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San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors

49ers Have ‘Slight Edge’ On Steelers For Brandon Aiyuk

August 17th, 2024 at 10:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

A future in which the Steelers employ George Pickens and Brandon Aiyuk for Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields — and then potentially a near-future heir apparent — to target remains in play, but as of Saturday morning, it is not the expected scenario.

The Steelers remain on standby here as a fallback option, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, who notes this situation has shifted from being a coin flip between Pittsburgh and San Francisco back to a place in which the 49ers have a slight edge to end up extending the wide receiver. Since a Tuesday report confirmed the teams have trade parameters in place, this storyline has trended in this direction.

Indeed, Fowler adds execs around the league expect this drawn-out process to conclude with the 49ers extending Aiyuk. Since the trade framework came out — though, it is not known what the Steelers are prepared to trade — 49ers efforts to wrap this extension saga have headlined the latest chapters in an endless news cycle. Aiyuk has been at 49ers meetings and been seen talking to teammates at practice during his hold-in. John Lynch said Friday the aim remains for the 49ers to extend the second-team All-Pro.

The 49ers let Aiyuk’s camp talk terms with other teams, which led to Patriots and Browns proposals. Both AFC teams and the Commanders, who were also interested at one point (as they now roster former Aiyuk college QB Jayden Daniels), are not believed to be in the picture any longer. A 49ers-or-Steelers option has loomed regarding Aiyuk’s long-term future for a bit now, but San Francisco still needs to check some key boxes to finalize a long-sought-after deal.

Aiyuk has not yet been compelled to sign, as Fowler points out certain contractual demands remain unfulfilled. Guarantees and/or when those guarantees vest may well be part of this delay; Aiyuk targeted A.J. Brown‘s $84MM guarantee number weeks ago, and the Bears giving D.J. Moore $82.6MM in total guarantees gives the Bay Area resident more ammo here.

That said, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds the 49ers and Aiyuk have agreed on the contract’s central parts, indicating there is an issue with the final year of the team’s proposal. It is unknown how long of a deal the 49ers proposed, but the subject of phony final years — which are present in Davante Adams‘ Raiders deal and were in Tyreek Hill‘s first Dolphins contract — may be part of these negotiations. The 49ers used a lofty final-year salary to prop up Trent Williams‘ AAV — on a six-year contract — back in 2021. But Aiyuk and the team having agreed on the deal’s key points suggests a resolution is in sight. The 49ers made their most recent offer around a week ago, per Garafolo.

The fifth-year receiver has been connected to wanting an AAV in the $30MM range, while the 49ers were tied to a $26-$27MM-per-year offer earlier this summer. The 49ers have upped their offer, and Fowler does float the $30MM number — or a figure slightly less — as the likely endgame here. The Steelers were believed to have offered Aiyuk around $28MM per year.

Continued 49ers interest in avoiding a trade puts the Steelers in strange territory. As their Aiyuk trade effort suddenly looks shaky, the Steelers may need to come up with a backup plan to complement Pickens. As it stands, Van Jefferson — he of one 400-plus-yard season in four tries — is ticketed as the team’s top in-house WR2 option, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo notes (subscription required). It has trended this way since Pittsburgh’s offseason program. Third-rounder Roman Wilson looms, but he has missed time during camp due to injury.

It will be interesting to see if the Steelers become connected to another receiver as a safety option — in the now-likelier event the 49ers finally extend Aiyuk.

John Lynch Addresses 49ers’ Interest In Keeping Brandon Aiyuk

August 16th, 2024 at 10:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Going nearly two days without a Brandon Aiyuk update has been out of character for this space, based on the news volume this situation has produced this summer. John Lynch is offering another one, discussing the sides’ enduring extension talks rather than any trade possibility.

The 49ers are believed to have trade parameters set with the Steelers, but that clearly seems like the organization’s backup plan. After all, it would be difficult to replace Aiyuk given the timing here. And the 49ers are gunning for an elusive Lynch-Kyle Shanahan-era Super Bowl title. Aiyuk represents a central part of that equation, and the 49ers are still trying to hammer out a deal. They ramped up negotiations again late last week. Though, they have been at this for several months.

“We started this early and for whatever reason haven’t been able to get it across the finish line,” Lynch said during an appearance on KNBR’s Murph and Markus show (via NFL.com). “That’s been frustrating, but the communication still has been really good both with Brandon and his agent, and we’re trying to figure out solutions.

“You know I’m always hopeful. I’m an optimistic person in nature, and I’m always hopeful that we’ll get there and get there soon. I can tell you, we feel the urgency to have him, the season’s approaching, and we have ample time.”

As the Steelers wait as the fallback option, the 49ers have upped their extension offer to the second-team All-Pro wide receiver. After a hyper-efficient 2023 season, Aiyuk has seen the receiver market shift once again. The fifth-year player has placed his value considerably higher than the 49ers’ assessment, but it does seem the gap has narrowed. Would the 49ers really trade their best outside receiver at this juncture on their timeline because of the small value gap that remains?

Lynch did indicate he wished he knew what Aiyuk’s holdup is, as the wideout’s slow-moving talks have dominated 49ers coverage this year. The eighth-year San Francisco GM did discuss Aiyuk in trades during the draft, but this is not the first time since the negotiations began that Lynch expressed hope Aiyuk would remain a 49ers in the long term.

Although the team agreed to deals with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel early in camp (2020, 2022), they reached resolutions with Nick Bosa and Jimmy Garoppolo just before the season. The 49ers still have more than three weeks before Week 1, though Aiyuk would presumably need some practice reps in advance of the Jets matchup in order to begin the season as a full-time player. Shanahan said this week he trusts the receiver to be ready, however, and Aiyuk has attended meetings during his hold-in.

“We love BA as a player; I think you see it every time he goes out there representing the Niners,” Lynch said. “He’s a guy we traded up for in the first round back in the ’20 draft. I remember doing it from my guest house during the covid times, and we’re fortunate to have added him to our squad, and we’d really like to keep him around. So we’ll see how it goes.”

Aiyuk, 26, is believed to have wedged the Patriots and Browns out of the mix. Although the Steelers’ offensive situation is not on the 49ers’ level and does not feature a surefire long-term QB option, Aiyuk looks to have approved Pittsburgh as a destination. The Steelers might be waiting a bit, however, as Lynch sounds committed to taking the time necessary to complete an extension.

49ers In Talks With Trent Williams’ Camp

August 16th, 2024 at 9:39am CST by Sam Robinson

Brandon Aiyuk‘s hold-in, creating a will-they/won’t-they trade dynamic now involving the Steelers, has overshadowed 49ers training camp. But the team has also been without a much more accomplished starter since reporting. Trent Williams‘ holdout persists.

The 49ers cannot waive fines levied to Williams for missing camp practices, as the holdout left tackle is not tied to a rookie contract. The future Hall of Famer has accumulated more than $1MM in fines during his holdout, but the 49ers are not shutting down the prospect of adjusting his six-year contract.

“We’re having a lot of discussions with his agent,” Shanahan said, via 49ersWebZone.com. “Trent’s not here right now, obviously not at camp. I believe he’s in Houston, but I’m not sure. But we’re talking with his agent a lot, and hopefully, we can figure it out. As I’ve said the whole time, I am optimistic we will, but, of course, the sooner, the better.”

A recent report indicated the 49ers should be expected to address Williams’ deal in some way. It would surprise if a true extension came to pass, as Williams is 36 and signed through the 2026 season. Significant movement took place on the tackle market this offseason, with Tristan Wirfs and Christian Darrisaw raising the ceiling at left tackle and Penei Sewell coming in with a deal that established a new tier among right tackles. Williams has been the NFL’s first-team All-Pro LT for the past three seasons and is making an effort to secure better terms as a result.

The 49ers moving some of Williams’ future money into 2024 could be an option here, with incentives also potentially in the equation. Williams landed a then-tackle-record $23MM AAV when he signed a six-year, $138.1MM deal in 2021. The former Washington top-five pick, however, took a risk the market would move again by signing for such a lengthy term. Of course, Williams — who once engaged in a memorable stalemate with Washington, leading to the San Francisco trade — may have viewed a future holdout as an option when he signed the six-year contract.

A wide talent gulf exists between Williams and the other four 49ers O-line starters. The team, which has some notable payments to other stars on its roster, has opted to keep costs low everywhere else on its offensive front. The 49ers lost both games (not counting a Week 18 matchup in which the team rested starters) Williams did not finish last season, and the 15th-year veteran certainly seems to recognize his value to the team.

Williams, who is tied to a $20.1MM base salary on a contract that has seen its guarantees paid out, is testing the 49ers’ resolve. Though, given his importance, it should not be expected — at least, not just yet — that the 49ers would dare go into the season without their standout left tackle.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/15/24

August 15th, 2024 at 9:31pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Carolina Panthers

  • Claimed off waivers (from Commanders): G Mason Brooks
  • Waived-injured: G Nash Jensen

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Waived: S Jalyn Phillips

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders

Joshua Kelley will land in New York after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Chargers. The running back is coming off a 2023 campaign where he started a career-high three games while compiling 437 yards from scrimmage. In a post Saquon Barkley-era, Kelley will be joining an uncertain depth chart that features the likes of Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr..

Grayland Arnold won’t have an opportunity to contribute to the Steelers in 2023 after landing on IR. The defensive back was battling it out for Pittsburgh’s starting slot corner spot, with ESPN’s Brooke Pryor noting that Arnold’s injury means UDFA Beanie Bishop likely won the job. Arnold spent the past three seasons with the Texans, collecting 22 tackles in 20 games.

Trace McSorley‘s career journey brings him to Washington, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in Washington. As Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post notes, the veteran should soak up some snaps on Saturday with both Marcus Mariota (groin) and Sam Hartman (shoulder) sidelined. McSorley was a 2019 sixth-round pick by the Ravens, and he’s now had stints with six different squads throughout his career.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/14/24

August 14th, 2024 at 9:20pm CST by Ely Allen

Wednesday’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

  • Signed: C Cohl Cabral
  • Waived (with injury designation): DE Shaka Toney

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Washington Commanders

Cabral joins the Cowboys after UFL stints in Birmingham and Michigan. He adds more depth to the team’s offensive line after the team lost Chuma Edoga in their first preseason game and saw Earl Bostick helped off the field today. Toney suffered a groin injury, leading to this injury waiver, but could return to the team should he clear waivers.

Powers-Johnson was on some concerning ground with how much time he had missed with a concussion, but the Raiders saw him return to practice today.

The 49ers are adding some significant depth on the defensive line in Williams, who has vast starting experience in the NFL. Cutting Turner could mean that the return of Dre Greenlaw may on a better timeline than expected.

Latest On 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk

August 14th, 2024 at 3:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

Around 24 hours since a report indicating the 49ers and Steelers had agreed on Brandon Aiyuk trade compensation emerged, the fifth-year wide receiver remains with San Francisco. Aiyuk continues his hold-in.

The Steelers continue to wait on this situation, with ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicating the AFC North team remains motivated to acquire the dissatisfied wide receiver. But trade talks may have slowed down. Although the teams are believed to have trade parameters in place, Fowler adds talks were quiet in recent days. This note comes days after a report that mentioned 49ers extension talks had intensified following another Aiyuk meeting with team brass.

On this note, Aiyuk watched 49ers practice with teammates Wednesday and greeted GM John Lynch at one point, per the San Jose Mercury News’ Cam Inman. This has been the receiver’s usual routine, but it is notable the club continues to have a high-profile player who could be on the verge of becoming the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade still on the sidelines at practice.

Aiyuk has also continued to attend 49ers meetings during this saga, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. This separates the Aiyuk matter from Trent Williams‘ holdout and how the team proceeded with trade-block occupant Jimmy Garoppolo in 2022. Garoppolo threw on the side and did not attend meetings before agreeing to a late-summer resolution to stay in San Francisco.

“I trust Brandon knows what he’s got to do for this year to get ready to play,” Kyle Shanahan said, via the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch. “I have a feeling he’s finding a way to stay in shape and do those things. But there’s a football-shape element that I know he is eager to get back to — and us, too. So, hopefully, we can get to that soon. But Brandon knows what he’s got to do to be in shape for the season, and I feel confident he is doing that.”

The 49ers are believed to have upped their offer recently, and Tuesday’s update revealed San Francisco remains his preferred destination. After a report pegged both Aiyuk and the 49ers as underwhelmed by the Steelers’ offers — on the extension and trade fronts — the teams are at least in agreement. The ball is largely in Aiyuk’s court, though the 49ers do not necessarily have to move him. They are still clearly interested in seeing if common ground on numbers can be reached.

It would, then, seem odd if a team that narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl championship would go this far down a trade route — particularly at this point on the calendar, when a replacement will be difficult to obtain — but here we are. The Steelers appear to still believe, unlike the Browns and Patriots after offers did not produce deals, they can acquire the 26-year-old pass catcher — even if such a move would significantly affect the 2024 49ers’ title hopes.

Pittsburgh is believed to have submitted a trade offer including no players. Considering where they reside in the championship picture, the 49ers understandably sought veterans — a wideout, in particular — as part of an Aiyuk trade package. The Steelers, who do not have a comparable wideout they are willing to trade, are believed to have offered a deal in the $28MM-per-year neighborhood. If the 49ers have raised their offer, they may be in the same place. A $26-$27MM-AAV San Francisco price range surfaced earlier this summer.

This situation is not exactly oozing trade vibes at present. Still, the Steelers — who have certainly not been known to be on the receiving end of high-profile wideout trades — remain prepared to accommodate a big-ticket Aiyuk payment and pair him with George Pickens. This would seem incongruous to the 49ers’ immediate needs, but a trade remains a possibility. The wait continues.

Steelers Have Brandon Aiyuk Trade Agreement Worked Out; 49ers Extension Offer Also In Play

August 13th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

10:00pm: While an Aiyuk-to-Pittsburgh remains in play, it sounds like a trade hasn’t been completed because the 49ers believe they can convince the wideout to stick in San Francisco. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers and Aiyuk’s camp aren’t “that far apart on a deal.” The reporter notes that the 49ers have improved their offer in recent days, and it “has always” been the player’s preference to stick with San Francisco.

12:50pm: Brandon Aiyuk may still find his way to Pittsburgh, but the possibility of a long-term San Francisco deal also exists. A trade agreement has been worked out between the teams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Rapoport adds that the Steelers are “in a good place” with respect to an extension for the All-Pro wideout. The 49ers also have a standing offer to Aiyuk which would allow him to stay in the Bay Area for 2024 and beyond, however. That offer has not yet been accepted.

As the waiting game continues, Aiyuk will have the option of choosing to take a multi-year 49ers deal or, failing that, the 49ers will be in position to authorize the trade. Terms on an extension will be critical, of course. The Steelers have not yet been willing to reach $30MM per season on a deal; that has also been the case for San Francisco. Whereas trade terms had not yet been sufficient from the 49ers’ perspective, though, today’s update points to a Steelers acquisition once again being a distinct possibility.

Rapoport’s report does not specify what Pittsburgh has offered, but the package set to head to the Bay Area will no doubt be noteworthy. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette repeats his previous reporting, though, that no Steelers players are involved. Both the Patriots and Browns had deals worked out, and those agreements would have sent Aiyuk to a new team. The 26-year-old nixed a reported deal which would have yielded Amari Cooper and a pair of draft picks for the Niners, given his preference not to play in Cleveland or New England. Pittsburgh has long been known to be a destination Aiyuk is interested in.

As the Athletic’s Dianna Russini confirms, the Steelers have been waiting on the trade front for days. Pittsburgh does not have a veteran receiver to offer in a trade (at least, not one of Cooper’s caliber). George Pickens is the centerpiece of the team’s passing attack as it currently stands, with Diontae Johnson having been traded away this spring. That move – coupled with the release of Allen Robinson – has led to speculation the Steelers could add a receiver, and an Aiyuk acquisition would certainly mark a major move for their offense.

Late last month, general manager Omar Khan said no deals at the receiver position were being explored. Interest in Aiyuk has erupted since then, with the former first-rounder’s trade request not sparking progress on a 49ers extension agreement. Aiyuk has long been tied to an asking price around $30MM per year, a mark four receivers are currently attached to. It will be interesting to see if San Francisco’s most recent offer reaches that point, or if the Steelers are prepared to up their latest one to get a trade over the finish line.

As the Jets’ situation with Haason Reddick proves, working out a trade without a firm extension in place can be highly problematic for the acquiring team. One year remains on Aiyuk’s rookie deal, and he is due $14.12MM in 2024 on the fifth-year option. A long-term deal will no doubt be worth roughly double that figure, perhaps more. Which team he plays on during his next pact remains to be seen, however.

Steelers’ Brandon Aiyuk Offer Short Of $30MM Per Year

August 12th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

After an eventful week, the 49ers‘ top outside receiver/rumor machine remains on the NFC champions’ roster. Brandon Aiyuk‘s hold-in continues, and connections to teams have slowed a bit.

Details on the Patriots and Browns’ offers have emerged, and SI.com’s Albert Breer now sheds some light on where the Steelers have gone for the fifth-year wideout. Pittsburgh has offered a deal around $28MM per year. Aiyuk was believed to be less than satisfied with Pittsburgh’s proposal, and San Francisco has also expressed hesitancy regarding a Steelers trade package.

An early report had the Patriots’ offer beyond $28.5MM, but a subsequent assessment of New England’s proposal placed it in the $32MM-AAV area. Aiyuk hesitancy about joining the Patriots is interesting, given the offer. It is also unclear what the Pats were proposing the 49ers in trades, though Breer notes the 49ers asked for Kendrick Bourne. That is rather interesting since Bourne began his career in San Francisco, though he is obviously not on Aiyuk’s level and is coming off an ACL tear.

The Browns are believed to have offered Amari Cooper, along with second- and fifth-round picks. One of last week’s many Aiyuk storylines indicated he nixed a deal to Cleveland. Still, this would be a fascinating swap, seeing as Cleveland traded for another 2020 first-round wideout (Jerry Jeudy) months ago and gave him an extension. Cooper remains on his Cowboys-constructed contract, albeit with some incentives for 2024, and would satisfy a 49ers desire to acquire immediate receiving help if they are to actually trade Aiyuk.

Letting Aiyuk’s camp speak with teams doubled as a 49ers fact-finding mission, and while the Steelers may still be in this, Breer predicts this saga ends with a San Francisco deal finally coming to fruition. As of midsummer, the 49ers were believed to be in the $26-$27MM-per-year range. The Steelers’ approximate $28MM-per-year proposal would place Aiyuk around the point Jaylen Waddle settled at this offseason. Aiyuk has long been tied to wanting an AAV around the $30MM Amon-Ra St. Brown number, but the lack of interest in New England also effectively confirms he wants to join a team with fewer questions on offense.

The Dolphins gave Waddle a $28.25MM-AAV accord complete with $76MM guaranteed. The Steelers have not been big on multiyear guarantees for non-quarterbacks (or T.J. Watt), with signing bonuses doing much of the post-Year 1 work in most of the old-school franchise’s contracts. It would not surprise if that component is producing Aiyuk’s hesitancy regarding a Steelers offer. Of course, the 49ers would need to sign off on a deal to move him. And the Steelers, barring a counterproductive George Pickens inclusion, do not have a receiver to send over.

As of late last week, the Steelers were content to let the chips fall. Breer adds they do not want to include a player in their offer. An increased offer does not sound likely, though nothing can be completely ruled out right now. Following a work week of trade talks, the 49ers ramped up their extension effort — after another meeting with the player.

Months into this process, we continue to wait. The 49ers completed extensions with George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa after training camp started. The sides now have more information as to what Aiyuk’s market is. That should provide a pathway to a deal or a trade — at long last.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/12/24

August 12th, 2024 at 8:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Monday’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Activated from active/PUP: DT Devonnsha Maxwell

Cleveland Browns

  • Signed: LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, S Chase Williams
  • Released: RB John Kelly
  • Waived: DE Marcus Haynes
  • Waived/injured: CB Vincent Gray

Denver Broncos

  • Claimed (from Giants): DB Kaleb Hayes
  • Waived: ILB Alec Mock

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

  • Signed: LB Anthony Hines, TE Neal Johnson
  • Waived: LB Jimmy Ciarlo, CB Myles Jones

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Claimed (from Ravens): OL Tykeem Doss
  • Waived/injured: DB Kalon Barnes

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hernia surgery forced Tampa to the Ravens’ active/PUP list, but the fourth-round pick is ready to return. Needing a double hernia operation after minicamp (per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec), Tampa is unlikely to be ready for practice until at least next week. By avoiding a move to the reserve/PUP list, Tampa is no longer at risk of missing Baltimore’s first four games.

A rookie UDFA, Murphy went down with an MCL injury, per NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe. The Dolphins signed Brown, a four-year Giants special-teamer and backup presence, in April. While the Dolphins continue to deal with linebacker injuries, they did bring Jaelan Phillips off the PUP list today.

Fromm spent most of the past two seasons with the Commanders, but the team — as it transitions to a new regime — cut the former Georgia passer in May. He joins a Lions team that still rosters Nate Sudfeld along with Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker.

Deommodore Lenoir On 49ers’ Extension Radar; Ambry Thomas In Uphill Battle For Roster Spot

August 11th, 2024 at 7:48am CST by Sam Robinson

AUGUST 11: Thomas’ battle to crack the Niners’ roster just got much tougher. The CB suffered a broken right forearm in yesterday’s preseason loss to the Titans, and HC Kyle Shanahan said after the game that the injury would sideline Thomas for “some time” (via Maiocco). Maiocco notes that the team will have to decide whether to place Thomas on injured reserve or waive him with an injury settlement. In either event, San Francisco will likely sign another corner to take Thomas’ place.

AUGUST 9: Although the Brandon Aiyuk situation is dominating NFL headlines, the two-time 1,000-yard receiver is far from the only 49ers starter in a contract year. A host of defenders are also attached to expiring deals.

Both San Francisco’s cornerback regulars are in this boat. The team is interested in keeping Charvarius Ward around beyond 2024, and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes the reigning NFC champions also look to have Deommodore Lenoir on the re-up radar.

With the 49ers valuing Lenoir’s versatility, it would not surprise Fowler to see the team explore an extension with the former fifth-round pick. Extending Lenoir will not be easy, as San Francisco’s equation features Aiyuk, Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw and Aaron Banks as multiyear starters in contract years. Several months out, the team is projected to be more than $38MM over the 2025 cap.

Lenoir operates as an outside starter who can shift into the slot. A few teams have used corners in this capacity to maximize their skills or cover for a positional deficiency. The 49ers check both boxes, as they were unable to lock in a third corner last season. Logan Ryan, who signed with the team in December, played the slot role to close out the season.

A Lenoir deal may well come down to how Ward talks go, and the former can certainly enhance his value with a quality contract year. It will be interesting, then, to see if San Francisco makes Lenoir an offer early to preempt a potential contract-year value spike. Business may also be on hold while the team navigates an increasingly complex Aiyuk situation, and a Brock Purdy extension will affect all 2025 plans as well.

Lenoir, 24, intercepted three passes last season and allowed a career-low 75.2 passer rating as the closest defender. The 49ers have used Lenoir as a full-time player in each of the past two seasons, after previous slot K’Waun Williams departed, giving the Oregon alum a 90% defensive snap share in 2023. Pro Football Focus ranked Lenoir 23rd among corners last season. Should the 5-foot-10 defender continue on this path, he stands to — due to his age and versatility — attract a nice market if he hits free agency.

Although the 49ers discussed Patrick Surtain and Nate Hobbs at the trade deadline, they stood pat at corner last year. Ambry Thomas moved into the team’s No. 3 CB issue in the weeks following the deadline, but the 49ers gave him all of one defensive snap in the Super Bowl. More competitors for the CB3 gig are in place now, and NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco notes Thomas is in an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.

Concern about Thomas’ form prompted the Surtain inquiry, but the Broncos set a monster price on the star corner. The 49ers later added Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin in free agency and drafted Renardo Green in Round 2. Ya-Sin has extensive experience as a boundary corner, though he did not start regularly for the Ravens last year. Homegrown options Samuel Womack and Darrell Luter are also on the roster, making for a crowded competition as the Niners assemble a corner depth chart. Thomas would be exposed to waivers if cut by the August 27 deadline.

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