49ers open OTAs seeking new cornerback combination, nickel back.
Cornerback competition ramps up as the 49ers open organized team activities. Three offseason moves the 49ers must make.
The 2024 season was another case of so-close-but-so-far for head coach Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers. They were again one of the best teams in the NFL, they made the Super Bowl and then let another double-digit lead in a big game slip away during crunch time. At some point they need to get over the hump.
The 49ers have spent the offseason overhauling their defensive line, but there is still more work they can do. Let’s talk about three moves they can make.
1. Sign one of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel to an extension
All offseason Aiyuk and Samuel have been mentioned in trade rumors as they seek new contracts.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his current deal while Samuel still has a couple of more years remaining. Both of them are key parts of the 49ers offense and game-changers in the passing game.
Keeping both of them long-term will be tricky.
But the franchise should be able to keep one of them and it would be helpful to avoid further distractions by getting at least one of them signed to a long-term deal.
2. Trade one of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel
In a scenario that sees the 49ers decide on which receiver they want signed, the team might be wise to actually go through with trading the other.
It might seem counterproductive for a team that is a bona fide Super Bowl contender this season, but the 49ers took a wide receiver (Ricky Pearsall) in the first round of April’s NFL Draft and have some depth at the position. It would also be a way to help re-stock the future cupboard with more draft picks and give the 49ers more flexibility going into next offseason.
3. Add another cornerback
The 49ers do not have many flaws on their roster and they already did a lot of work this offseason to fix the ones they do have, especially as it relates to their defensive line and pass rush. Their issues are more along the lines of depth. One position that could use a little extra depth is cornerback and there are still some really good options available who could help solidify that position group, including Xavien Howard, Adoree’ Jackson and Stephon Gilmore.
