The San Francisco 49ers are taking a fresh approach this offseason as they work to avoid the pitfalls that plagued them during the 2024 season. With crucial contract negotiations for key players looming, the team has learned from its recent experiences and is acting swiftly to secure its core talent.
Last year, the 49ers found themselves in a tough spot with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams, both of whom were finalizing their contracts just as the season kicked off. As a result, neither player had the chance to get in sync with the team before hitting the field. Injuries compounded the issue, and the 49ers’ playoff hopes slipped away as they struggled to find their rhythm.
Fast forward to this offseason, and the team is on a mission to amend that. General Manager John Lynch has made it a priority to lock in quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Wilson early on. During a conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, Lynch emphasized the importance of timing, stating that “it takes two to tango,” and reflected on how last year’s challenges shaped their strategy moving forward.
“We made an attempt, like we had done in past years, to take care of business early,” Lynch noted. “Sure, you learn from the previous year. The previous year, we had some stuff go into the season… that wasn’t our motivation, but it did. And so, do you learn? Sure.”
This offseason has been marked by a notable number of departures, signaling that change is inevitable for the 49ers. Yet, with these recent contract extensions, there’s a sense of optimism around the organization. It suggests a commitment to retaining some of the momentum they built prior to last season. As the 49ers navigate this pivotal time, it will be interesting to see how these strategic moves pay off as they gear up for a renewed push towards championship contention.
