As the San Francisco 49ers stumbled to a disappointing 6-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. With a pivotal offseason looming, the 49ers must navigate critical decisions that will shape the team’s future, from quarterback Brock Purdy’s lucrative contract extension to potential coaching changes and tough roster choices.
Purdy’s Payday: Setting the QB Market?
Undoubtedly, the biggest question mark surrounds Brock Purdy’s impending contract extension. The 2022 seventh-round pick has vastly outperformed his rookie deal, establishing himself as a franchise quarterback and putting up elite numbers since taking over as the starter in December 2022.
With Purdy eligible for an extension on January 6, the 49ers are expected to make him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. Considering his production and the skyrocketing quarterback market, Purdy could command a deal in the range of $50-60 million annually, with over $100 million in guarantees.
“The nice thing about contracts is when you play at a high level, you can compare yourself to other people in the league. And when other guys are getting paid $50 [million to] $60 million and you’re a better quarterback than they are, [it’s] hard not to get that same amount of money.”
– George Kittle, 49ers tight end
While Purdy’s extension is a no-brainer for the 49ers, it will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the team’s salary cap and roster construction moving forward.
Roster Roulette: Who Stays, Who Goes?
With Purdy’s massive payday on the horizon, the 49ers will need to make tough choices about which high-priced veterans to keep and which to let go. The team already has nine players ranking in the top 15 at their positions in salary, accounting for a significant portion of the cap.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could be potential cap casualties, as their contracts have escape hatches that would allow the 49ers to move on with minimal dead money. Other role players like fullback Kyle Juszczyk and center Jake Brendel may also be on the chopping block.
The 49ers also have 24 restricted and unrestricted free agents to deal with, including key defenders like linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Retaining these young stars will be a priority, but their injury histories could depress their market value and make them more affordable.
Coaching Carousel: Shake-up on the Sidelines?
In addition to player personnel decisions, head coach Kyle Shanahan will need to evaluate his coaching staff after a disappointing season. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider could find themselves on the hot seat after their units underperformed in 2024.
- Defense ranked 30th in red zone TD percentage (65.3%)
- Special teams ranked last in the NFL in expected points added (-38.07)
With proven coaches like Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich potentially available, Shanahan may look to make changes to his staff in an effort to get the 49ers back on track.
The Road Ahead: Retool and Rebound
As the 49ers embark on this critical offseason, the franchise faces a delicate balancing act. They must secure their franchise quarterback, retool the roster to stay competitive, and potentially shake up the coaching staff, all while navigating a tight salary cap.
“You have hope every year. You put together the best team possible, you go and practice and you go out there and you battle. So that’s what we do every single offseason.”
– Kyle Shanahan, 49ers head coach
The decisions made in the coming months will shape the 49ers’ future and determine whether 2024 was merely a bump in the road or the start of a more concerning trend. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the 49ers as they look to retool, rebound, and reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite.
