.jpg)
6 hours ago
1
The San Francisco 49ers have gone through a purge to clear up cap space this offseason as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024. For the first time in three years, the franchise failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season with a 6-11 record.
Over the past few years, General Manager John Lynch has been able to focus on building a talented core around quarterback Brock Purdy, who was still on his rookie contract at the time. But the 2023 Pro Bowl quarterback’s contract expires after 2025, and he is set to receive a huge second contract.
While there were, at times, doubts about this extension, the recent moves from the organization suggest otherwise. Tim Kawakami, a sports journalist for The San Francisco Standard, recently explained why the 49ers and their star quarterback are on a positive trajectory to get a deal done before the start of training camp.
“The 49ers wouldn’t be committing $19.1 million a year to Kittle into his mid-30s if they didn’t believe they’d have Purdy signed up to throw to him for all those years. I’ve heard for months that both sides can see a logical path to a deal – something near $50-$52 million per year with a guarantee near $150 million – and Purdy showing up for the start of the offseason program last week backs that up.”
The other headline player due for an extension is linebacker Fred Warner. The four-time All-Pro is one of the best LBs of his generation, and is also trending in the right direction toward staying in the Bay Area long term.
Overall, while the 49ers’ elite core is aging, there are still plenty of key contributors with several more years of their prime. Purdy, hopefully, is just getting started and has yet to see his best years. With players like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk no longer on the roster, the onus will be on the star quarterback to elevate the offense even more than he’s done in the past. A career year from Purdy is what the 49ers will need to become a Super Bowl contender again in 2025.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
More NFL: 49ers’ George Kittle contract extension has 3 potential pitfalls
English (US)