Star players want to be paid like star players.
The 49ers aren't just dealing with a Brock Purdy extension problem. A number of other star players have issues, too.
The San Francisco 49ers seemingly deal with contract headaches every offseason. A year ago, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's extension was the issue. The year prior, it was defensive end Nick Bosa.
Of course, aside from mass player departures, the Niners' 2025 offseason will be defined by what happens with quarterback Brock Purdy and what promises to be a lucrative extension that could easily top $50 million per year.
The latest on those negotiations point that nothing is imminent despite both sides being in conversation.
However, at least from San Francisco's perspective, it'd be nice if those contract talks heated up toward a conclusion.
Because they're likely holding up other extensions needing to be processed.
49ers may face holdouts with George Kittle, Fred Warner
Another key factor to the 49ers' offseason is the discussion with All-Pro tight end George Kittle, whose own extension talks are assuredly being held up by how Purdy's deal pans out.
General manager John Lynch stressed the desire to have Kittle spend the rest of his pro career in a Niners uniform, which sounds nice except for the fact "The People's Tight End" now trails the NFL's top-paid tight end, Trey McBride, by $4 million in annual salary.
The Monday before the 2025 NFL Draft, The Athletic's Mike Silver shared some not-so-great news when he reported Kittle could potentially stay away from offseason voluntary activities, which begin on Tuesday:
Kittle reported to voluntary activities amid his first contract-extension talks, citing his responsibility as a team captain and leader.
But that was when he was coming off a rookie contract. Now, on the wrong side of 30 years old, he might approach things much more cautiously, especially knowing these offseason sessions aren't yet of the mandatory variety.
As for Warner, it seems as if he'll be there, according to Silver's report.
That said, it also appears as if the pecking order for new contracts is putting Purdy first, then Kittle and Warner thereafter.
San Francisco certainly doesn't want to alienate two of its best players at the expense of a Purdy extension, right?
