“I don’t know what it is, what it’s going to take for this guy to finally get the respect that I think he truly deserves,” Juszczyk said during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show.

“Season in, season out, he plays tremendously and I don’t know what it is. I don’t know if it’s just the fact that he’s not a first-round draft pick, if that is just going to be the story for his entire career and be kind of held against him. Maybe. I love the guy, as a person, as my quarterback, as a football player. He is the dude.”

Purdy has earned his place in the NFL

Despite being the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft (262nd overall), a position famously known as Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy has defied all odds by becoming a franchise quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. In just his second season, he led the team to Super Bowl LVIII following a stellar 2023 campaign where he threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and maintained a league-leading 113.0 passer rating.

During that postseason run, Purdy proved his composure by completing 66 passes for 774 yards and 3 touchdowns over three games, cementing his transition from an overlooked prospect to an elite NFL starter.

49ers put their trust in the contract

In May 2025, the San Francisco 49ers solidified their future by signing Purdy to a massive 5-year, $265 million contract extension, officially cementing his status as the team’s franchise quarterback. This landmark deal includes approximately $181 million in total guarantees and an average annual salary of $53 million, propelling him from one of the league’s lowest-paid players to one of the highest-earning signal-callers in the NFL.

By including a no-trade clause in the agreement, the Bay Area front office signaled their absolute commitment to Purdy, prioritizing his long-term stay as the centerpiece of the organization through the 2030 season.

A few days ago, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he “didn’t see any pro” in traveling to Australia for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. According to the coach, it is a “fact” that the Rams lobbied for the game to be held in Melbourne specifically to avoid a “Niners invasion” of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Now, Roger Goodell has stepped in to defend the league’s decision. Speaking from Melbourne on Friday, the Commissioner emphasized that the game in Australia is a vital part of the NFL’s international growth strategy and noted that Shanahan’s primary focus should remain on winning the match.

“Coaches have a focus on winning, that’s their number one job,” Goodell said, via ESPN Australia. “Coach Shanahan is enthusiastic and a great football coach and also someone who truly understands the importance of expanding our game globally. But his job is to win. I always like to say that coaches like to play at [1 p.m.] and [4 p.m.] and don’t get in the way of that.”

Roger Goodell has key advice for Kyle Shanahan

The 49ers are clearly at odds with the league’s scheduling office. In addition to their trip to Australia, they are also slated to play in Mexico City later this season. Star tight end George Kittle expressed his frustration on social media with a simple “Woof,” highlighting the unprecedented travel demands of the 2026 schedule.

Despite the team’s concerns over grueling travel and jet lag, Roger Goodell believes NFL franchises are well-equipped to handle the logistics. The Commissioner even joked that he would advise Kyle Shanahan to download a specific jet-lag app he uses, claiming his own 15-hour flight to Melbourne was “relatively easy.”

“I have an app for [Shanahan], which I’m going to send to him,” Goodell added. “My wife hooked me up with an app, and I got to tell you, I feel great. I have not felt any jet lag at all. We’ve been here since Tuesday morning and I thought it was a relatively easy trip.”

Against the Rams in Australia, but who will the 49ers face in Mexico?

The Rams and 49ers will reignite their NFC West rivalry in Melbourne for a historic Week 1 opener on Thursday night, September 10 (Friday morning local time). However, San Francisco is also set to serve as the “home” team for a second international game at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.

While the opponent has not been officially confirmed, rumors suggest the 49ers will face the Miami Dolphins on November 22. Although the Denver Broncos were initially considered, reports indicate the league opted against that matchup due to the similar high-altitude advantages both teams share, potentially favoring the Dolphins for a more “neutral” international spectacle.

“I think it’s OK to be skeptical and ask questions. I don’t think that means I have a tinfoil hat on. The fact that they did science, looked into it and found nothing,” Juszczyk said.

The full back also added, “I don’t stand next to the microwave while it’s on. If there’s any chance or inkling or thought process that maybe it has a 1 percent affect on you, I’m going to avoid it.” Skepticism at its purest form.

The 49ers investigation came out empty

At first, it was said that the electrical substation could soften tissues after prolonged time. Hence, it created plenty of buzz that the Niners trained literally a few feet away from an electrical substation. That paired with a plethora of 49ers injuries in recent years sparked the whole investigation.

After the investigation didn’t lead to anything, general manager John Lynch said about that the issue “basically was a big nothing burger.” However, he did say the investigation was necessary to ensure safety and wellness for the team’s players.

The 49ers will travel a lot in the 2026 season

Whether the substation affects the teams or not, the fact is the NFL is sending the 49ers to plenty of travels in the 2026 NFL season. The 49ers will open their season in Australia, playing against the Los Angeles Rams.

However, the 49ers will then also host a game in Mexico City. Hence, the team will travel over 38,000 miles in 2026. They are set to cross over 54 time zones. It will be a rough season for the 49ers and it could impact their recovery.

In 2024, Greenlaw suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the 49ers’ Super Bowl appearance. While he successfully recovered and returned to the field with the Broncos, a series of lower-body injuries continued to haunt him throughout his tenure in Denver.

Following that injury-plagued season, Greenlaw has chosen to rejoin the Niners. He recently explained that his frustration in Denver stemmed almost entirely from these persistent health issues, which kept him from playing at his usual explosive level.

“Going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 was a huge difference, especially not being able to practice in the defense,” Greenlaw said on The Set podcast. “It’s just kinda like, for me, the fact that I’m not healthy, I don’t feel that twitch or that gear that I felt like I need to have, but, obviously, I’m out here trying to do everything I can to be on the field. It makes it tough when you pay a guy $11 mil and he’s only on the field 50 percent of the time. It made it tough for me. It made it to the point where it kind of makes you not happy.”

The 49ers’ ongoing battle with injuries

In recent years, the 49ers have faced heavy criticism and scrutiny due to the high volume of injuries sustained by their core players. This trend has even birthed a viral “conspiracy theory” linking an electrical substation near the team’s practice facility to the recurring health problems.

While there is no scientific evidence confirming that the substation is responsible for these injuries, the frequency of setbacks in the Bay Area has become a major talking point. Both fans and players have expressed concern over what is preventing the roster from staying healthy.

Now that Greenlaw has returned, he aims to remain injury-free during his second stint with the Niners. However, significant worry remains regarding the team’s overall durability. San Francisco must find a way to mitigate these health risks if they hope to return to championship contention.

A challenging 2026 season ahead

The 49ers enter the 2026 season facing a daunting divisional landscape. They share the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions, who are already considered the early favorites to defend their division title.

The division also features the Los Angeles Rams, who remain perennial Super Bowl contenders, and the Arizona Cardinals, who are undergoing a major transformation with Tua Tagovailoa now expected to lead the offense. It is a tough road ahead for Kyle Shanahan’s squad as they look to reclaim the NFC West.

Australia will serve as the “home” venue for the Rams’ Week 1 matchup against San Francisco. This marks a grueling international schedule for the 49ers, who are expected to make two major trips outside the United States this year—a logistical nightmare that has already drawn the public frustration of star tight end George Kittle.

While it is rare to see a divisional rivalry played abroad, Shanahan believes there was a specific motive behind the pairing. He recently claimed the Rams lobbied the NFL to move the game to Melbourne specifically to prevent a 49ers “takeover” at SoFi Stadium, where San Francisco fans often outnumber the home crowd.

“I’m pretty sure the Rams lobbied for that game,” Packers HC Matt LaFleur said about the Rams vs. 49ers game in Australia in a joint conference with Shanahan. “I know for a fact they did,” Shanahan said. “That’s what’s so bothersome.”

Los Angeles’ home-field advantage problem

As of 2026, the Rams and the Chargers continue to share SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for both franchises, establishing a consistent home-field advantage remains a significant challenge compared to other NFL markets.

During high-profile matchups at SoFi, both the Rams and Chargers have frequently struggled with low “home” attendance. Opposing fanbases—particularly the 49ers’ loyals—often flood the stands, creating a hostile environment that makes the Rams and Chargers feel like the visiting teams in their own building.

“That would suck to have to do silent cadence and to have our home game at their stadium,” Kyle Shanahan said. “So I get their ambitions, but they were rewarded that. So I’m just hoping we can get our request, too. I’d love them to come to Mexico.”

Who are the 49ers facing in Mexico City?

The 49ers’ international tour doesn’t end in Australia; they are also slated to host a game in Mexico City later in the 2026 season. While the official date at Estadio Banorte has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest the opponent has already been narrowed down.

According to league rumors, the 49ers rejected a potential matchup against the Denver Broncos to avoid giving a high-altitude advantage to the AFC West club. Instead, the Miami Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunners to face San Francisco in the Mexico City showcase.

“Don’t have date,” the head coach said from the league meetings on Monday, via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “Eventually will resolve itself. Hopefully we can get something for it. We’re in no rush. We have to do what’s right for the 49ers.”

After suffering a serious injury, the wide receiver spent almost the entire last season on the PUP list. While a trade might be ideal, the San Francisco 49ers are still looking to finalize a deal that works for all parties.

The turning point in Aiyuk’s career

Brandon Aiyuk has not played a single snap for the 49ers since October 20, 2024, following a devastating knee injury during a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The All-Pro wideout suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, a brutal setback that not only ended his 2024 campaign but ultimately sidelined him for the entire 2025 season due to a stagnant rehabilitation process.

Now, in March 2026, Aiyuk remains in a “messy divorce” with the franchise; after the team voided his contract guarantees last year due to issues with his rehab efforts, he has spent nearly a year and a half away from the field, leaving his future in the NFL—and his health status—as one of the league’s most uncertain storylines.

Options in the 49ers receiving corps

Kyle Shanahan is leaning into a revamped wide receiver corps to maintain the 49ers’ offensive dominance in 2026. At the top of the depth chart, the arrival of veteran superstar Mike Evans provides a massive, reliable target in the red zone that the system has lacked, while Christian Kirk offers elite versatility as a premier route-runner from the slot.

Complementing the veterans is Ricky Pearsall, who has seen his role expand significantly after a promising 2025 campaign, giving Shanahan a trio that balances raw size, tactical speed, and sophisticated separation skills as the team moves past the Aiyuk era.

“No updates from me,” the head coach said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know John and everyone is working hard to do that. I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out.”

Rumors about a potential trade or even releasing Williams have been swirling in recent days. However, in the Bay, optimism remains that they can continue counting on one of their best offensive linemen.

Where does Williams stand with the 49ers today?

Trent Williams and the 49ers remain in a high-stakes contract standoff. The team recently declined a $10 million option bonus, a tactical move that stripped Williams of his remaining guarantees while skyrocketing his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million.

The 49ers are aiming to restructure the 37-year-old’s contract before next month’s NFL Draft to lower his cap impact and secure the veteran tackle for their upcoming Super Bowl push.

Trent Williams’ impact on the 49ers

In Kyle Shanahan’s sophisticated outside-zone scheme, Trent Williams serves as the vital engine that powers the entire offensive line. His unique combination of massive size and elite athleticism allows him to reach the second level of defenders with ease, creating massive lanes for the 49ers’ running game.

During the 2025 season, Williams remained a dominant force in the Bay Area, earning an impressive 91.5 overall grade. Despite being 37 years old, he started 16 games and allowed only 4 sacks and 32 total pressures across nearly 600 pass-blocking snaps.

His performance earned him his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, proving he is still the gold standard for left tackles in the NFL.

Evans hit the open market as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Although several teams expressed interest in his services, he chose to remain in the NFC to suit up for the Niners.

The Buccaneers have stated they do not feel betrayed by Evans’ decision. However, the front office has made it clear that they did everything within their power to retain the talented wideout.

“He means everything to me,” general manager Jason Licht said, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, “but he means everything to the entire organization. Obviously, he’s the best offensive player we’ve ever had and an even better person than he is a player. So, it’s always tough. That one was really tough. . . . We made a significantly higher offer, and that was just the first offer. It became pretty clear that he and his family were just ready, like he said publicly, for another chapter.”

Mike Evans will be crucial for Brock Purdy

With the arrival of Mike Evans, the 49ers gain a new WR1 as Brandon Aiyuk appears set to depart the club. A veteran of Evans’ caliber should be instrumental in bolstering an offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy.

Evans has spent 12 years in the NFL, and in 11 of those seasons, he managed to secure at least 1,000 receiving yards. If he can stay healthy, the Niners may have finally found the missing piece for a championship run.

With Evans listed as the top target, Ricky Pearsall moves into the WR2 role, while newcomer Christian Kirk slides in as WR3. This creates a formidable group that could provide Purdy with exactly what he needs to dominate the NFC West.

Will the 49ers release Brandon Aiyuk?

The situation involving Brandon Aiyuk remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the 49ers. The wide receiver is reportedly expected to be released, as he no longer appears to fit into coach Kyle Shanahan’s long-term plans.

In 2025, reports surfaced that Aiyuk was not committed to the team’s rehabilitation program, preferring to handle his recovery independently. This created a rift between the player and the organization, ultimately leading to his impending exit.

“I don’t feel betrayed,” the GM said, via the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. “He earned the right to make the decision… he loves this team. He loves everything about it… I think he wanted a new challenge.”

Evans gave the Bucs his all, even winning a Super Bowl alongside Tom Brady. Can Tampa Bay move forward without one of its biggest leaders?

Evans’ legacy in Tampa Bay

Mike Evans leaves an unparalleled legacy in Tampa Bay after joining the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year deal signed in March 2026.

Since being drafted 7th overall in 2014, Evans spent 12 legendary seasons with the Buccaneers, becoming the first player in NFL history to record 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.

He departs as the franchise’s all-time leader in every major receiving category, boasting career totals of 866 receptions, 13,052 yards, and 108 touchdowns, cementing his status as a future Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl LV champion.

Bucs’ plans to replace Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2026 season with a transformed wide receiver depth chart, after Evans departure.

The starting unit is led by Emeka Egbuka, a 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist who recorded 938 yards and 6 touchdowns, alongside the explosive Jalen McMillan and veteran leader Chris Godwin Jr., who remains a focal point of the offense despite recent injury setbacks.

Providing depth are Dennis Houston, specialized speedster Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson, while young developmental talents Jaden Smith and the versatile Garrett Greene round out the bottom of the rotation as they compete for roster spots in training camp.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, KC Concepcion underwent a knee scope last week, but he is projected to be at 100% capabilities for rookie camp. Hence, all should be good for him and his NFL Draft stock to not plummet.

Given his draft projections, many put teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos as possible destinations for Concepcion. The San Francisco 49ers were also interested, though they signed Christian Kirk and Mike Evans recently, therefore their interest might have diminished.

KC Concepcion’s skills put him as a possible WR1 in the NFL

Concepcion played two seasons at North Carolina State before transferring to Texas A&M last season, where he thrived. He had 61 catches for 919 yards and an SEC-leading nine touchdowns in 2025, granting him All-American honors.

He has elite yards after catch skills, versatility, route-running, and ability to get separation make him a highly-touted prospect. His one concern are his drops issues. He has a 9.3% career drop rate in CFB, as well as seven drops in 2025. Some also question his physicality due to his short arms. Still, the talent is there.

What is the best landing spot for Concepcion?

With the 49ers having a newly-reformed WR room, there is a chance they don’t waste a high draft pick in Concepcion. The Buffalo Bills traded for DJ Moore, and still have Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Concepcion might be WR3 in Buffalo.

The Broncos have Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. He could actually have an impact here behind Suttonn and Franklin. A sleeper spot could be the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, but Concepcion could create chaos from the slot.

Kirk was the slot receiver for the Texans in 2025. While his production was underwhelming (28 receptions, 239 yards, 1 touchdown), he was a veteran that was at least a reliable name every once in a while in an otherwise very young core.

Now, the depth chart has Nico Collins as WR1, followed by second-year prospects Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Justin Watson, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne, Josh Kelly are also on the roster. More importantly, Tank Dell will make his long-awaited return after a devastating knee injury that has sidelined him since 2024.

Houston is putting all its stock on Dell

Dell is only 26 years old and has played just two seasons. He suffered season-ending injuries in both of those. He played 11 games in 2023 and 14 in 2024. His career numbers are 1,376 yards in 98 catches with 10 touchdowns. His numbers are good, but coming from that injury with a lengthy injury history already is just too risky.

Dell was a prolific route-runner with the ability to make contested catches and had a killer instinct. However, the fact is Tank Dell’s best days might very well be behind him. Houston trusting him might be a huge mistake. In any case, the Texans should ease him in, not just throwing him into the action at 100% intensity.

Tank Dell is likely to be more of an escape valve now

During his first two seasons, Dell demonstrated talent to be considered a low-ceiling WR1 or a high-floor WR2. Now, with Collins developed into a certified weapon and Jayden Higgins being a less-developed version of him, Dell’s usage might be relegated.

For instance, Kirk is also likely to be WR3 on the 49ers below Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall. Dell might play the same role. He would go below Collins and Higgins, and maybe even under tight end Dalton Schultz.