It is very hard to say that I (or the fan base in general) is suffering with the Niners when they have 5 Lombardi trophies and have been to 4 out of 5 NFCCG, plus have made 3 Super Bowls in the last 4 years, and are expected to contend big time again. But man those are some heart breaking losses.
On tap for 2024
1. (done) Sign a new DC. They have promoted from within by promoting Nick Sorensen to Defensive Coordinator. They have also hired Staley as assistant Head Coach. Let's see how that goes. I liked Wilks but there were some compatibility issues that hurt defensive production. Plus no one was happy when he called the defense from the booth and Shanahan had to basically yank him down to the sideline during the bye week.
2. Extend Brandon Ayiuk. I think this is a priority, the guy showed his capability to be a # 1 receiver. He will be expensive but let's see how they make this work.
3. Deal with the Dre Greenlaw injury. This was a devastating blow to their Super Bowl chances, but it extends into the 2024 season as well. We talked about the effect on the game on the Super Bowl thread so I won't rehash it here, but he could be out until November and that creates a huge hole in the defense. It was something that did not have on their original list of needs going into the offseason.
4. Improve the OL. Will there be good talent left by the time their 1st round pick comes around? Otherwise can they lure a premium FA? They also have to consider that Trent Williams's shelf life is limited.
5. Ace the draft. Thiy have whiffed on far too many picks in the last 2-3 years, they need to to do better so they can replace some players and have rookie contracts to work with.
With the unexpected cap increase, plus the deals they can work out, the Niners can get it done. But they need to draft better. Purdy will go into year # 3 of his rookie contract but at some point they have to pay him.
Looks like an eventful offseason.
On tap for 2024
1. (done) Sign a new DC. They have promoted from within by promoting Nick Sorensen to Defensive Coordinator. They have also hired Staley as assistant Head Coach. Let's see how that goes. I liked Wilks but there were some compatibility issues that hurt defensive production. Plus no one was happy when he called the defense from the booth and Shanahan had to basically yank him down to the sideline during the bye week.
2. Extend Brandon Ayiuk. I think this is a priority, the guy showed his capability to be a # 1 receiver. He will be expensive but let's see how they make this work.
3. Deal with the Dre Greenlaw injury. This was a devastating blow to their Super Bowl chances, but it extends into the 2024 season as well. We talked about the effect on the game on the Super Bowl thread so I won't rehash it here, but he could be out until November and that creates a huge hole in the defense. It was something that did not have on their original list of needs going into the offseason.
4. Improve the OL. Will there be good talent left by the time their 1st round pick comes around? Otherwise can they lure a premium FA? They also have to consider that Trent Williams's shelf life is limited.
5. Ace the draft. Thiy have whiffed on far too many picks in the last 2-3 years, they need to to do better so they can replace some players and have rookie contracts to work with.
With the unexpected cap increase, plus the deals they can work out, the Niners can get it done. But they need to draft better. Purdy will go into year # 3 of his rookie contract but at some point they have to pay him.
Looks like an eventful offseason.
