The San Francisco 49ers are set to look different next season. Their first major offseason move saw them trade star wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick. Now, with several key decisions looming, the franchise must carefully navigate its next steps.
The 49ers are reportedly shifting to a more methodical and ruthless approach, prioritizing financial discipline over keeping star players at any cost. After years of aggressive roster building that has yet to result in a Super Bowl victory, the team is re-evaluating its strategy.
New Approach for San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have major decisions ahead regarding Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, and Dre Greenlaw. Purdy is due for an extension, Aiyuk could be traded, and Greenlaw — an integral part of the defense — is set to hit free agency.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan played a key role in retaining Aiyuk last offseason when the wide receiver appeared destined to leave. Shanahan pushed the 49ers’ front office to offer Aiyuk a four-year, $120 million extension. After Aiyuk ultimately accepted the team’s final offer, Shanahan went to great lengths to prevent any trade discussions.
However, the 49ers are now rethinking that approach. According to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, Aiyuk’s deal quickly became a cautionary tale for the organization.
“Suffice it to say that inside the 49ers’ training facility, Shanahan’s sprint did not age well. To be precise, Aiyuk’s four-year, $120-million extension began aging poorly four weeks after the player put pen to ink, when he threw a practice-field tantrum upon being told by Shanahan to change from red to black mesh shorts,” Silver wrote.
Now, Aiyuk’s future with the team remains uncertain, with trade rumors swirling despite his recent extension. The 49ers appear intent on avoiding similar situations moving forward.
“In past years, as he decided whether to dole out a massive signing bonus to Purdy, York might have been swayed by his coach’s and GM’s conviction. This time, I expect the owner and his chief negotiator, executive vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe, to be as ruthless as they deem appropriate,” Silver added.
Purdy is eligible for an extension this offseason and is expected to command a significant deal after his early success. However, the 49ers’ new approach suggests that sentimental factors — such as Purdy’s underdog story and close ties to Shanahan — will not play a role in negotiations.
As for Greenlaw, he is a core piece of the 49ers’ defense and a favorite of Shanahan, especially in tandem with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. However, with the franchise’s new business-minded approach, it remains unclear whether San Francisco will match offers from other teams to retain him.
49ers Face Critical Offseason Decisions
The 49ers will need to address several concerns to return to the playoffs after a disappointing season. Some of last year’s struggles stemmed from injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Aiyuk. However, durability concerns are another reason the team is embracing a more calculated approach in roster decisions.
By the time training camp begins, the 49ers could look strikingly different — or remarkably similar. Whether Purdy will be on the field with a new contract or holding out remains a major question. Meanwhile, Aiyuk and Greenlaw’s futures are uncertain, and both may have already played their final snaps in San Francisco.
One thing is clear: the 49ers are no longer a team willing to spend aggressively just to retain their stars. Instead, they are shifting toward a more analytical and disciplined strategy in their quest for a long-awaited Super Bowl title.