first four rounds. That’s quite a bit of ammo to try to find some more wide receiver help.

The 49ers will return Brandon Aiyuk from injury next season. San Francisco is also excited about the future of 2024 first-round draft selection Ricky Pearsall.

Jauan Jennings will also be back with San Francisco in 2025 after catching 77 passes for 975 receiving yards with six touchdowns.

Samuel was a first-team All-Pro with the 49ers during the 2021 season as he racked up 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdown catches to go along with 365 rushing yards and eight more rushing scores.

Samuel hasn’t reached those heights since, though he did approach the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2023 when he caught 60 passes for 892 receiving yards.

In 2024, Samuel’s production dipped relative to his standards. The South Carolina alum reeled in 51 passes—his fewest catches since the 2020 season when he played in just seven games—for 670 yards.

More!​

49ers former 1st-round pick predicted to have breakout season by ESPN​

One major, under-the-radar need 49ers must take care of this offseason​

CBS highlights importance of 49ers’ free agency season​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...5-nfl-mock-draft-deebo-samuel-patriots-trade/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers draft history says they may not be able to fix major roster flaw

The defensive line sits at or near the top of the list of roster flaws the San Francisco 49ers must fix this offseason if they hope to return to Super Bowl form.

One issue they run into in their quest is that their ability to spend big in free agency is going to be hamstrung by quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract extension. They’ll have a little wiggle room in the free agent market, but a sustained run of success is going to require them to hit on some draft picks on the defensive front. It’s worth noting the Philadelphia Eagles top six defensive linemen were Eagles draft picks, and five of them were on rookie contracts.

While the defensive line has often been a focus of the 49ers’ team-building under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, they’ve struggled when drafting players in that position group.

Defensive end Nick Bosa was the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft. He was a home run pick, but also an obvious selection after quarterback Kyler Murray went No. 1 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. It’s hard to find a lot of quality picks on the DL outside of that.

Let’s go year-by-year:

2017​

Round 1, Pick 3: DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Round 6, Pick 198: DT DJ Jones, Ole Miss
Round 6, Pick 202: DE Pita Taumoepenu, Utah

Jones is a really nice find in the sixth round. He spent five years in San Francisco before signing a free agent deal with the Denver Broncos in 2022. Thomas was a huge whiff at No. 3 overall, and Taumoepenu only played six games for the 49ers in two years.

2018​

Round 4, Pick 128: DT Kentavius Street, North Carolina State
Round 7, Pick 223: DT Jullian Taylor, Temple

Street had injury problems that limited him to three games his first two years. He played 32 games in 2020 and 2021 and posted 3.0 sacks before leaving to join the New Orleans Saints in 2022. Taylor had some flashes, but he only played in 12 games across two seasons.

2019​

Round 1, Pick 2: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Home run. And the only DL pick of the draft.

2020​

Round 1, Pick 14: DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

The 49ers traded back one spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to select Kinlaw. He had a couple of moments as a rookie, but then injuries limited him to 10 games the next two years. He was mostly ineffective in 17 games in 2023, then signed with the New York Jets after his rookie deal was up. The hope was that Kinlaw could replace DeForest Buckner after they traded him to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 pick. That did not work out.

2021​

No defensive linemen selected.

2022​

Round 2, Pick 61: DE Drake Jackson, USC
Round 6, Pick 220: DT Kalia Davis, UCF

There was some hope that Jackson would find a home at DE in San Francisco after bouncing around to various positions in college. He struggled to produce as a rookie, and then injuries hit in Year 2 that cost him half of that year and all of his third year. Davis is in a similar boat where availability and production have been a problem. He’s played in 16 games after taking his rookie season to recover from an ACL injury he suffered in college.

2023​

Round 5, Pick 173: DE Robert Beal, Georgia

Beal could have played a huge role for the 49ers last season. He suited up for 14 games, but he earned only 148 (17 percent) of the defensive snaps per Pro Football Reference. Beal has lots of physical tools. They’ve not translated to successful pass rushing in the NFL.

2024​

No defensive linemen selected.

***

To summarize: the 49ers haven’t drafted a regularly productive defensive lineman in the four drafts since selecting Bosa. Their swings since then have actually been largely disastrous.

The four players they’ve drafted at the position since Bosa have played in 98 games and posted 126 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks.

Perhaps the 49ers didn’t view the D-line as a need while they hoped for some free agent additions and previous draft picks to pan out. It’s clear at this point though they’ll need to make big changes to that group in the draft.

The problem is their previous attempts at big changes have fallen with a resounding thud. Kinlaw and Jackson were bad early-round picks, and they have not been able to run into a late-round gem. If they’re going to fix their defensive line via the draft this year, it’s going to require a substantially different approach to scouting the position. Without those changes, history tells us they’re unlikely to overhaul their defensive front in 2025.

More!​

Jaguars GM search could get 2 new 3rd-round draft picks for 49ers​

49ers coaching staff could undergo another change soon​

49ers snag Day 3 pick by trading All-Pro in mock draft​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...hey-may-not-be-able-to-fix-major-roster-flaw/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Report: 8 exclusive-rights free agents coming back to 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are getting a head start on some of their offseason business.

According to Jason Fitzgerald from Over the Cap, the 49ers are expected to bring back all eight of their exclusive rights free agents.

Re-signing ERFAs is typically a matter of “when” than “if.” Getting an ERFA back only requires a qualifying offer of the league minimum salary. If that qualifying offer is extended, those players are unable to enter the free agent market.

Here are the eight ERFAs expected to re-sign:

TE Jake Tonges
TE Brayden Willis
TE Mason Pline
OL Austen Pleasants
DL Evan Anderson
DL Alex Barrett
DE Sam Okuayinonu
LB Jalen Graham

Exclusive-rights free agents are players with expiring contracts who have two or fewer NFL seasons accrued.

The trio of TEs could all conceivably earn a roster spot and playing time in training camp this year. The same goes for Anderson, an undrafted rookie last year, and Okuayinonu who flashed a handful of times as a rotational defensive end.

Graham and Pleasants will be interesting to keep an eye on. They both play positions where the 49ers need depth. That opens the door for one or both to stick around on the active roster in 2025.

More!​

49ers rookie is already a top 100 NFL player after strong 2024 season​

49ers land top spot on PFF's worst to first rankings​

Underrated free agent pass rusher could be 49ers next DL reclamation project​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...sive-rights-free-agents-coming-back-to-49ers/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers rookie is already a top 100 NFL player after strong 2024 season

It looks like the San Francisco 49ers might have gotten some of the hits they needed in the 2024 NFL draft. One of their handful of productive rookies stands out above the rest.

Pro Football Focus is beginning its list of the top 101 players from the 2024 NFL season, and 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni made the cut at No. 100 overall.

Puni was given the right guard job in training camp because of a couple injuries ahead of him, but it was clear early in his tenure that he was the team’s best option at that position. The third-round pick out of Kansas was the highest-graded rookie offensive lineman by PFF.

It wasn’t immediately clear when the 49ers selected Puni what his role with the club would be. They needed to upgrade at right tackle and right guard. Puni was a very good left guard in his first season with the Jayhawks, but an even better left tackle when he slid outside in his second year there.

Puni wound up starting all 17 games for San Francisco at right guard. He earned an 80.5 overall grade from PFF, and particularly excelled as a run blocker where he was given a very strong 81.5 grade.

He was up-and-down as a pass blocker, allowing 35 pressures and three sacks, but overall he acquitted himself well at a new position in his rookie season in the NFL.

It’s good news for the 49ers that their third-round pick produced in Year 1. It’s even better news that his arrow still appears to be pointing up heading into 2025.

More!​

Report: 8 exclusive-rights free agents coming back to 49ers​

49ers land top spot on PFF's worst to first rankings​

Underrated free agent pass rusher could be 49ers next DL reclamation project​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...-top-100-nfl-player-after-strong-2024-season/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers release long-time LB, officially re-sign 7 free agents

The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday announced a handful of roster moves that included the release of long-time linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.

Flannigan-Fowles was an undrafted free agent signing for San Francisco following the 2019 daft and he wound up becoming a regular contributor on special teams and a key reserve LB. His rise with the 49ers was impressive since he joined the club as a safety and transitioned to LB on the practice squad during his first season as a pro.

He played in 73 games across five seasons with San Francisco after debuting in the 2020 season. His primary contributions came on special teams where he played at least 59 percent of the snaps in all five seasons. As the starting Sam LB this year he played a career-high 20 percent of the defensive snaps.

While Flannigan-Fowles was a stalwart in the LB corps for five years, he wasn’t a particularly productive defensive player which may explain his release ahead of his unrestricted free agency.

The 49ers are injecting youth at the position and they will need to find a starter to replace Dre Greenlaw if he leaves in free agency this year.

Along with the Flannigan-Fowles release, the 49ers also announced seven exclusive-rights free agent signings. These signings were first reported by Jason Fitzgerald at Over the Cap. The ERFA signings announced by San Francisco included tight ends Jake Tonges and Brayden Willis, offensive lineman Austen Pleasants, linebacker Jalen Graham and defensive linemen Evan Anderson, Alex Barrett and Sam Okuayinonu.

More Latest 49ers news!​

Possible 49ers backup QB target off the board after signing new deal​

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49ers met with intriguing DL prospect who can help major depth issue​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...ong-time-lb-officially-re-sign-7-free-agents/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers luck into top CB prospect in Daniel Jeremiah mock draft

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror and the NFL scouting combine looming, we’re officially in the thick of mock draft season. While a flurry of mock drafts have been released with different predictions for what John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan could potentially do when the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock in April, few mocks turn heads like longtime NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

The NFL.com draft analyst recently released his mock draft 2.0 for the first round with the 49ers landing a steal at No. 11 overall. Just outside the top 10, Jeremiah penned Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson to the 49ers. According to Jeremiah, Johnson fits with the 49ers due to scheme and size.

Via NFL.com:

Johnson is a scheme fit, and his size will play well in a division featuring wide receivers built like power forwards.

Read the full mock draft from Jeremiah here.
Johnson has widely been considered one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 draft class. Matt Miller of ESPN listed Johnson as his No. 3 overall player in his top-50 player rankings.
Johnson shined under Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor on the way to the Wolverines’ run to a national championship in 2023. In the national championship against Washington, Johnson notched an interception against Michael Penix Jr. along with four tackles while earning Defensive Player of the Game. As a sophomore in 2023, Johnson was named named a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 10. Johnson recorded 27 combined tackles with four interceptions and four pass deflections.
The 6-foo-2 cornerback’s junior season was cut short due to a turf toe injury. In six games, Johnson tallied 14 tackles and a pair of pick-sixes for the Wolverines.
The first round of the NFL draft is set to begin on April 24 in Green Bay.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

More!​

49ers met with sure-handed WR at pre-draft All-Star game​

49ers release long-time LB, officially re-sign 7 free agents​

Possible 49ers backup QB target off the board after signing new deal​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...op-cb-prospect-in-daniel-jeremiah-mock-draft/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

Report: 49ers looking to sell 10 percent stake in team at record valuation

The San Francisco 49ers could have a new minority owner soon.

A report from Sports Business Journal indicates the 49ers are “‘exploring selling’ a 10 percent stake at a valuation of more than $9 billion.” That means the 10 percent stake would cost the buyer $900 million.

The estimated $9 billion value would make the 49ers one of the most lucrative franchises in the world. That number was only eclipsed by the Dallas Cowboys ($10.1 billion) in the 2024 Forbes list of the most valuable NFL franchises.

That value on the market would also be a record per Pro Football Talk.

Team CEO Jed York in 2024 became the principle owner of the franchise after buying enough equity in the team from his mother, Denise DeBartolo York per NBC Sports Bay Area.

At the time York took over as the principle owner, the franchise was valued by Forbes at $6.8 billion. That $9 billion value is not only a massive increase from the previous estimation, but it dwarfs the amount previous owner Eddie DeBartolo paid for the club in 1977. That year he paid $13 million for the franchise.

It’s unclear why York is aiming to sell 10 percent of the club, and it’s unclear who he would sell it to. Although pulling in $900 million to give up 10 percent of the club doesn’t seem like a particularly bad idea.

It’s also not a guarantee any portion of the team is ultimately sold.

Per SBJ, “deliberations about the move are ‘ongoing and there’s no certainty they will lead to a transaction.'”

More Latest 49ers news!​

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49ers predicted to land 'centerpiece' of Chiefs defense in free agency​

49ers luck into top CB prospect in Daniel Jeremiah mock draft​

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...10-percent-stake-in-team-at-record-valuation/

 

[San Francisco 49ers]

49ers make top 15 of early NFL power ranking despite ‘season from hell’

It’s safe to say the San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 campaign did not go as planned.

After losing in Super Bowl LVII to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers endured an up-and-down offseason that included a pair of key players holding out of training camp. Following a tumultuous offseason, the 49ers roster continued to take hits with multiple injuries, including reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey.

The 49ers finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 6-11 record and their first missed trip to the postseason in two years. Despite their struggles in 2024, the 49ers are expected to bounce back in 2025 around their expected returning core of Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and more.

In an early set of NFL power rankings, the 49ers landed in the top half. The 49ers landed outside of the top 10 at No. 13 in the Ringer’s NFL rankings.

Via The Ringer’s Diante Lee:

San Francisco had the season from hell. The 49ers lost several key players on both sides of the ball to season-ending injuries, and they didn’t get nearly enough development from the younger players on the roster to stay competitive

Read the full set of rankings from The Ringer here.

Alongside their already star-powered core, the 49ers will be able to add a blue-chip caliber prospect in the draft in April. The 49ers currently hold the No. 11 pick in the first round of the draft. The first round is set to begin on April 24 in Green Bay.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Source: https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/202...y-nfl-power-ranking-despite-season-from-hell/