Brock Purdy’s Historic Pay Raise Looms Large
The 2024 season saw the San Francisco 49ers finish with a 6-11 record, placing them fourth in the NFC West and leading to their absence from the playoffs. This disappointing outcome comes after the team’s significant success during Brock Purdy’s rookie contract, which spans four years and totals $3.7 million. Despite this modest deal, Purdy has had a remarkable start to his professional career, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl and two NFC championship games in his first three seasons. As Purdy approaches the final year of his contract, the 49ers are expected to reward him with one of the largest pay raises in the league’s history. Comparing him to recent extensions, players like Tua Tagovailoa ($53.1 million annually), Trevor Lawrence ($55 million annually), Jordan Love ($55 million annually), and Jared Goff ($53 million annually) have all secured massive deals. Purdy’s performance and leadership have undoubtedly earned him a place in this elite company, and the 49ers will likely have to match or exceed these figures to retain him. While the exact amount remains to be negotiated, it’s clear that Purdy won’t come cheap, given his contributions and the team’s high expectations.
Key Free Agents: Decisions and Uncertainty
The 49ers face several critical decisions regarding their key free agents. Defensive players like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, both of whom have extensive injury histories, are among those whose futures with the team remain uncertain. Greenlaw missed most of the 2024 season due to an Achilles tear, while Hufanga’s wrist injury and recovery from an ACL tear significantly limited his playing time. The team will need to carefully weigh the potential risks against the value these players bring to the defense. On the offensive line, left guard Aaron Banks, whose contract is up, will be another major decision point. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who had a solid season, could also see his future with the team questioned, especially after Deommodore Lenoir signed a $92 million extension in November. Running back Jordan Mason, who performed well in the absence of Christian McCaffrey, is a restricted free agent. While the 49ers would like to retain Mason, his price tag might be too high, potentially leading to a trade or release that could yield valuable draft capital.
Addressing Free-Agent Needs
The 49ers have several pressing needs to address this offseason, particularly on both the offensive and defensive lines. The 2024 season exposed significant deficiencies in the trenches, leading to a disappointing performance. If Aaron Banks leaves in free agency, the 49ers will need to find a replacement at left guard, and they may also consider upgrades at center and right tackle, where Trent Williams is getting older. On the defensive side, the team ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks, highlighting the need for a young and dynamic pass rusher to complement Nick Bosa. Additionally, the running back position could see changes, depending on the status of Jordan Mason and the overall depth of the running back corps. These needs must be prioritized to ensure the team is competitive in the upcoming season and beyond.
Financial Constraints and Potential Cuts
Despite an estimated $44 million in salary cap space, the 49ers are facing significant financial constraints. Brock Purdy’s expected new contract will consume a large portion of this space, leaving the team with limited flexibility. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who turns 29 in January, is a prime candidate for a potential cut or trade. Samuel is not performing up to the high standards set by his three-year, $71 million contract, and the 49ers have invested in other wide receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. The team’s decision regarding Samuel will have major implications for the salary cap and the roster. Another player who might see his time in San Francisco come to an end is defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. At 31, Hargrave is no longer the same player he was when the 49ers signed him to a four-year, $84 million contract in 2023. The restructured deal provides a potential out in June, giving the team the flexibility to make a decision based on performance and financial considerations.
Draft Picks and Strategic Opportunities
The 49ers have several valuable draft picks at their disposal, including a first-round pick at No. 11, a second-round pick at No. 43, and multiple picks in the third and fourth rounds. These picks offer the team strategic opportunities to address their pressing needs. The first-round pick, in particular, could be crucial for finding a top talent to improve the offensive or defensive lines. The second-round pick provides an additional chance to add depth and talent, while the compensatory picks in the fourth and seventh rounds offer further flexibility. The 49ers will need to balance these opportunities with their salary cap constraints and the possibility of trades to maximize their impact on the roster.
Good Draft Fit: Kelvin Banks Jr.
One potential draft fit for the 49ers is Kelvin Banks Jr., the highly regarded offensive lineman from Texas. With the possibility of Aaron Banks leaving in free agency and the need to find a long-term upgrade at right tackle, Banks Jr. could be an ideal choice. He is versatile and can play multiple positions on the offensive line, making him a valuable asset for San Francisco. Banks Jr. has the potential to step in and contribute immediately, providing stability and a strong foundation for the team’s offensive line. Additionally, the recovery status of Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk will be closely monitored, as these key players’ health will significantly impact the team’s offensive strategy. If Deebo Samuel Sr. is traded or released, the remaining wide receivers, such as George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall, could see their roles and fantasy values increase, adding another layer of complexity to the 49ers’ offseason planning.
