49ers Webzone News and Updates

49ers limited partner agrees to record $9.6 billion purchase of Seahawks

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:36:00 PDT

The Seattle Seahawks are set to have new ownership. A group led by San Francisco 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla has agreed to purchase the NFC West franchise for a record $9.612 billion, the largest sale price in NFL history. The agreement was announced on Saturday.

A group led by San Francisco 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla has agreed to purchase the Seattle Seahawks for $9.6 billion, a record sale price for an NFL franchise, per @SethWickersham and me. pic.twitter.com/OfX9S788hm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2026

Khosla's group must divest its non-controlling 3.1% minority stake in the 49ers before the Seahawks transaction can be completed. NFL rules strictly prohibit owning ownership stakes in two teams simultaneously. The investment group acquired that stake in the 49ers in May 2025.

The Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, a championship won at the 49ers' home stadium, Levi's Stadium.

The Khosla family will purchase the Seahawks from the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, who died in 2018. Allen purchased the franchise in 1997 and remained its owner until his death. It has since been controlled by his sister, Jody, who is the executor of the trust.

Khosla is the founder of Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm, and reportedly has an estimated net worth of approximately $13.8 billion.

Former 49ers WR Trent Taylor announces NFL retirement

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:23:00 PDT

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor—a free agent—is calling it a career. His wife shared news of the player's NFL retirement via Instagram.

Trent Taylor's wife announces the former #49ers WR's retirement on IG. pic.twitter.com/Mm7NH1UeGV
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) July 11, 2026

H/t to @Coach_Yac for the find.

The 49ers selected Taylor in the fifth round (No. 177 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech. He spent his first four NFL seasons with San Francisco, although a foot injury sidelined him for the entire 2019 campaign. Taylor later signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, where he played two seasons, before spending 2023 with the Chicago Bears. He returned to the 49ers in 2024.

During his final NFL season, Taylor appeared in two games for San Francisco, catching one pass for 11 yards. On June 3, 2025, the 49ers placed him on injured reserve with a back injury, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.

Over seven active NFL seasons, Taylor appeared in 80 games, making three starts, and totaled 88 receptions for 845 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams, finishing his career with 1,051 punt return yards and 106 kick return yards.

49ers' Kyle Juszczyk shares encouraging George Kittle injury recovery update

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:03:00 PDT

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered during last season's playoffs. After looking sharp during on-field workouts at Tight End University (TEU), optimism continues to grow that Kittle could be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Another positive update came this week from 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, one of Kittle's closest friends and longtime teammates.

Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Juszczyk expressed confidence that Kittle could be available for Week 1, when San Francisco opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.

"I really did feel that way," Juszczyk said when asked if he believes Kittle could be suited up for the international matchup. "I was so impressed by the way he was moving (at TEU), and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving. He was doing this zigzag drill, and he told me he had reached like 16 miles an hour that day. I was already impressed with that.

"But then, seeing him go through that warm-up, I was like, 'Wow, I really do think there is a chance that he's ready for Week 1.'"

Kittle has previously acknowledged that he's had to resist the temptation to push himself too hard during his rehabilitation, but believes he's ahead of schedule.

Juszczyk is confident that the team will properly manage Kittle's recovery.

"I know him and the trainers are going to be smart about it and not try and risk anything," Juszczyk said, "because we know how much George means to our team, and having him out there more than just one game is important. But I'm feeling good about the possibilities."

Why Kyle Juszczyk expects 49ers rookies to make an early impact

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:47:19 PDT

Three San Francisco 49ers rookies have caught the attention of fullback Kyle Juszczyk this offseason, and that's encouraging news for a team that could rely heavily on its first-year players during the 2026 campaign.

The 49ers dealt with a rash of injuries last season, proving just how quickly young players can be thrust into significant roles. Despite the adversity, San Francisco still won 12 games and earned a playoff berth, underscoring the importance of quality depth throughout the roster.

Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Juszczyk shared his early impressions of the 49ers' first three draft picks—wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, running back Kaelon Black, and defensive end Romello Height.

De'Zhaun Stribling showing no fear

Juszczyk believes Stribling already embodies the physical mentality the 49ers expect from their wide receivers, particularly when it comes to blocking.

"He's big. He's fast. He's physical," Juszczyk said. "I love—I think it was our second OTA—he was asked to cut off the defensive end on the backside of the ball, and he so willingly and impressively did so. Like, threw his body in there with no hesitation.

"And you say, 'We're talking about a second-round receiver. Why do we care about him blocking a defensive end? Let's hope he catches passes.' I think he's going to do a lot of that, but I think in order to play in Kyle's (Shanahan) offense, you've got to really be willing to do everything.

"So, for him, with just no question, step in there, and no hesitancy, stick his face into a defensive lineman, I was really impressed."

Kaelon Black looks ready for a bigger role

Black is competing to become Christian McCaffrey's primary backup, and early offseason practices suggest he may be emerging as the frontrunner. Based on what he's seen so far, Juszczyk believes the rookie could carve out a larger role than many expected this season.

"I've been so impressed by Kaelan Black," Juszczyk said. "He, number one, is a ball of muscle. This guy is absolutely jacked, and he's explosive. That's really what has stood out to me—is how twitchy and explosive he gets through that hole.

"And he runs so hard, and you can feel that even in practice without pads on, which is unique. Because I know I've felt it. I've been engaged in a block, and him just working through the hole, and just being forced to kind of run into that guy that I'm already engaged in, and I could feel that force that he was exerting.

"So, been really impressed with him physically, mentally as well. Just a guy that seems to get it, that works hard, that cares about the classroom. So, I think there's a lot of good things ahead for Kaelan, and I think he's going to help us."

Romello Height making an early impression

The 49ers are counting on Height to help revitalize a pass rush that finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, providing a complementary piece to Nick Bosa.

Although Juszczyk hasn't lined up against Height in practice yet, the rookie has still stood out in drills.

"I've been impressed just watching him in the drills that they've done," Juszczyk said. "He seems like he has a really great get-off. He's got a long reach, and seems like a guy that, again, could help us this season."

With training camp approaching, the early praise from one of the 49ers' most respected veterans offers an encouraging sign that this rookie class could make an early impact.

49ers' Mykel Williams among NFL's second-year players facing the most pressure

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:04:11 PDT

For the San Francisco 49ers, the defensive front was once a strength of the team, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and overwhelming offensive lines. That wasn't the case last season, however, as the unit recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL.

Determined to rebuild the defensive line, the 49ers used their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Mykel Williams, hoping the talented rookie could provide an immediate impact while developing into a cornerstone of the defense.

Unfortunately, Williams' rookie campaign was derailed by a torn ACL. He appeared in just nine games, finishing with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack, according to Pro Football Reference.

The 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is facing a pivotal second season. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently identified 10 second-year NFL players under significant pressure to take the next step, with Williams making the list.

"Williams was touted as a raw but high-upside prospect coming out of Georgia," Locker wrote. "The 49ers took a shot on him with the 11th overall pick in 2025 but will need to see much more of the latter."

Locker pointed out that Williams logged only 385 defensive snaps before suffering his season-ending injury and that his production was "generally subpar" based on advanced metrics.

"His 51.9 PFF pass-rush grade ranked 90th out of 95 qualified edge defenders, as he tallied just 19 pressures on an 8.8% pass-rush win rate," Locker wrote. "Despite his run-stopping prowess in college, Williams wasn't dominant in that department either, with a 6.2% run stop rate, good for the 51st percentile."

Williams was never viewed as a polished, elite pass-rushing prospect entering the NFL. He totaled just 14 sacks across three seasons at Georgia. Still, the 49ers drafted him because they believed he could develop into a complete defensive end capable of impacting both the run and passing game. His ACL injury was a setback in that development.

If Williams struggles to regain his explosiveness following the injury or fails to make meaningful progress as a pass rusher, he could see his role limited.

Locker believes improving as a pass rusher will be critical if Williams hopes to become a cornerstone of coordinator Raheem Morris' defense.

"After Bryce Huff's retirement, the 49ers are counting on Williams to be a legitimate running mate for the returning Nick Bosa," Locker wrote. "The second-year pass-rusher looms as a big X-factor on a team with continued title intentions, aiming to boost a unit that placed 25th in PFF pass-rushing grade."

Where 49ers' Trent Williams landed in ESPN's offensive tackle rankings

David Bonilla — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:13:00 PDT

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season and has acknowledged that this will likely be the final deal of his NFL career. If that's the case, the 49ers can expect at least two more seasons of elite blindside protection for franchise quarterback Brock Purdy.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top offensive tackles. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, reflecting the league's top players entering the 2026 season rather than their career accomplishments.

Williams checked in at No. 2, climbing two spots from last year's rankings.

Only Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions ranks higher.

"Williams is strengthening his Hall of Fame résumé with strong play into his late 30s," Fowler wrote. "It's hard to knock his game. He finished the 2025 season with a 92.2% pass block win rate, and his run block win rate of 79.5% was best among the top-10 group and sixth overall for tackles."

The advanced metrics back up Williams' standing among the NFL's elite—even as he inches closer to turning 38. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers star earned an overall offensive grade of 91.5 and a run-blocking grade of 92.8 in 2025—his highest marks over the past three seasons. He has also posted a pass-blocking grade of at least 79.8 in each of the last three years.

"At this stage, it takes him a while to get going early in the season, but he's still producing at a high level," an NFL coordinator told Fowler.

Fowler noted that several NFL scouts believe Williams is no longer the league's best because of his age. One coach, however, strongly disagreed.

"I don't see a lot of drop-off -- he still operates without the need for any help in pass protection, he still mauls people, he's still got light feet for his size, still has the capacity to dominate," an NFL coordinator said.

The 49ers' long-term plan at left tackle beyond 2027 remains uncertain. For now, though, they continue to rely on one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen—and a player who appears well on his way to a future Hall of Fame induction.

ESPN's offensive tackle ranking:

Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles
Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders
Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos

Alex Highsmith to the 49ers? Steelers reporter suggests trade proposal

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:32:44 PDT

Could the San Francisco 49ers benefit from a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith? One Steelers reporter believes the idea is worth considering.

Andrew Vasquez of Steelers Wire recently outlined three bold—but potentially realistic—trades Pittsburgh could make before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Among the proposals was sending Highsmith to the 49ers.

"Highsmith's absence from mandatory minicamp coupled with Nick Herbig's massive extension have led many, including myself, to believe the Steelers could look for a trade partner sooner than later," Vasquez explained. "The 49ers could desperately use another edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, and the Steelers may be one of the few teams with talent at the position to spare."

Unfortunately, Vasquez doesn't offer any insight into what he believes it would take for the 49ers to acquire Highsmith from the Steelers.

The trade proposal makes some sense from San Francisco's perspective. Bosa and last year's first-round draft pick, Mykel Williams, are both recovering from ACL injuries. While the 49ers also added defensive end Romello Height in the third round of this year's draft, many believe the team's defensive front could still benefit from another veteran pass rusher.

Highsmith has recorded 45 career sacks over six seasons, including 9.5 in 2025. As Vasquez pointed out, Pittsburgh's pass-rush depth could make him a logical trade candidate. However, there is no indication that the Steelers are actively shopping Highsmith.

This isn't the first time Highsmith has been linked to San Francisco. In June, Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom suggested the 49ers could pursue the edge defender after monitoring the Myles Garrett situation. The Cleveland Browns ultimately traded Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, potentially increasing the urgency for the 49ers to strengthen their own pass rush.

Highsmith has spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, who selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With T.J. Watt still anchoring Pittsburgh's pass rush and Nick Herbig recently signing a contract extension, some observers, including Vasquez, believe the Steelers could capitalize on their depth by trading Highsmith for draft capital.

49ers training camp: Four draft picks to watch closely this summer

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:29:45 PDT

With San Francisco 49ers rookies officially reporting to the SAP Performance Facility on July 18, all eyes will be on the team's newest draft class as first-year players look to prove they can contribute during the 2026 NFL season.

The good news for the 49ers is that there are no contract standoffs to worry about. San Francisco signed all eight of its draft picks ahead of training camp, ensuring head coach Kyle Shanahan will have every rookie available from Day 1.

The transition from college football to the NFL is rarely seamless, and every rookie faces a steep learning curve. Still, several members of the 49ers' draft class have a legitimate opportunity to earn meaningful roles early.

Here are four draft picks who will be among the most closely watched players throughout training camp.

WR De'Zhaun Stribling (Round 2, No. 33 overall)

Profile: 6-2, 207 lbs, Ole Miss

The situation: Despite the 49ers adding veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk this offseason, De'Zhaun Stribling has a realistic chance to carve out a role as a rookie. Shanahan's offense values physical, versatile receivers who can contribute as blockers in the run game, and Stribling fits that mold while also bringing intriguing downfield speed. Although his college production wasn't eye-popping, the 49ers were drawn to his upside and believe he has the tools to win at every level of the field.

What to watch: Fortunately for Stribling, he won't be asked to shoulder a heavy workload immediately. Instead, the focus will be on building chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy and earning the coaching staff's trust. If he consistently makes plays throughout camp, Stribling could emerge as a surprise weapon for the 49ers' passing attack, which ranked fifth in the NFL last season.

DE Romello Height (Round 3, No. 70 overall)

Profile: 6-3, 239 lbs, Texas Tech

The situation: The 49ers recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, struggling to generate consistent pressure after Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Romello Height was drafted with the hope that his explosive first step and pass-rushing ability can help inject much-needed juice into the defensive front.

What to watch: One-on-one pass-rush drills against the 49ers' veteran offensive tackles will be one of the biggest measuring sticks. If Height consistently wins those matchups, he could quickly earn snaps as a situational pass rusher. The bigger question is whether he can develop into a complete edge defender. While he earned an outstanding 92.7 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, his 64.9 run-defense grade highlights room for improvement.

RB Kaelon Black (Round 3, No. 90 overall)

Profile: 5-9, 208 lbs, Indiana

The situation: Christian McCaffrey handled a league-high and career-high 413 touches last season, carrying a massive workload while helping lead the injury-riddled 49ers back to the playoffs. Shanahan has long wanted to lessen that burden but has yet to find a trustworthy substitute. The hope is that Kaelon Black can finally become that player.

What to watch: Black possesses the size, athleticism, and physical running style to succeed at the NFL level. The biggest question is whether he can quickly adapt to Shanahan's outside-zone running scheme, where vision and split-second decision-making are critical. He'll also need to demonstrate that he can be a reliable three-down option by contributing as both a runner and receiver.

CB Ephesians Prysock (Round 4, No. 139 overall)

Profile: 6-3, 196 lbs, Washington

The situation: Once the roster is finalized, Ephesians Prysock is expected to be the tallest defensive back on the team. His rare length and physical traits made him an intriguing draft selection. With continued development, he could earn a rotational role behind Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green while providing valuable depth in the secondary.

What to watch: The biggest question is whether Prysock can consistently match up against speedy, shifty NFL receivers. Daily practice reps against veterans like Evans will provide an early test, but the true evaluation may come during the 49ers' joint practices with the Tennessee Titans (August 11) and Los Angeles Chargers (August 18). If he can keep up with receivers and avoid excessive downfield grabbing, Prysock could put himself in a position to contribute early in his career.

Andrew Whitworth questions 49ers' confidence in drafting an offensive tackle

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:40:10 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers have avoided spending a premium draft pick on an offensive tackle in recent years, despite knowing that star left tackle Trent Williams is nearing the end of his career.

With no clear successor in place, former NFL offensive tackle and current analyst Andrew Whitworth believes the team may lack confidence in its ability to identify elite talent at the position.

"I think, to me, it does scream that maybe they just don't have a lot of confidence in their ability to select the right one," Whitworth told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area this week at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe.

Whitworth explained that investing an early draft pick in an offensive lineman can completely change the trajectory of a franchise—but only if the team is confident in its evaluation process.

"When you're going to allocate a first-round pick or a second-round pick on an offensive lineman, a lot of people love that theory, but you better be damn good at picking it," Whitworth said. "Because when you hit on an offensive lineman, it could be unbelievable for your franchise early in the draft, because a great offensive line, a great D-line is the story to successful football teams."

However, Whitworth also pointed out the downside of missing on an offensive lineman selected with a premium pick. Unlike some skill-position players who can still contribute in limited roles, a struggling offensive lineman can create significant roster issues.

"You draft an unproductive lineman, you are cooked because now you're getting a second-, third-, fourth-tier lineman who's going to have to play because the money you allocated for this guy is worthless," Whitworth said. "And now, your team is going to struggle because you're not going to get quality reps out of a guy. So, you can both shoot your team forward and really set yourself back when you miss on offensive linemen."

Whitworth also noted that evaluating offensive tackles is one of the more difficult tasks for NFL teams because coaches, general managers, and scouts may overestimate their ability to evaluate the position.

"I think that you have to have some rare traits to be really good at that," Whitworth said. "And that's why I think every year there's a couple of just primo guys that, if you don't get one of them, you're kind of guessing a little bit, and you're hoping that there's some development things that happen."

Whitworth notes that despite their inability to address their offensive line effectively, the 49ers have enjoyed enormous success on offense.

"Now, part of that is because they've had, arguably, what I would consider, in my opinion, the greatest of all time in Trent Williams as a left tackle," Whitworth added. "But when he's gone, we are going to have to draft a guy. We're going to have to develop some young guys that become elite guys if we want to continue to have success, because a lot of their offensive success has been built around Trent.

"And you look at their team when he's not in there, there's a huge difference and falloff in their production offensively."

With Williams expecting to play only a couple of more seasons, finding a long-term answer at offensive tackle will become one of the 49ers' most important roster priorities.

49ers prediction casts doubt over Ricky Pearsall's future

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:45:20 PDT

The 2026 season could be a pivotal one for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of potential, but injuries have limited his opportunities to establish himself as a consistent contributor.

The 49ers selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he would develop into a long-term playmaker in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. However, his first two seasons have been interrupted by setbacks.

Pearsall missed the beginning of his rookie season after being shot before the start of the 2024 campaign. Despite the delayed debut, he finished the year with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, creating excitement about his sophomore NFL season.

Unfortunately, last season, Pearsall dealt with a PCL injury that limited him to just nine games. He recorded 36 catches for 528 yards but failed to score a touchdown.

RELATED: Ricky Pearsall enters pivotal season with future on the line

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently predicted every NFL team's biggest bust candidate for the 2026 season and identified Pearsall as the 49ers' selection.

"Following the 2026 season, the San Francisco 49ers must decide on the fifth-year option in Ricky Pearsall's contract," Moton wrote. "At this point, they would probably decline it because of his modest production and spotty availability last season."

Moton pointed out that Pearsall failed to capitalize on an opportunity created by Brandon Aiyuk's absence in 2025. Instead of emerging as a top target, Pearsall now enters the 2026 season facing increased competition after the 49ers added veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk and drafted De'Zhaun Stribling.

Some view Evans' arrival as a positive for Pearsall, believing the veteran receiver's presence could draw defensive attention and create more favorable one-on-one opportunities. Moton, however, sees the additions as another obstacle standing in Pearsall's way.

"In his age-33 term, Evans can still command a significant target share," Moton wrote. "Kirk can see notable playing time as an inside-outside receiver. According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, head coach Kyle Shanahan values Stribling's blocking ability. As a former first-round pick, Pearsall may be underwhelming again this year."

With the 49ers facing a decision on Pearsall's future after the 2026 season, the wide receiver enters training camp with plenty to prove.

Maxx Crosby to the 49ers among bold NFL training camp predictions

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:24:01 PDT

A young San Francisco 49ers fan recently approached Maxx Crosby, pleading for the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end to join her favorite team.

Crosby couldn't help but laugh before responding, "I can't. I can't. Hey, I still appreciate you doing your homework, though. You never know. You're the best, though."

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon made eight bold training camp predictions, and one has the young 49ers fan's wish coming true.

San Francisco has often been linked to Crosby in offseason speculation. It's no secret that the talented pass rusher has grown frustrated with the Raiders' repeated rebuilds and would prefer to play for a more stable organization than starting over every couple of years.

The 49ers certainly qualify as stable and still have a roster capable of competing in the NFC. They could use another veteran pass rusher with Nick Bosa and last year's first-round pick, Mykel Williams, both returning from torn ACLs.

Gagnon believes the 49ers are "slow-playing" their edge-rusher situation, waiting to see how their injured returning defensive linemen have progressed.

"Bosa still has a chance to be back for Week 1, but who knows how much of a factor he can be, and Williams is a huge question mark anyway," Gagnon wrote. "That being the case, look for a desperate veteran team in win-now mode to make a splash move for Maxx Crosby this summer."

The Raiders had reached an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens to deal Crosby, but Baltimore backed out at the last minute, reportedly due to concern after Crosby's physical. If the veteran pass rusher can show in training camp that he is fully healthy, expect interest from other teams to grow.

Of course, Crosby will have a significant impact on any interested team's salary cap. He is slated to earn a base salary of $30 million in 2026, and then at least $26.5 million in each of the next three seasons, according to Over The Cap.

"The soon-to-be 29-year-old is still awesome but may be nearing the back side of his prime, and it makes little sense for a rebuilding team to keep him around on that kind of contract," Gagnon added.

"What does make sense is trading him to an NFC team that is ready and trying to win now, needs edge help, and happens to be located in the same region in which Crosby started his NFL career."

Jerry Rice talks 49ers: Mike Evans addition, De'Zhaun Stribling, 2026 expectations

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:56:33 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 season with championship aspirations, believing they have a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Although the team finished third in the NFC West last season, it still earned a playoff berth despite injuries that ravaged the roster.

With better health in 2026, expectations are even higher.

"I think this is the year for the Niners," Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area this week at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe. "I certainly hope so. It's going to be up to those players to go out there and get it done."

The 49ers made several significant offseason additions, bringing in veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to bolster the offense, while adding defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and reuniting with linebacker Dre Greenlaw to strengthen the defense.

"I'm looking for the Niners to make a statement," Rice said. "They have a very good team now ... That statement is to win it all. Back in the day, it was not good just to get to the playoffs. We had to win the whole thing. And if we didn't win the whole thing, it was a disappointing season.

"So, it's going to be up to that locker room. It's going to be up to all those guys to come together as a cohesive group and start talking about this during training camp. Don't wait until the season. Let the guys know that there's high expectations, and let's go get it."

Jerry Rice on the impact of adding Mike Evans

Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, believes the addition of Evans could have a major impact on the 49ers' offense. The two have developed a relationship over the years and share a great deal of mutual respect.

Rice is one of only two players in NFL history to record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The other is Evans, who matched the feat during his first 11 NFL seasons before an injury-shortened 2025 campaign prevented him from surpassing the record.

"He's just such a good individual, and he works hard," Rice said. "And the players, they're going to get a chance to probably see a Hall of Famer. And he's going to work his butt off every day."

Rice also expects quarterback Brock Purdy to benefit from Evans' arrival. The veteran receiver gives Purdy a physically imposing boundary target and one of the NFL's premier red-zone threats.

"Just throw it up," Rice said. "Throw it up because he's got that big frame. He's going to be able to go up and attack the football. So, once you're in the end zone, just throw that thing up, like 'Alley-Oop' (R.C. Owens) back in the day. Just throw it up and let him go get it, and he's capable of doing that."

De'Zhaun Stribling can learn from Mike Evans

Along with signing Evans and Kirk, the 49ers used their top draft pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, a rookie they hope can contribute immediately while developing into a long-term playmaker.

Rice believes Stribling couldn't ask for a better mentor than Evans.

"They said, this guy, he's big, he's fast, and I can't wait to see him on the football field, and just go to work," Rice said. "And he can follow the greatness of Mike Evans because he's going to see how this guy works every day.

"And after he's been in the league for a long, long time—I'm not saying that he's not a hard worker, but he's got the perfect example with Mike Evans."

You can watch Rice's full interview with Maiocco below.

Where the 49ers landed in pre-training camp NFL power rankings

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:23:05 PDT

With NFL training camps set to begin, Bleacher Report has released its latest power rankings, placing the San Francisco 49ers at No. 9 entering the 2026 season.

The Los Angeles Rams, widely viewed as the Super Bowl favorites, claimed the top spot in Bleacher Report's rankings, followed by the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.

For the 49ers, staying healthy could be the biggest factor in determining whether they can contend for another playoff run. Last season, San Francisco overcame a rash of injuries to finish 12-5 and earn a postseason berth.

The defense was hit especially hard, losing two of its biggest stars. Pass rusher Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL, while linebacker Fred Warner sustained a dislocated and fractured right ankle, leaving the unit without two of its most impactful playmakers.

"The return of a healthy Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for the season opener in Australia isn't guaranteed but would be welcomed," Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport wrote. "Veteran tight end George Kittle being ready is less likely."

It's worth noting that Warner is expected to be fully cleared for training camp and the regular season, while Bosa is also on track to be available for Week 1.

Kittle's status remains less certain, although the veteran tight end has made encouraging progress in his recovery from the Achilles injury he sustained during the playoffs. Kittle has repeatedly said his goal is to be ready for the regular-season opener.

Davenport also pointed to San Francisco's biggest offseason addition, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, as another player with health-related questions.

"San Francisco's biggest offseason acquisition (wide receiver Mike Evans) is himself an aging star coming off an injury-plagued season," Davenport continued.

The 49ers will also have to navigate what could be the NFL's toughest division. The Rams and Seahawks are both viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, making the NFC West one of the league's most compelling.

"You can't ever count the 49ers out—they demonstrated that in 2025. If things fall into place, the Niners can hang with the Rams and Seahawks," Davenport wrote.

Davenport notes injury concerns, an aging roster, and the heavy workload placed on running back Christian McCaffrey—who led the NFL with 413 touches last season—as reasons for caution entering 2026.

He concluded, "San Francisco's window is still there in theory. But games aren't played in theory."

49ers' George Kittle slips in ESPN's tight end rankings

David Bonilla — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:35:00 PDT

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains among the NFL's elite at his position, but he slipped one spot in ESPN's annual rankings heading into the 2026 season.

After ranking No. 2 last year—and earning the top spot in 2022—Kittle landed at No. 3 in ESPN's latest tight end rankings.

ESPN's annual NFL position rankings, compiled by Jeremy Fowler, are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts and reflect the league's top players entering the 2026 season rather than their career accomplishments.

It's worth noting that Kittle is coming off an Achilles injury, which influenced his placement.

The veteran tight end also battled a hamstring injury early last season, which sidelined him for multiple games. Despite the setbacks, Kittle finished with 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games.

"Injury, not age, is the thing holding Kittle back," Fowler wrote. "He remained dominant at age 32, with 57.1 yards per game (second among tight ends), seven touchdowns and 2.39 yards per route run. San Francisco posted a 138.4 passer rating when targeting Kittle, whose 82.6% catch rate was stellar."

Ranked ahead of Kittle were Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers at No. 1 and Arizona Cardinals standout Trey McBride at No. 2.

"Injuries and durability are becoming a concern, but when he's healthy, he's still the most versatile, dominant, complete tight end," an NFC executive told Fowler. "He's still the gold standard for blocking, running and catching."

Although Kittle continues to recover from the Achilles injury, his rehabilitation has been encouraging. The 49ers tight end aims to be ready for Week 1, when San Francisco opens the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.

Fowler added, "Kittle is one of three players with six-plus receiving touchdowns in each of his past five seasons, joining Ja'Marr Chase and Davante Adams."

ESPN's tight end ranking:

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
Kyle Pitts Sr., Atlanta Falcons
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

49ers vs. Rams revisited: Mac Jones sets the record straight again on viral banana stat

David Bonilla — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:37:49 PDT

Mac Jones played a pivotal role in the San Francisco 49ers' stunning Week 5 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium last season. Entering the NFC West showdown as nine-point underdogs because of an injury-ravaged roster, the 49ers turned to their backup quarterback while Brock Purdy was sidelined.

Jones entered the game nursing a knee injury and later suffered an oblique injury during the contest. Despite battling through the pain, he delivered one of the most memorable tough performances of his career, completing the night with 342 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions to help lift San Francisco to an improbable win.

The performance didn't come without a price.

Late in the game, Jones began cramping and was shown on the broadcast repeatedly eating bananas while sitting on the sideline. Broadcaster Al Michaels joked that Jones had eaten about 11 bananas, and the comment quickly went viral.

Jones laughed off the claim after the game, insisting the total was much lower. Now, months later, the topic resurfaced during an appearance on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast, forcing him to set the record straight once again.

"I did not eat 11 bananas," Jones said. "That's a lie. Yeah, it's a lie ... I think I ate like four or five."

While that's still a lot of bananas, Jones admitted he was frustrated by the cramps at the time, leading to his sideline snack.

"It was like, how did I cramp?" Jones said. "It's indoor, but it gets hot in that SoFi. It was a night game; the turf got hot."

It's worth noting that SoFi Stadium has a roof, but it isn't a fully enclosed venue. The stadium features a transparent canopy with open sides, allowing outside air to circulate.

Even so, the game was played on a Thursday night, and there was nothing unusual about the Southern California weather, making the cramps even more puzzling if the quarterback was sufficiently hydrated.

"I was mad at myself," Jones said. "I was like, 'How the hell am I cramping right now?'"

Desperate for relief, Jones asked the training staff for anything that might help.

The solution? Bananas.

"So, I'm just like chugging and eating everything," Jones shared. "So anyways, that got me back."

The result: Jones returned to the game and helped deliver one of the most memorable wins of the 2025 season.

49ers great Steve Young on Brandon Aiyuk: 'I worry for him'

David Bonilla — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:13:19 PDT

Concern continues to grow around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose tumultuous offseason has become one of the NFL's biggest storylines. In recent weeks, Aiyuk has used social media to lash out at the 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

That last criticism may have been particularly damaging to Aiyuk, who has remained hopeful that he can eventually land with Washington once his time with the 49ers officially ends.

Much of Aiyuk's current situation stems from the events that followed his four-year, $120 million contract extension with San Francisco in 2024. Shortly after signing the deal, the star receiver suffered ACL and MCL injuries.

The relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers deteriorated during his rehabilitation. The team ultimately voided his guaranteed money after he reportedly failed to fulfill his contractual rehabilitation obligations.

Aiyuk later cut off communication with the organization altogether, prompting the 49ers to place him on the reserve/left squad list.

Among those expressing concern is 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, who was asked about Aiyuk while participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

"I worry for him," Young told the New York Post with a concerned tone. "I feel like I want to reach out and help. This is beyond football, it feels like."

In recent weeks, Aiyuk has repeatedly blamed others for his predicament. However, the path forward appears straightforward. He remains on the reserve/left squad list and must file for reinstatement before he can move on with his career—a step he has publicly refused to take.

"I will not be reinstating with them nor ever doing any kind of business with them," Aiyuk wrote on Instagram. "I'm locked in and focused on my opportunity to return to the field this season!"

That opportunity may never come unless Aiyuk takes the necessary steps to resolve his status. Until then, he remains under contract with the 49ers, does not count toward the roster limit, and reportedly will not receive pay.

In January, Kyle Shanahan admitted he had never seen anything like it in his 22 years of coaching.

"There's not much of an explanation because it's really hard for us, and anyone else, to understand," Shanahan said.

On Thursday, Young added, "It just feels like we need to not make it about football right now. So, yeah."

49ers named potential fit for three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher

David Bonilla — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:48:53 PDT

Stop me if you've heard this before: the San Francisco 49ers could use another veteran pass rusher.

The need became glaring last season after defensive end Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3. The 49ers' pass rush never recovered, finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks.

San Francisco expects Bosa to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and the team added rookie defensive end Romello Height in the third round of the NFL Draft. Still, the defensive front could benefit from another proven edge rusher to bolster the rotation and complement Bosa.

Pro Football & Sports Network's Cameron Sheath identified five potential landing spots for three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Along with the 49ers, Sheath listed the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders as logical destinations.

Sheath pointed to San Francisco's recent string of bad injury luck as one reason the team should continue adding experienced depth.

"From Dre Greenlaw's heartbreaking sideline injury in the Super Bowl to Christian McCaffrey's struggles to the injury plague of 2025, this team can't catch a break," Sheath wrote.

With the 49ers still chasing another Super Bowl while many of their core players enter the latter stages of their careers, Sheath believes adding a veteran like Clowney could strengthen the team's championship chances. While the 33-year-old wouldn't make the roster any younger, he has remained productive, recording 23.5 sacks over the past three seasons, including 8.5 with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

"Also, with Bosa and teammate Mykel Williams both returning from season-ending ACL tears, having an extra body to rotate in could be invaluable early on," Sheath added. "The 49ers no longer have Robert Saleh to perform his miracles on the sidelines, so building defensive depth should be a priority ahead of September."

Although Clowney is entering his 13th NFL season and has never recorded double-digit sacks in a single year, he has earned a Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade of at least 80.6 in two of the past three seasons. He is also just two years removed from posting a career-high 71 pressures.

Whether the 49ers pursue Clowney remains to be seen, but with questions surrounding the team's edge depth behind Bosa, adding a proven veteran could make sense.

49ers face O-line questions as Trent Williams inches closer to retirement

David Bonilla — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:49:35 PDT

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season, giving fans at least two more years to watch the future Hall of Famer protect franchise quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side.

Earlier this offseason, Williams acknowledged that his reworked contract will likely be the final one of his NFL career. He turns 38 in just 10 days and has little left to prove after assembling one of the greatest careers ever by an offensive lineman.

While age is naturally part of the decision, Williams admitted that family—particularly his daughter—is becoming an even bigger factor in his retirement plans.

"As a father, you feel like, damn, I've kind of missed her whole life, kind of until adulthood," Williams shared in June. "Part of me wants to, when she goes off to college in a couple of years, I want to be there and be accessible. I don't want to be that father that shadows a kid. I want to be close. I don't want to be somewhere at a joint practice when it's time for her to move into school, and stuff like that."

For years, the 49ers have enjoyed a luxury few NFL teams experience: complete stability at left tackle. If San Francisco doesn't act soon, that stability will almost certainly disappear whenever Williams decides to walk away from the game.

Williams has assured reporters that he expects to play through the remainder of his current contract. When that day comes, the NFL will likely say goodbye to one of the greatest offensive linemen ever to play.

Despite his age, Williams remains among the league's elite. Last season, he earned a 91.5 overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), including a stellar 92.8 run-blocking grade and a 79.9 pass-blocking grade.

There were signs that Father Time may be slowly catching up. Williams surrendered 32 pressures during the regular season—his highest total since allowing 35 in 2013—and four sacks, matching his highest mark since 2020.

The countdown to the post-Trent Williams era has begun, and it remains unclear whether the 49ers have a long-term succession plan.

The looming impact of losing Williams

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have roughly two seasons to solve one of the roster's biggest looming questions: who replaces Williams at left tackle?

San Francisco has avoided investing premium draft capital at the position in recent years. While the team selected Enrique Cruz in the fifth round this year, he projects more as a developmental depth piece than the franchise's left tackle of the future.

"That's a premium position, as it is," Lynch said in April. "I can tell you we're really excited about Vederian Lowe (an offseason addition). He's a guy who started a lot of games in this league, and we felt like we needed to improve as a swing tackle.

"We also felt like, before we had Trent done, we need to have somebody who can start some games if we run into some hiccups there. And so, I think we have really good depth at tackle."

Elite left tackles are rare, and finding a replacement in free agency or the lower rounds of the draft is one of the NFL's toughest challenges. True franchise-caliber players at the position rarely reach free agency, and landing one outside the early rounds of the draft is a daunting task.

At the moment, the 49ers don't appear to have Williams' eventual successor on the roster. They hope that a viable long-term answer emerges before the 12-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman rides off into the sunset.

"But yeah, absolutely, that is a premium position, and we understand that the end is closer than it has been," Lynch added.

Taking advantage of this championship window

There is always urgency inside the 49ers locker room to compete for a Super Bowl, but that urgency may be even greater for veterans like Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner. They know their remaining opportunities to earn Williams a championship have become increasingly limited.

After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign derailed their season, the 49ers believe they have the roster to contend in 2026—assuming they can remain healthy. Their goal remains unchanged: finish the season by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

"I would hope that we don't have to show how resilient we are," Williams said, via 49ers.com. "I hope that we can show how dominant we are and how dominant we can be – how dominant we should be. With the offseason we've had, the players we've added, I think we've got a good chance to go out there and show that.

"Showing that you can fight through adversity is always good, and that's something that you take pride in, but nobody wants adversity, right? So hopefully we don't have to fight through all those injuries, and hopefully we can just be the team that we know we are."

The 49ers have bought themselves two more seasons of security. But with every game Williams plays, the organization moves one step closer to a future without him—a reminder that they desperately need to figure out what comes next.

49ers announce 11 open training camp dates in 2026, ticket details

Site Staff — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:11:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers have announced their open practice schedule and ticketing information for the team's 2026 training camp. The schedule features 11 open practices, including five weekend dates and a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans.

Training camp will once again be held at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, located next to Levi's Stadium.

49ers 2026 training camp ticket information

The 49ers will offer fans the opportunity to attend training camp practices with affordable ticket options:

Season ticket members: Exclusive pre-sale begins Tuesday, July 14. Specific on-sale times will be communicated by the 49ers Membership Services team.
General public: Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. PST.
Member tickets: $10
Non-member tickets: $20
Parking: Free
Ticket proceeds: Benefit the 49ers Foundation

All ticket proceeds benefit the 49ers Foundation.

Training camp remains one of the best opportunities for fans to watch the team prepare for the upcoming season in person.

49ers 2026 training camp open practice dates

All open practices are scheduled for approximately 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and are subject to change.

Date	Details
Sunday, July 26	Open practice
Monday, July 27	Open practice
Friday, July 31	Open practice
Saturday, August 1	Open practice
Monday, August 3	Season ticket, club, and reserve members only
Thursday, August 6	Open practice / 87 Day celebration
Saturday, August 8	Open practice
Monday, August 10	Open practice
Tuesday, August 11	Joint practice with Titans
Saturday, August 15	Open practice
Sunday, August 16	Open practice

Important training camp notes

Joint practice with the Titans

The 49ers will host a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, August 11. The session will give fans a chance to watch the team compete against another NFL opponent before the preseason schedule continues.

August 3 practice reserved for members

The Monday, August 3 practice will be exclusively available to 49ers season ticket members, club members, and reserve members.

Parking, food and fan information

Fans attending training camp will have access to:

Free parking in Red Lot 1
Shuttle buses transporting fans directly to the SAP Performance Facility
Water stations throughout the facility

Concessions will not be available, but fans may bring cut-up fruit and sealed water bottles. Fans are also encouraged to visit the 49ers Museum and the 49ers Team Store. For hours and additional information, fans can visit LevisStadium.com.

49ers Foundation events during training camp

Dig for Gold auction and sale

Fans attending training camp will have the opportunity to participate in the 49ers Foundation's Dig for Gold Auction & Sale.

Available items include:

Player-worn gear
Team-issued equipment
Autographed memorabilia
Pieces of 49ers history

Fans can also purchase a 49ers mystery bag, featuring surprise Niners prizes.

All proceeds from Dig for Gold benefit the 49ers Foundation.

87 Day: Honoring Dwight Clark and supporting ALS awareness

The 49ers will celebrate "87 Day" on Thursday, August 6, honoring franchise legend Dwight Clark and continuing the organization's annual effort to raise awareness for ALS.

All ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Golden Heart Fund and Augie's Quest. The funds will support former players and efforts to improve the lives of those affected by ALS while working toward finding a cure.

Community corner returns to training camp

The 49ers will continue to highlight local causes by inviting Bay Area nonprofit and community groups to participate in Community Corner on select training camp dates.

Following practice, players will welcome community guests and take part in activities celebrating the start of the season.

Free parking will be available in Red Lot 1 with shuttle buses taking fans directly to the SAP Performance Facility. While there will be no concession sales, fans may bring cut-up fruit and sealed water bottles. Water stations will also be available.

To learn more about 49ers training camp, visit 49ers.com/trainingcamp/.

How 49ers QB Brock Purdy will benefit from a new-look passing attack

David Bonilla — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:56:50 PDT

For the first time since establishing himself as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback, Brock Purdy will enter a season with a dramatically different group of pass catchers.

All-Pro tight end George Kittle remains one of the NFL's premier offensive weapons, although he is working his way back from an Achilles injury. Running back Christian McCaffrey also returns after a dominant 2025 campaign in which he totaled 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns.

The biggest changes, however, come at wide receiver.

Veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk replace Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, who departed in free agency. Brandon Aiyuk also appears to be on his way out—perhaps out of the league.

Additionally, the 49ers used their first-round draft pick on intriguing rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, who many believe could carve out an increasingly important role as the 2026 season unfolds.

The newcomers join third-year receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, along with second-year wideout Jordan Watkins, giving Purdy an entirely new mix of weapons.

We'll finally get a more in-depth look at the budding quarterback-receiver chemistry after veterans report to training camp on July 25. If those relationships develop quickly, the new-look passing attack could help the 49ers remain contenders in a highly competitive NFC West while giving Purdy another opportunity to silence critics who still question his ceiling.

Creating more options for the 49ers' passing attack

The additions of Evans and Kirk have the potential to transform how the 49ers attack opposing defenses.

Purdy has consistently excelled in the intermediate passing game. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he earned a 92.8 passing grade on throws between 10 and 19 yards during the 2025 regular season. However, he has also proven capable of stretching the field, posting a 79.9 passing grade on throws traveling at least 20 yards downfield.

His deep-ball production was even more impressive in 2023, when PFF awarded him an elite 99.9 passing grade on those deeper throws.

The hope is that Kirk will provide a dependable chain-moving option underneath. At the same time, Evans gives Purdy something the 49ers have rarely had during his tenure—a physically dominant boundary receiver who is also a lethal red-zone weapon.

"To me, he's definitely a Hall of Famer," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Evans in March. "He's as good as it gets in the way he plays. I've always just liked the competitor in Mike. His talent and everything has separated him, but really, it's just how he's come to work every day, just the people I know who've practiced with him, the way he is in the building, how important football is to him."

Shanahan has also long admired Kirk's game.

"He's done it at a number of places," Shanahan said. "I've been a huge fan of Christian since he came out of college. Hated going against him in Arizona."

Training camp will be critical as Purdy continues building chemistry with his new targets. Evans' ability to win on the outside should force defenses to attack the 49ers differently, potentially creating more favorable matchups for Kittle, McCaffrey, Pearsall, and Kirk.

Easing the burden in a critical year

The 49ers are coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season, yet they still managed to secure a playoff berth thanks in large part to what many viewed as one of Shanahan's finest coaching performances.

Now, San Francisco hopes improved health and a revamped roster can help extend its Super Bowl window. To accomplish that, Purdy will need to continue building on the progress he has made over the past four seasons while elevating a largely rebuilt receiving corps.

NFL Media's Dan Parr recently identified Purdy as his top dark-horse MVP candidate, citing the quarterback's upgraded supporting cast as one reason he could take another step forward.

If Purdy can effectively integrate Evans and Kirk into the passing attack, the 49ers should field one of the NFL's more balanced—and potentially potent—attacks. Another productive season would also go a long way toward quieting the "system quarterback" narrative that has followed him since entering the league.

All eyes will be on No. 13 during training camp and his ability to build chemistry with Evans and Kirk, as well as with the younger receivers on the roster.