Last season, the 49ers ended with a record of 12-5, clinching the best record in the NFC, a first-round bye and home-field advantage. After winning two tight playoff games against the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, they made it to the Super Bowl, but suffered a devastating 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and their once-in-a-generation quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Beginning the 2024 season, the Niners have had multiple key issues to wrestle with: a lack of cap space to sign or re-sign players, challenges with roster depth and continuing issues with injuries, a problem that has plagued them in recent years.
In addition, the 49ers made a flurry of roster changes. They bolstered their depth chart to better handle injuries such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s torn Achilles sustained in the Super Bowl. The team has filled the gaps of departed defensive lineman Arik Armstead and defensive end Chase Young by replacing them with promising free-agents: defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans and defensive end Leonard Floyd from the Buffalo Bills. Going into Game 1 vs. the New York Jets on Sept. 9, it appears that these changes will keep the defensive line as one of their best position groups.
Then, of course, was the huge contract drama with 49ers star wide-receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his desire for a revamped contract. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was scheduled to make $14 million for the season.
In the NFL, it is common for star players to sign a contract extension with their team one year before their previous contract expires, protecting their income in case of a subpar season or injury. If a star player’s current team is unwilling to sign them to an extension — which at first happened in Aiyuk’s case — the player will sometimes sit out until they are offered a desirable contract extension, or are traded to another team, usually one of the player’s choices.
Rumors circulated that Aiyuk would be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns or Washington Commanders. Aiyuk was even seen in a viral TikTok speaking to former teammate and Washington Commanders quarterback, Jayden Daniels. In the video, Aiyuk says to Daniels, “They said they don’t want me back,” possibly referring to his ongoing conflict with the 49ers.
All the rumors and speculation went away on Aug. 28, when Aiyuk and the organization settled on a massive 4-year, $120 million contract — extending Aiyuk’s ties to the team until 2028. Although the long-awaited agreement left 49ers fans relieved, the signing had some downsides to consider.
One of the most obvious problems is that Aiyuk will likely be out of shape going into the start of the season, having missed all of training camp and the preseason as he watched practice from the sidelines.
Additionally, the signing also adds to the 49ers’ salary cap issues. The 49ers have another contract dilemma with 36-year-old offensive lineman Trent Williams, a 14-year NFL veteran and 11-time Pro-Bowler, who is considered to be one of the top players at his position.
Finally, on Sept. 3, Williams signed a 3-year, $82.66 million deal. This marked the end of the 49ers offseason woes and allowed the team to move on to the regular season.
Although some fans have doubts about the 49ers chances at returning to the Super Bowl next February, the team still has an immense amount of talent on both sides of the ball, and they have an opportunity to repeat their claim to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. If the 49ers can sort out their star player contracts and maintain good player health through the season, we think that they just might lead the Bay to that long awaited Super Bowl Parade.
Key Games to watch (Bold – Playoff Rematch):
- At home vs. Chiefs, Oct 20 (Super Bowl redemption?)
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- At home vs. Cowboys, Oct 27 (Age-old rival)
- Away vs. Packers, Nov 24 (NFC Divisional Round Rematch)
At home vs. Lions, Dec 30 (NFC Championship rematch)
