San Francisco 49ers training camp preview: Aiyuk, Purdy, more
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers open 2024 training camp on July 24 at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
How will the 49ers bounce back from another devastating postseason loss?
This isn't so much about a possible Super Bowl hangover as it is the emotional and physical toll of making it to at least the NFC Championship Game for the fourth time in five seasons. Still, since 1977, only three teams have lost the Super Bowl and gone on to win it the following season. For the Niners, there's even more urgency because of their previous near misses and the realities of a salary cap that is going to make it increasingly unlikely for them to keep the bulk of their star-studded nucleus for much longer.
What's the latest on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk?
Aiyuk skipped the team's mandatory minicamp in June, accruing more than $101,000 in fines. On paper, a deal for Aiyuk doesn't seem too complicated because so many other comparable wideouts have signed extensions this offseason. But that hasn't moved the needle much in terms of getting something done.
Aiyuk requested a trade last week, sources told ESPN, something the Niners have shown no interest in accommodating. If no long-term deal is reached, the Niners could have Aiyuk play on the fifth-year option and reevaluate things after the season, when they'd have to use the franchise tag to maintain control. The Niners are clearly a worse team without Aiyuk, so the idea of a trade anytime soon remains unlikely unless they could acquire a player or two who could help in 2024.
The player with the most to prove: QB Brock Purdy
This is probably unfair to Purdy given that he led the league in passer rating (113.0) and yards per attempt (9.6) and set a franchise record for passing yards (4,280) on his way to his first Pro Bowl berth. But Purdy is entering the third year of his rookie contract, which means he's eligible for a big-money extension for the first time after this season. To land such a deal, he will need to have a healthy and productive encore that proves he has staying power. If he does, the 49ers will be happy to pay up to keep their franchise quarterback.
Most impactful offseason addition: DE Leonard Floyd
The last time the 49ers had a proven edge rushing complement to end Nick Bosa was 2019, at least the portion of that season in which Dee Ford was available. That was also the most dominant version of San Francisco's front. With that in mind, the Niners signed Floyd to a two-year, $20 million contract, giving Bosa a tag-team partner who is always available (he has played 108 consecutive games) and posted 39.5 sacks over the past four seasons. With Bosa drawing plenty of attention, Floyd should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities to supercharge San Francisco's pass rush.
