Branch’s breakdown is lengthy, but it makes a few points crystal clear. For instance, he projects that several key players could combine to miss up to 25 NFL games, with Ricky Pearsall and Trent Williams among those sidelined.

When it comes to injuries, Branch also notes that Brock Purdy could once again miss time for San Francisco this year, specifically pointing to the quarterback’s ankle. Granted, that’s just a prediction on his part, not something that’s actively happening or guaranteed to happen, but given Purdy’s injury history, he seems to deal with something every season.

Branch’s predictions for the 49ers in 2026

Coach Yac on X took the time to list out all of Branch’s predictions. For those unfamiliar, Branch is a beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. While his takeaways can be read as a forecast of what might happen in 2026, they also look a lot like what has plagued the 49ers over the last two years. These aren’t wild takes; they’ve become a repeating pattern.

One point Branch emphasizes, which might get lost amidst all the potential doom and gloom, is that recent draft classes haven’t made the deep impact expected. On that front, the coaching staff deserves far more blame than the players themselves for failing to properly utilize that talent.

Of course, it isn’t all bad news. The addition of Mike Evans has drawn plenty of optimism from Branch and other beat writers alike. Evans is seen as a bargain given his veteran experience, bringing precisely what San Francisco needs as it continues to chase an elusive Super Bowl ring.

Speaking candidly with host Chris Simms on NBC, Kittle made sure to defend the franchise’s efforts throughout the tough negotiations. He noted that the 49ers “have done a very good job throughout the entire process” as they navigated the complex standoff.

Reflecting on his decade with the organization, Kittle emphasized that he has received “nothing but respect and love” during his entire career in San Francisco. He deliberately refrained from calling out anyone involved, stating he never wants to “single out a player” or point fingers at anybody.

Balancing big contracts and 49ers’ championship hopes

The contract standoff stems from Aiyuk seeking a lucrative long-term extension that reflects his value among top NFL receivers. San Francisco faces a delicate financial puzzle as they try to keep their core roster intact under tight salary cap constraints. Both sides have weathered months of trade rumors.

Aiyuk’s leverage comes directly from his steady evolution into one of the most productive targets in the league. Since being drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has recorded 294 receptions, 4,305 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns.

His breakout 2023 campaign saw him post a career-high 1,342 receiving yards, cementing his status as a primary weapon in Shanahan’s offense. Resolving this saga remains crucial for the 49ers as they push for another championship run.

Kittle’s public backing of the front office highlights the trust existing veterans place in Lynch and Shanahan. Whether Aiyuk stays long-term or the situation evolves further, his teammates clearly respect both the player and the business side of the game.

Bosa apparently wasn’t happy with comments made by Clark, the now-former ESPN analyst, back in 2024. Clark had called out Bosa, telling him to shut up and play. That seems to have been the trigger for Bosa being more than happy about Clark’s firing.

“I’m just waiting for all the people who comment under political and sports things to shut up and dribble or to shut up and play football, to tell him to shut up and rush,” Clark said on The Pivot back in October 2024.

Mixed reactions to Bosa’s post

Fans responding to Bosa’s post had mixed reactions. Some backed the 49ers pass rusher, while others criticized him, believing he was targeting the Black community by celebrating Clark’s firing. However, it’s worth remembering that Clark had previously called for critics to go after Bosa in 2024 after Bosa wore a MAGA hat during a teammate’s postgame interview.

“Hahahahahahahaha. I envy the roll out you get by just posting an ok symbol. People are nuts. They dont realize or care to realize the truth. They are so shallow all they can do is look at skin color and think that has to be it. Not realizing they are looking very shallow,” fan Chuck King wrote in reply to Bosa’s post.

To be clear, the actual reason ESPN fired Clark doesn’t have anything directly to do with Bosa or that 2024 drama. While ESPN hasn’t given an official reason, The Athletic reported his departure may have been due to his behavior during shows.

How long was Clark at ESPN, and what was his salary?

Ryan Clark worked at ESPN for 11 years, having originally joined the network in 2015 following his retirement from the NFL. At the time of his departure, his estimated salary was more than $2 million per year, a deal he negotiated in early 2024 that placed him among the network’s top-paid NFL analysts.

George Kittle made his voice heard on X, posting: “Grass looks great at MetLife! Can we keep it that way @NFL?? Would appreciate it thanks.” Still, that’s just a suggestion, as the league itself doesn’t directly make field-surface decisions, the team owners who manage the stadiums do.

Jonathan Taylor also weighed in, saying that maintaining natural grass in every stadium isn’t an impossible ask, especially if it keeps NFL players healthier throughout the season. Even Caleb Williams posted a photo asking why the NFL couldn’t have the same setup.

Plenty of people voiced support for real grass in the NFL

It wasn’t just the players pushing for real grass, either. Analysts, podcasters, and media personalities like Pat McAfee and Mike Florio quickly joined the chorus, using their massive platforms to amplify player concerns and spark a wider debate across sports talk radio and social media.

“It’s now a collective bargaining issue. 92% of the players can say we prefer grass. Well, at least 50.1% have to prioritize grass when it’s time to negotiate with the league. What are you willing to give up to get grass fields across the league?” Florio noted during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.

What’s holding the NFL back from using natural grass everywhere?

Mainly, cost and climate. Keeping natural grass alive year-round isn’t feasible in every market, harsh winter weather in northern cities would simply kill it. Dome stadiums present another hurdle, as keeping the roof open daily for sunlight isn’t always practical, meaning teams would need to invest heavily in specialized grow lights and ongoing field maintenance.

At the end of the day, the decision rests with team owners who manage stadium operations. Take Gillette Stadium, for instance: the natural grass installed for the World Cup was already completely ripped up by July 12 to make way for artificial turf again.

How many NFL stadiums actually use natural grass?

Currently, 14 NFL stadiums feature 100% natural grass. Two additional venues use a hybrid system, combining real grass with synthetic fibers, bringing the total to 16. The Philadelphia Eagles use a hybrid surface called GrassMaster, and the Green Bay Packers use a similar setup.

The Eagles and Packers both host outdoor games, just like every other team with a natural grass field. Interestingly, several open-air stadiums still use artificial turf, making them the most realistic candidates for a potential switch to real grass in the future.

The 49ers are squatting Aiyuk’s contract, delaying having to release him to avoid the cap hit. But Aiyuk is tired of it. Aiyuk said on his Instagram, “Stop running from the belt. The truth is they (49ers) scared. They gonna say, ‘Oh, yeah, B.A. did this, B.A. did that.’ You know that s—. But what they not gonna say is ‘B.A. suck at football,’ because they know how I get.”

Aiyuk kept going. “And they running from that belt that’s on the way. It’s inevitable. It’s coming. Stop running.” Basically, once Aiyuk is out of the team, he’s all but promising to decimate the Niners on the field when they cross paths.

Why are the 49ers keeping Aiyuk?

In simpler terms, it’s because they can. The fact is that the relationship broke way back, in 2014, after Aiyuk tore his ACL just weeks after the 49ers gave him a 4-year, $120 million extension. Aiyuk then defaulted that contract, which allowed the Niners to void $26 million in guarantees for 2026.

That move gave the Niners the ability to cut Aiyuk until the eve of training camp. The thing is the 49ers want to trade him, to avoid paying all the rest. However, Aiyuk hasn’t played in two years, his market is freezing cold, and the contract should have to be re-worked as no NFL team is willing to swallow it.

What is Aiyuk’s best play?

Aiyuk should just report to training camp, and force the Niners hand to deal with him. If not, the 49ers will just do nothing, and that harms Aiyuk more than it does to them. After all, they don’t need Aiyuk, but Aiyuk needs to get on the field as soon as possible.

So far, what McCaffrey has seen from Evans has been exactly to his liking. “It’s been awesome,” McCaffrey said, before adding, “He’s such a presence. You see him in the huddle, he’s got every attribute you would want in a receiver and it’s definitely not a shock when you see it live in person why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. It’s cool to have him a part of our team.“

McCaffrey isn’t the only offensive star welcoming the new weapon; tight end George Kittle also recently mentioned how impressed he was with the wideout. It is more than obvious that a receiver of his caliber can quickly turn heads, especially given his status as a 12-year NFL veteran.

McCaffrey glad to have Evans on the 49ers’ side

McCaffrey, who is a seasoned veteran himself, knows exactly what Evans brings to the table, and having that production on the 49ers‘ offense provides a major sense of security. “He’s been somebody, just being in Carolina, I had to go against a lot and was just a nightmare,” McCaffrey noted.

Throughout his career, Evans has put together an elite highlight reel of tough catches from multiple quarterbacks. Pairing up with a young signal-caller like Brock Purdy, who has recently been praised by Alex Smith for his poise and vision, should make for a seamless transition as they look to challenge opposing secondaries.

While McCaffrey won’t be the one throwing the ball to Evans, both players understand what it takes to execute Kyle Shanahan’s complex playbook. McCaffrey specifically highlighted that the former Buccaneers star impacts the game in more ways than one, stating, “Not just in the pass game, in the run game, too. So, having him on our side, it’s great.”

Speaking on The Krueg Show with Larry Krueger, Smith provided a detailed breakdown of why Purdy gives the 49ers their best shot at a championship. “Yeah, I think he’s got a great chance. This is a guy that I think will always give you a chance to be in contention,” Smith stated.

Smith is confident that Purdy can navigate the team through any rough stretches, especially within an NFC West division where the Los Angeles Rams consistently loom as the primary threat. On top of that, the addition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans provides an elite perimeter weapon to elevate the entire offensive unit.

Smith believes we haven’t seen the best of Purdy yet

Though Purdy dealt with an injury-shortened stretch last year, he still guided the 49ers to a strong 7-2-0 run during his starts, demonstrating high-level efficiency. “I still think Brock’s best days are ahead, and I think he has the skillset to play high-level football for a long time,” Smith noted.

Smith also pushed back against the common criticisms that often dog Purdy, highlighting how his anticipation makes him unique for the position and a perfect match for Shanahan’s scheme. “This is the guy that battles the ‘game manager’ thing. Like he’s just a product of the system. It just couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Heading into the upcoming 2026 NFL season, Purdy will not only be fully healthy but will also have stability in the quarterback room with Mac Jones returning as the backup. With a locked-in roster, San Francisco is well-positioned to secure another postseason berth without having to endure a grueling divisional dogfight.

“Very fast, very mature,” Kittle said during his press conference. “What is he 25? I like old rookies because they’re ready to play. You don’t have to go through the immaturity part.”

Black was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the last draft, with the 90th overall pick. While many expected them to go for a young talent in the backfield, Kyle Shanahan and his staff surprised everyone with this decision.

“We had him as the second-rated back on the board,” the head coach said on the Rich Eisen Show on April 30. “That’s just our evaluation of him. Right or wrong, that was our evaluation of him.”

The intriguing San Francisco backfield

The San Francisco 49ers boast an incredibly deep and versatile backfield engineered to perfectly fit Kyle Shanahan‘s dynamic zone-running scheme. At the forefront is the elite Christian McCaffrey, whose dual-threat capability remains the absolute engine of the ground game.

Behind him, the explosive Jordan James slots in as the primary backup, followed closely by rookie Kaelon Black, who adds a physical, downhill running style to the rotation. Further down the depth chart, the athletic Isaac Guerendo provides exceptional raw speed and upside, while veterans like Patrick Taylor Jr. solidify the unit with reliable depth and special teams value.

49ers aim to avoid injuries ahead of next season

Following an injury-plagued 2025 season that heavily disrupted their offensive rhythm, the San Francisco 49ers are actively adjusting their strategy to keep their core stars healthy. Last year, structural stability took a major hit as quarterback Brock Purdy missed several starts due to injury, while elite tight end George Kittle suffered a devastating Achilles tear during postseason.

Furthermore, because of the surrounding injuries and roster instability, head coach Kyle Shanahan was forced to overwork Christian McCaffrey, leading to a grueling 413-touch workload that lowered his overall efficiency.

To prevent another wave of soft-tissue issues and long-term fatigue, the front office has heavily prioritized depth—particularly by restocking the backfield and adding reliable pass-catching options—aiming to strictly manage player snap counts and prevent their franchise cornerstones from taking unnecessary punishment before the playoffs.

Now with an extra $300,000 added to his salary for the 2026 season, Jones didn’t hesitate to thank the organization that gave him a fresh start last year. “I love the Yorks and everybody. It was good to have that gesture sent my way,” he stated.

But beyond the financial aspect, Jones wants to make the upcoming NFL season something special by building on the support he provided to Brock Purdy last year. “And for me, I want to build on it and have another good year. It’s never been really about the money for me, to be honest. I’m just glad that I’m having fun again.”

Jones wants to stay with the 49ers

Jones still aims for a starting job, something every young quarterback desires, and he was entirely transparent about his current situation. “Obviously, you want to have a chance to start, but I also love it here, and I’m not really in the business of leaving good people, so I’m not mad about it at all,” he told reporters in a recent press conference.

Last year, Jones posted a 5-3-0 record while stepping in at quarterback for the 49ers. Those five victories were huge for the franchise, quickly making him a fan favorite. His 13 touchdowns and 2,151 passing yards caught the attention of the front office, making his return a top priority.

While Brock Purdy is the locked-in starter and fully healthy, hearing Jones say he feels even more comfortable heading into this season is a major plus for the team. “I feel like this is the first year I have had the same offensive playbook, being in the NFL,” Jones noted. “So, that’s kind of nice.”

So far, what Kittle has seen from Evans is impressive. During a recent press conference, the tight end revealed how sharp the new wide receiver looked during organized team activities (OTAs), saying, “If you look back at the 49ers, this is like the first legit veteran wide receiver I’ve had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion… Just to see him run routes and the way that he sees things, it’s just so fun.“

What really caught the attention of reporters, however, was Kittle emphasizing that Evans could give the 49ers a special element the team has lacked for years. “Mike just brings a whole new thing,” Kittle added. “You guys weren’t here for red zone. I think he had three to five touchdowns the first day. He’s incredible.“

Is Mike Evans good enough for the 49ers?

Evans is a seasoned veteran just like Kittle, but with even more mileage in the NFL. Having played in the league since 2014, he is entering his 13th season as a wide receiver. Before making the move to the Bay Area, he played exclusively for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl and earning six Pro Bowl selections.

Now with a new team, things change a bit for him. He has new teammates, a new head coach, and a younger quarterback. This transition could offer him a fresh spark, while Evans’ elite expertise provides a major boost for Brock Purdy, who benefits immensely from having another top-tier weapon on the outside.

During his final NFL season with Tampa Bay, Evans was limited to just eight games due to injury. Now fully healthy, the 49ers will look to see if he is in peak shape during the opening weeks of the upcoming 2026 season and if he can continue to produce close to his stellar 15.1 career yards-per-reception average.

On Wednesday, information emerged that a warrant had been issued for Aiyuk’s arrest on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the warrant stems from a viral video Aiyuk posted last December showing him driving over 100 mph past Levi’s Stadium.

While his exit from the Bay Area was already 99% certain, it now appears entirely imminent. Due to this latest legal development, the 49ers’ wide receiver depth chart will look drastically different, as Aiyuk is no longer being considered a part of the team’s active roster plans.

As of today, the primary wide receivers leading the charge are Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian Kirk. Holding down the depth behind them are Demarcus Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, Jacob Cowing, Malik Turner, Jordan Watkins, and Colton Dowell.

Where will Brandon Aiyuk play in 2026?

According to rumors earlier in the offseason, the New York Giants had expressed interest in trading for Aiyuk. However, after the Giants aggressively restructured their wide receiver room—including the addition of veteran Odell Beckham Jr.—that door appears to be firmly closed.

The 49ers are expected to eventually release Aiyuk, as general manager John Lynch has openly acknowledged that the team is ready to move on. Nevertheless, it remains highly uncertain whether he will even step onto a football field in 2026.

Reports indicate that Aiyuk’s health and recovery are major red flags across the league. He declined to undergo standard rehabilitation with the 49ers’ staff following his severe 2024 knee injury, opting to handle the process entirely on his own and going radio silent on the organization.

This decision has significantly hurt his long-term medical outlook and market value. While a few teams may still harbor interest in his talent, his plummeting trade stock and mounting legal problems mean his chances of playing in 2026, or even beyond, could be completely gone.