For many analysts, the San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. However, Kyle Shanahan recently revealed that the NFC West team nearly lost a crucial player this offseason, one whose absence would have greatly affected Brock Purdy.
The 2024 season is underway, with the 49ers closing Week 1 in an exciting Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. Despite Christian McCaffrey not playing due to injury, the Niners secured a significant win.
San Francisco looked solid on the field despite McCaffrey’s absence. With a star-studded roster, Brock Purdy plays a pivotal role in ensuring their offense operates at peak efficiency.
Brock Purdy almost lost a key teammate during this offseason
The 49ers are once again viewed as serious Super Bowl contenders this season. Over the past few years, the front office has worked tirelessly to construct a stellar roster, and they’ve found success in doing so.
In 2022, the team used the final pick in the NFL Draft to select Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy. He never expected to become the starter so quickly, but he seized his chance and proved he deserved the role.
From the start, Purdy had numerous offensive weapons, including George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, but none were as crucial as Brandon Aiyuk, who he almost lost this offseason.
Aiyuk, widely seen as Purdy’s top target, was nearly gone due to contract disputes. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently confirmed how close the team came to losing him this summer.
“It was that I wanted to make sure he wasn’t traded already,” Shanahan said, via 49ersWebzone.com. “But no, that’s how I kind of reported you guys throughout the whole time. You guys would ask me stuff about it, and I say, ‘Anything could happen.’ There were reports that we almost traded with some teams, and then we didn’t. Some were true, some weren’t, but all options were open.”
What is Brandon Aiyuk’s salary at 49ers?
After several months of negotiations, the San Francisco 49ers reached an agreement with Brandon Aiyuk on a contract extension. The wide receiver sought a new deal before the start of the 2024 season, and he secured it just days before kickoff.
Aiyuk signed a 4-year, $120 million contract with the 49ers, including $76 million guaranteed. This deal makes the former first-round pick one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
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Are the 49ers the best team in the NFC?
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