The San Francisco 49ers, who last appeared in the Super Bowl, have seen contract negotiations dominate their offseason discussions rather than their strategies to return to the championship. Despite two significant player holdouts and trade rumors, the team successfully secured contracts for both standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
After a challenging holdout that included a trade request, the 49ers finalized a four-year, $120 million extension for Aiyuk. While Aiyuk’s contract was a focal point this offseason, Williams was also in a holdout since training camp began. Concerned about the possibility of Williams missing the start of the regular season, general manager John Lynch and the 49ers management managed to reach a new agreement with the star tackle.
Amid the contract uncertainties involving two vital players, the 49ers have maintained stability as they look ahead to 2024. However, the franchise faces more contract challenges in the near future. Below are key contract situations that the management may prioritize in the coming months.
Brock Purdy, the quarterback wearing number 13, is currently in the last stretch of his rookie deal, which ends after the 2025 season. His contract has been a major bargain for the team, as he was the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and has an average annual value of under $1 million. To prevent Purdy from entering a contract year without an extension, the 49ers may look to negotiate a new deal next offseason. Current projections suggest an extension could be valued at $208.5 million over four years, averaging $52.1 million annually.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who signed a three-year, $73.5 million extension in July 2022, is also facing a contract expiration after the 2025 season. Both Samuel and the team may prefer to negotiate again before he enters 2025 without contractual security. Samuel’s contract has a potential out following this season, as his dead-cap number decreases to $15.1 million, potentially saving the team about $9.1 million should they decide to part ways with him. Samuel, entering his age-28 season in 2024, had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023.
Tight end George Kittle, regarded as one of the NFL’s finest at his position, is signed through 2025 with a five-year, $75 million extension. His contract, valued at an average of $15 million per year, was the highest for a tight end when signed in 2020. Given Kittle’s contributions as both a receiver and a blocker, extending his contract seems reasonable, though he will be 33 upon its expiration, potentially raising questions regarding his future with the team.