The 49ers Have Plans for an Offseason Overhaul

After sending Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick, the San Francisco 49ers could still be open to trading more players.

This move allowed some cap flexibility for the 49ers as they look to create space for a potential contract extension for Brock Purdy down the line.

It also removes a declining player and simplifies the offense. Kyle Shanahan no longer has to worry about getting Deebo involved in the run and passing games. The 49ers can now focus on feeding players such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.

Preparing for Brock Purdy’s Contract Extension

A contract extension for Brock Purdy is highly probable this offseason.

With the quarterback market trending upwards, the 49ers may have to offer a figure north of $53 million per year, considering the contracts of Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence. Purdy’s performances have warranted similar or even higher compensation than these quarterbacks.

This is the issue with the current QB market— each new deal tends to break the previous record, creating an unsustainable trend. As a result, the 49ers are likely to make significant roster adjustments to manage their cap space effectively.

49ers Open to Trade Offers for Key Players

Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show that the 49ers are willing to listen to offers on “just about anybody.” This indicates that the team’s ambition is not necessarily to rebuild, but rather to retool and transition from what they have been in recent seasons.

One player Schefter specifically mentioned could be available is Brandon Aiyuk. Trading Aiyuk would be even more significant considering that would make him the second receiver the 49ers could move on from this offseason. Aiyuk recently signed a four-year extension worth $120 million but is coming off a torn ACL. His contract could present challenges for potential trade partners, but at 26 years old, Aiyuk still has value.

The New England Patriots are rumored to be interested in Aiyuk as they seek a star receiver for their young quarterback, Drake Maye. If the 49ers trade Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in one offseason, it would put considerable pressure on sophomore Ricky Pearsall to step up as their primary wide receiver.

Javon Hargrave and Other Potential Moves

Another player who could be on the move is Javon Hargrave, who is making about $21 million a year and had his season cut short due to a tricep injury.

Hargrave is a candidate for either a trade or a potential release to save cap space. He will likely not be on the roster at the start of the upcoming season.

In addition to Aiyuk and Hargrave, the 49ers could look to move players approaching potential contract extensions, such as Jordan Mason, who is a restricted free agent. Trading Mason could allow the 49ers to gain compensation for a player they might otherwise lose for nothing.

Decisions Looming on Defensive Free Agents

The 49ers also have key defensive players entering free agency, including Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward. Although Ward’s time with the 49ers appears to be over, the team has expressed a desire to retain Greenlaw and Hufanga.

Greenlaw is coming off his first full season since tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl 58, while Hufanga has struggled with multiple injuries over the past few seasons. Keeping both players might prove difficult due to cap constraints. However, if the 49ers can at least retain Greenlaw, it would provide a significant boost for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

A linebacker duo of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw would offer a strong foundation for the defense.