The San Francisco 49ers are experiencing a different offseason - already - than previous.
After a 6-11 record that produced a last-place finish in the division and missing the postseason for the first time since 2020, San Francisco is taking a more "ruthless" approach to this offseason according to an insider.
The Athletic's Michael Silver credits 49ers CEO Jed York with that approach.
"In past years, as he decided whether to dole out a massive signing bonus to Purdy, Jed York might have been swayed by his coach's and GM's conviction. This time I expect the owner... to be as ruthless as they deem appropriate," Silver wrote.
The first domino to fall was trading star wideout Deebo Samuel to fellow NFC contender Washington. Samuel was a fan-favorite who spent the first six seasons of his pro career in San Francisco.
The next domino to fall in the trade department could be Brandon Aiyuk, who was almost dealt last offseason before signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension.
Aiyuk lasted just seven games in 2024 before a torn ACL ended his season prematurely. He should be fully healthy for 2025 and could garner major interest in the trade market from several teams.
The reason for all this?
The team is probably about to offer quarterback Brock Purdy a massive deal to keep him in town. A deal that could surpass $50 million in average salary per year.
Consider it a bit of a soft reset for the team before paying Purdy. That could help the franchise in the long run and open avenues either in the draft or in free agency to restock offensive and defensive weapons for the team.
