Steve Wilks has been relieved of his duties as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Bill Belichick come on down?
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This is a bad look for the organization.
ReplyDeleteKS said that he is looking to bring back all the coaches yesterday. Why not just say we are looking at every position closely and improvements have to be made.
Unfortunately it had to be done dude. His philosophical approach was a marriage on the rocks, and his play calling just became too predictable.
DeleteI understand that it had to be done. :)
DeleteThe way it was done is what is not a good look.
He didn't say they'd all be back. He said they had yet to think through and discuss it all, and at that stage (pre sitting down and discussing) he currently expected to have them all back.
DeleteWhat would you like him to say instead? That he expected Wilks to be fired even before they'd had a chance to sit down as a group and decide it?
Scooter,
DeleteI would expect him to say something along the lines of "We didnt achieve our goals, so we will be scrutinizing all levels of our operation". That is what a good head coach does.
If he said that, people would instantly be speculating that means he will be sacking Wilks. It's catch-22.
DeleteImo the best option is to do what he did, or a version of it. Don't throw anyone under the bus (or even give the appearance you are doing so) until you've had a chance to cool down and think things through. If people want to convince themselves he lied (which he didn't), that's on them.
Well that speculation is better than Kyle coming across as Indecisive and Deflecting blame. Saying that you are evaluating at least comes across as a fair position to hold, after a loss.
DeleteNow people will come after him dissecting the Offense and what is the accountability there.
See the timeline on how this looks...
Sunday 11th.... we lose the SB. Everyone is raw with emotion. Kyle says D was good and were the reason they were in the game.
Tuesday 13th, John and Kyle hold a year-end live press conference. KS says expectation is all coaches will be back.
Wednesday 14th - KS (without JL) apologizes over a Telephone call to Reporters saying Wilks is fired.
Optics doesn't seem good man!
People are harping on him saying he expected the coaches back. But conveniently leave out he said they haven't had a chance to review and discuss yet. So yeah, of course he was, at that time, expecting everyone under contract to be back.
DeleteHe says the exact same thing every year. He did it with JG multiple times, as well as other players.
The optics are absolutely fine unless you want to find something to be mad at Shanahan about.
KS has another press conference scheduled for today.
DeleteIf you think the optics are fine, with 4 press conferences in as many days, then there is no point in further discussion lol! :)
The trick now is to find someone better.
ReplyDeleteShanahan said he would like to have a DC that will run the same/ similar system to the one they have in place. I get that he likes the system and that it fits the current personnel, but it really restricts who will take the job.
I hope it isn't Brandon Staley, who has been getting mentioned. If it is, I fear next year we will be reminiscing about the halcyon days of Steve Wilks.
I'd go for Pete Carroll over Brandon Staley.
DeleteRazor
DeleteDo you believe Pete Carroll would accept the 9er DC job if he, like Wilks, was told if he was hired he would be required to use
the 9er (KS's) D system, NOT HIS OWN D system?
I suspect Carroll would ask KS WHY should he use the 9er D
system when he HAD won a SB and KS and his D system had
NOT and in fact, had failed twice? Which begs the question,
Why did the 9ers hire a DC that did NOT know their D system?
That, IMO is why the 9ers should have never hired Wilks!
My understanding is it's a Carroll system but with some tweaks to it.
DeleteMeh, they got to the Super Bowl with Wilks. Credit to him for accepting the challenge. Just didn't work out in the end. Not sure they could have hired anyone better at the time. The ability of Shanny to stay in the hunt despite losing staff every year is impressive to me. Philly wasn't able to overcome one year of losing a couple of their guys.
Razor: "My understanding is it's a Carroll system but with some tweaks to it."
DeleteThe Seattle 4-3 hybrid is a defense created by Pete Carroll
* Unlike the standard 4-3 under, in which all the D-Linemen employ 1 gap techniques, the Seattle variant has a split personality. In it, 1/2 the D-line uses 3-4 2 gap principles, while the other half acts like a one gap 4-3.
* Also, unlike many D systems where a defender on the right side is always on the right, the Seattle 4-3 shifts specific players to the strong side of the formation, as determined by the position of the tight end. The strong side DE is also called the "big end". Other positions include the nose tackle, the 3 technique tackle, and the Leo, a DE - rush linebacker hybrid. The big end and the NT use a 2 gap technique, while the 3 technique and the Leo use a 1 gap technique.
* Again, if the 9ers fail to make it to SB LIX, does the new DC (forced to use the 9er D system), get fired, or does he replace Shanahan? Inquiring minds want to know!
Yea, if you're looking to get rid of Shanny it's not gonna happen. Unless he's burned out he'll probably be the HC for another 10 years.
DeleteRazor
DeleteI never said I was looking to get rid of Shanny! But he is responsible for hiring Wilks and for making Wilks using "the 9er D system." Now he's fired Wilks, which means he failed
by hiring Wilks!
As the old saying goes, the buck stops at KS desk. And it's not
a good look for KS or
the 9er organization;
They got to the Super Bowl. If not winning the Super Bowl is failure worth being fired over then there would be 31 openings every year.
DeleteAs for firing Wilks after one season not being a good look - no, it isn't a "good" look. It does indeed show they feel he wasn't the right man for the job.
It also doesn't make it a "bad" look. When they hired him he was widely considered the best of only a few decent options available. But in the end the fit wasn't what Shanahan wanted. It happens. If it keeps on happening that will be a problem, but not every hire will be a home run.
The more concerning aspect for mine is just that Shanahan seems determined to force his DC to run a system Shanahan wants, rather than letting the DC determine the right system. That limits the field for hiring, both from finding someone that fits that criteria and from the point of view of finding someone willing to accept such conditions.
Razor,
Delete"My understanding is it's a Carroll system but with some tweaks to it."
You're right that the origin of the current D is in the "classic" Carroll's defense (cover 1 man on base downs and cover 3 zone on passing downs). Kyle admired that D because it gave his earlier offenses the greatest fits.
But last season, even Carroll was not running his old D anymore because offenses had figured out how to beat his system by using the middle of field and throwing on first downs, and using several cover 3-beaters such as 4-verts, double smash, and curl/flat combos, among others.
So as counter, Fangio's 2-deep shell and related quarters coverages suddenly became all the rage and it lasted for over 5 seasons. Starting last season, I'm beginning to notice the increasing use of plays designed to beat Fangio's D. One example is the 4-strong where offenses use motion to move 4 pass catchers to one side at the snap to outnumber the D. Greg Cossell pointed out that Niners are one the biggest users of 4-strong.
But I digress.
Niners D line is run a little differently from Carrolls' 4-man formations. Niners use a little more of the wide 9 popularized by Jim Washburn. IIRC, the wide 9 DE lines up much more outside than Carrol's LEO (Seifert started that as the elephant when with the Niners). The run fits change accordingly.
I think Carroll can fit into Niners' scheme fairly easily. I don't think he'll want to, though.
Scoot,
DeleteI think Kyle already has his replacement candidates lined up. He wouldn't be sacking Wilkes without identifying what he considers better choices -- probably during last season itself ...
Mood, you are most likely right about that.
DeleteWonder if it's going to be Chris Kiffin. Familiar with the 49er defensive system, LB coach, fiery personality, NFL lineage...
DeleteThat would make sense. Wonder how the internal options would feel about that though?
DeletePLEASE TELL ME IT IS NOT TRUE!
ReplyDeleteThe 9ers lose SB LVIII, KS hears he can't win the big game and feels he has to do something? He can't blame himself, so Wilks is the fall guy?
SO NOW THE 9ERS HAVE TO HIRE A NEW DC, WHO WILL IT BE?
Nick Sorensen? Brandon Staley? Mike Vrabel? or Bill Belichick?
And what if the 9er fail to make it to SB LIX? Does the new DC get
fired, or does he replace Shanahan? Just to be clear, I am NOT a fan of Wilks, but something smells!
AS THE WORM TURNS!
I was hoping that Shanahan would go all Dan Campbell and roll the dice on that 4th and 4 in overtime.
DeleteLosing Omenihu in the off season and Ferrell to injury during the season caused instability. Also, Bosa's numbers were down from last year. The move to add Chase Young was a wash. I wasn't a Wilks fan and he obviously was not the answer, but he does not deserve the brunt of the blame.
ReplyDeleteAES
DeleteNot to disagree with you, but when do things fail? When max pressure is applied to them?
The playoffs were the max pressure games (GB and the Lions games), the 9er D failed and the Offense bailed them out!
Losing the SB was the straw that broke the Camel's back and
Wilks was let go!
NOTE: Every team, including KC, lose players to injury. And
teams that enjoy success, have coaches hired away by other
teams. The top teams find a way to win.
I hear you, GEEP. Also. I'm to old to concern myself with people who may not agree with me, lol.
DeleteI will submit that not finding ways to get Kittle open, and the Oline having difficulty nullifying the Chiefs blitzes (Purdy 3-12 on blitzes) did not help as well.
I believe that Wilks consequently lost his job in overtime. But, there were other factors involved, imho.
Matt Barrows
ReplyDelete@mattbarrows
An interesting internal candidate: defensive passing game/nickels coach Nick Sorensen. He's had a hand in a lot of areas -- LBs, CBs, NCBs in recent years, would have a global view of the defense. Shanahan said he'd prefer to stick w/ 49ers' current system, but not married to it
I made my feelings pretty clear on Wilks. Some team will be getting a real good D backs coach and that is where he should stay. My biggest problem with Wilks was his blitz schemes, they seldom resulted in a sack or big time pressure. They often ended up in a big play for the opponent. I can't remember the exact plays but he called 3 big blitzs Sunday, all important 3rd downs and all 3 failed and ended up being big 1st downs for the Chiefs. I vote for Vrabel. On another subject Aiyuk continues to call the 49ers out. He is forcing their hand. I just hope we can get a top 15 pick for him.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Take a leaf out the Chief's book and do what they did with Tyreek.
DeleteThe 49ers have a scheduled a media conference call with Kyle Shanahan at noon.
ReplyDeleteI think the hiring of Wilks was akin to a convenient marriage that ran its course. Not necessarily a mistake because they got to the Super Bowl.
ReplyDeleteShanny needs a DC on Spags' level and there's one available. Bill Belichick.
ReplyDeleteOne year gig to pick up another Lombardi? Bill likes to sail. Niners lease a Monterey home and a boat for him?
DeleteI could be wrong but I don't see Belichick taking direction from KS and I wonder whether KS would trust Belchick not to go after his job if things went south for a few games. Lastly I wouldn't want Belichick within 100 miles of the draft room. His last 3 to 5 drafts have been terrible and I think he would want some say in which D players they drafted.
ReplyDeleteHiring Belichick would basically be a negative vote of confidence for Shanahan. Hopefully, this is just a passing thought.
DeleteWhy in the world would two very successfull head coaches over decades (> 70y old), one considered possibly the GOAT, ever consider to coach as defensive coordinators again?
DeleteHere are a couple of FAs that wouldn't break the bank.
ReplyDeleteJosh Uche DE NE he is a bit of a Kocurek project but should come cheap.
Bryce Huff DE NYJ/Clelin Ferrell sign them as a package Ferrell is your 1st/2nd down run stopper and Huff is a pass rushing specialist who is poor against the run. He shouldn't break the bank as he only played 40% of the time for the jets.
In outside 49ers news. Jimmy G, is being suspended for violating the PED policy. This allows the Raiders from paying JG the $11.2M guaranteed money.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me? This report smells of RAT.
Well, Attention to detail was never Jimmy G's strong suit. Unlucky way to lose 8 figures.
DeleteI would think that there is no chance that he comes back to the 49ers, especially after his comments on "weird QB situation". Stranger things have happened though.
Hoping Darnold gets a bridge QB job somewhere so we can get a comp-pick.
2024 QB plan: Sign Josh Johnson/Retain Allen and Pray Purdy stays healthy.
Mug,
DeleteI see them resigning Allen and drafting a QB maybe as high as a 3rd rounder.
Evidently he was prescribed the Med but he didn't apply for a waiver from the NFL. Sounds like BS to me. I'm sure he will appeal.
ReplyDeleteI, see Coach. Looks like he needs to fire his agent.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if JG was willing to sign a vet minimum would the 49ers sign him to be their #2 for a season?
ReplyDeleteHaha, Steve Wilks has a better chance to return to the 49ers than Jimmy G.
DeleteI like the idea Coach. But, JG looks like he doesn't have anything left in the tank. I have doubts that he continues to play at all.
ReplyDeleteHave you guys seen some of the video on how the Chiefs OL held our DL particularly Bosa. It's unbelievable that these holds weren't called.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblkfQgPxwI
Cubus,
ReplyDeleteThese were obvious holds. Does the NFL have something against 49ers?
I suspect it's more like something "for" the Chiefs. I never used to believe in any of these conspiracy theories, but those holds were ridiculous and according to Bosa KC does it all the time.
DeleteThe Niners will have to take the trophy from the NFL's bloody hands.
ReplyDeleteHa! I, still can't get over the atrocious non holding call on the Ravens 2nd half KO return against Bruce Miller in the 2012 SB.
ReplyDeleteBoy but does Grant Cohn (and his dad) have it in for KS & the Niners. Day just started and already he has 3 brutal posts. This guy just won't let up. Have to wonder if this has any effect on KS or the team.
ReplyDelete(This is Gary from PD blog)
Cohn's lucky Shanny lost or he wouldn't have anything more to talk about
DeleteI doubt that Shanahan or the 49ers players give a spit what daddy and baby Cohn have to say. Just ask Javon Kinlaw what he thinks of baby Cohn.
DeleteThey are idiots. I see that Grant posts dozens of times some days but I know it’s just BS so I don’t read them.
DeleteThe next NFL dates of importance: 2/26 Combine begins and 3/11 Free agency begins
ReplyDeleteCollege QB to look out for Michael Pratt Tulane if he slips to the late 3rd.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of adding another QB to the roster through the draft this year.
DeleteI'd be shocked if they use a 3rd round pick on a quarterback. I think Allen is the backup and a late day 3 or UFDA is their way forward.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of which direction the 49ers go at DC, I hope the team adds one or two up and coming guys to the defensive staff to groom.
ReplyDeleteWhich also makes me think Nick Sorensen could be a strong internal candidate. He was brought in in part because he was an up and comer with experience in a similar scheme under Carroll. He's now been here 2 years, and was the passing game coordinator last season. Who knows, could even be a case of seeing if Carroll would be interested in being a consultant to the team for a year to help Sorensen.
Chad Reuter, 3 round 49ers draft.
ReplyDelete1. Javon Bullard - S, Georgia.
2. Ben Sinnett - TE, Kansas St.
3. Kingsley Suamataia - OL, BYU
We're only in February, and nothing is written in cement, but that's a potential draft that could make me smile.
Safety would be an interesting choice, given they already have an all pro and last year's top pick on the roster. Give up on Brown so quickly?
DeleteGipson and Ryan won't be back. And, at the moment, there's no assurance that Hufanga will be fully healthy. J. Brown is a keeper and I doubt the team moves him.
ReplyDeleteThe guys I really like are Sinnett and Kingsley.
But, if the 49ers are fine with Latu and Willis, they go WR at this spot instead.
Aiyuk might be difficult in contract negotiations.
Can't wait to see what they do to fill the nickel spot. And if its Demo, what they do to replace him on the outside.
DeleteScooter/Coach
DeleteHave you guys seen any video of Penn St. OL, Caeden Wallace? He started 13 games and only gave up 1 sack. He looks like a hidden gem playing in Fashanu's shadow. Could he be around in the late 3rd or early 4th?
I've not looked at any draft prospects yet, but I hear its a good and deep OL group which bodes well for the 49ers. They should look to add at least two in the draft.
DeleteAES,
DeleteI hope he is available in the late 3rd. I see the 9ers using their 1st and 2nd round picks on defense, of course it all depends on free agency
Scooter,
Deletedo you think they will pick D or O with their first two picks?
OC, its hard to say until I see what they do in FA. But if I had to guess right now I'd say 1 of each, and both in the trenches.
Delete6 days until the combine
ReplyDeleteI'd be surprised if they take a Safety in the first round. Not how they work. I suspect it'll be fortify the trenches since they're losing a shit ton on the DL and need to upgrade the right side of the OL. They'll probably sign another RG like Feliciano on the cheap. Draft an OT to compete with McKivitz. Hopefully players like Zakelj, Danny Gray, Womack, Jackson and Beal come into camp hungry and ready to take the next step.
ReplyDeleteI have my fingers crossed on these players as well. Bell looked like a ball'r in TC and Womack has shown well when he's on the field. Gray might be on the fence. But, I'm with you, that the 49ers need to strengthen their OL.
ReplyDeleteDo you see any good OL fits via the draft?
Kawakami came out today and said the 49ers are close to announcing their DC, probably this week.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna begin diving into OT's and DT's first leading up to the combine. Here's a list of F/A guards they could look to bring in:
ReplyDeleteDamien Lewis
Saahdiq Charles
Kevin Dotson
Robert Hunt
Robert Hunt could be a viable option because he's playing in the Miami offense somewhat similar to the 49ers. He's just 27 yrs old that suggest he could have longevity.
DeleteSomebody posted this over at NN, but did not cite the source. Still, if true, this certainly eases my mind with regards to the salary cap:
ReplyDelete"Purdy can’t sign a new deal until after next season. And then his 2025 and 2026 numbers probably would be quite low, maybe in the $8-10 million range, with him taking a big bonus up front and smaller base salaries to start. Even if Purdy turns into a superstar, he won’t be a $40-million-plus cap number until 2027 at the earliest.
For example, Jalen Hurts signed a $255 million deal with the Eagles last offseason. But his cap charge in 2023 was $6.1 million. His cap charge in this coming season will be $13.6 million, and Hurts’ cap number doesn’t really start exploding until 2026, and even then it’s only $31.7 million."
I just read an article on Niners Nation tying the 49ers to Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich. Can anyone here tell me is it okay for a team to raid another teams coaching staff for a lateral move?
ReplyDeleteOnly with permission from the other team. I've seen it suggested he could be given Assistant HC duties as well to effectively make it a promotion, but even then, not sure how acceptable that would be considered vs lateral move.
DeleteBut Saleh might be willing to do Shanny a solid, especially if he already has someone else he's been grooming for that role.
Scooter,
DeleteI wonder if the Jets would take a 5th or 6th round pick for him?
I'd be loathe to give up draft picks for a coordinator. But hey, if Shanahan thinks he's the right guy and that's what it takes, so be it.
DeleteA potential FA signing Azeez Al-Shaair. I doubt Greenlaw will be back to full speed any time during the 25 season.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some people suggesting Kwon Alexander. He'd be nice... except he'd be joining Greenlaw in rehabbing his Achilles (albeit a couple of months ahead).
DeleteI expect Malachi Corley will get a lot of Deebo comps this draft cycle. But imo he's not quite as good/ dynamic an athlete. And he's a more limited WR at this stage (very reliant on schemed touches) than Deebo was coming out.
ReplyDeleteQUESTION FOR THE BLOG
ReplyDeleteShould the 9ers sign Aiyuk to a 4 year $92 Mil ($23 Mil p/y) extension, or should they trade him to Houston for draft picks #23 and #124?
I would want more in a trade. If he's willing to stay a 49er then I think I'd prefer to keep him in that scenario. But try and structure the contract so that if they need cap space in a couple of years they can look to trade him then.
DeleteGEEP,
DeleteI would sign Jennings to a multi-year contract, and trade either of Deebo or Aiyuk. Deebo is not quite living up to his contract. He was terrific against the Eagles, but he is very inconsistent and his style of play is prone to injury.
Aiyuk disappears during big games. Not just basing my opinion on the SB. But if you see Aiyuk's stats during playoffs he has 50% target/reception rate. That is not gonna cut it for us, if we pay him like a WR1.
So I would sign Jennings to a long-term contract. Trade either Deebo or Aiyuk and keep one long-term. Won't be sustainable long term to have all 3 WRs.
I would be fine with the 49ers moving Aiyuk. But, if this is Houston's best offer its far to cheap for a pro-bowl WR. Ryan's may try to push for such a trade because of Stoud. But if he really wants Aiyuk, he/Texans better come strong.
DeleteMugeek9er
DeleteRE Deebo and Jennings: I agree with you, but was specifically interested in trading Aiyuk for the reasons you pointed out and
I don't believe Aiyuk is worth a 4 year $92 Mil ($23 Mil p/y) extension. IMO, the 9ers would better use their resources by extending Jennings and UFA's like Ferrell, Feliciano, Ray Ray,
Kinlaw and others. For that kind of money, I'd rather sign a F/A
shut down CB like L'Jarius Sneed, Jaylon Johnson or maybe
Kendall Fuller to play slot?
Also. I don't believe DE Chase Young is worth resigning. For
one, his history of injuries. Two, his effort is at time poor and
three, MO he's not worth a multiyear contract at $13 to $15 Mil per year.
2024 NFL UFA OG Jonah Jackson is a top IOL when healthy, but has
ReplyDeletemissed playing time in both 2022 and 2023 due to injury.
Should the 9ers try to sign him to a 2 year $20 Mil contract?
Ian Rapoport
ReplyDelete@RapSheet
Salary cap news:
The NFL announced that the 2024 Salary Cap will be $255.4M per club
This is great news for all teams. Can't wait to see what they do in FA.
DeleteRazor:
DeleteNICE! That's $10 to $15 mil more than the $240 to $245 Mil that had been projected!
Yea, I think they're like $800 grand under the cap now.
DeleteOne thing is certain. The 49ers need to start hitting on FAs and the draft sooner than later. Trent, Kittle, Warner, Deebo and CMC are only one injury away from putting the team in a rough situation. Last years rookie class did not yield much production. If the next rookie class fails to bring dividends the 49ers Playoff and SB window will take a negative hit.
ReplyDeleteAES
DeleteWho are 5 free agents the 9er should look to sign?
* For me, 2 free agent OG's, 1 shut down CB and a DE/DT
Breaking: #Dolphins will release 4x Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard, per
Delete@MikeGarafolo
. He had 29 INTs during his incredible run in Miami.
One thing I have really admired about the ShanaLynch era is the success they've had finding star players in the draft.
Delete2017: Kittle
2018: Warner
2019: Bosa and Deebo
2020: Aiyuk
2021: Hufanga
2022: Purdy
2023: TBD...
And that's just the stars they've found.
Also added Williams and CMC via trade.
I trust them to find talent.
ReplyDeleteMatt Maiocco (Threads @maiocconbcs)
@MaioccoNBCS
·
2m
The #49ers today released CB Isaiah Oliver.
A shame it didn't work out, but this was inevitable after how last season went for him.
DeleteGEEP,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who they can afford. But, the positions that need upgrades is OL, CB, Edge,
LB and maybe WR if the 49ers
move Aiyuk or Deebo.
Obviously, last years rookies and this years draftees need to find their niche.
According to Niner Nation with a couple of contract renegotiations and the roll over of this years unused cap the 9ers could end up with about 100 mill in cap space. They could resign Aiyuk and Jennings as well as 2 or 3 good to very good FAs. A DE, OL and CB.
ReplyDeleteGoing to be interesting to see how much they decide to restructure contracts this offseason to push cap hits further down the line. There's only so many times you want to do that on one players contract, and almost all of their biggest cap hits this year had a restructure last offseason.
DeleteI think players like Warner and Ward could be candidates to get extended.
DeleteAs much as I hated the NFL putting a play off game on a paid streaming service it seems to have paid off for the 49ers. Evidently a big part of the unexpected cap bump came from that game. I have heard the NFL expects to do it for 2 or more playoff games this year. It could keep the 9ers SB window open a couple of more years than expected.
ReplyDeleteAs long as they have Shanny and Purdy the window should remain open barring serious injuries to Williams or Bosa.
ReplyDeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteA lot will depend on their success in the post Adam Peters drafts
I've seen a few people suggesting the 49ers should be in play for RT Mike Owenwu in FA. I think he'd be a good pickup.
ReplyDeleteI imagine he'll have quite a few teams with interest.
DeleteFormer 9er players who are 2024 free agents the FO could target in free agency at a reasonable price!
ReplyDelete* LB Azeez Al-Shaair: A replacement for Dre Greenlaw as he recovers from an Achilles tear. He could also replace Greenlaw if he leaves as a free agency next season.
* CB Emmanuel Moseley: ACL tears in 2022 and 2023 tears means the 9ers can't rely too heavily on him. But he shouldn't be expensive and is a quality player when healthy. He would compete for a job both outside and in the slot.
* WR Kendrick Bourne: Signing him would depend on retaining WR Jennings. If the 9ers lose Jennings, Bourne would be a reliable WR
replacement.
* DL Hassan Ridgeway: A good player for the 9ers in 2022 before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury. He was also injured with the Texans where he had two stints on IR. His health history may drive the 9ers away, but if they’re confident he can remain healthy in 2024, they may sign him in as a rotational interior DL where his snaps could be limited.
* QB Nate Sudfeld: BP beat out Sudfeld for a roster spot in 2022, but before that season SF guaranteed Sudfeld a couple million dollars under the assumption he’d be QB2 behind Lance and JG.
It’s clear KS likes him, and with no other QBs on the roster the 9ers could sign Sudfeld as the backup QB to BP.
NFL UFA OG's the 9ers should try to sign who would upgrade the O-Line and give BP the time needed to find his WR's.
ReplyDelete* The 9ers ranked 20th in pass block win rate last season, indicating a strong need for improvement in O-Lline performance.
* The 9er FO should begin by resigning UFA OG, Jon Feliciano.
* OG Robert Hunt is a viable candidate to shore up the RG position for the 49ers. His tenure with the Miami demonstrated a proficiency in pass protection and versatility across various run schemes.
* O-Line Jonah Jackson: Despite injuries to conclude the 2023 season, he has demonstrated Pro Bowl-caliber performances when healthy. An UFA from the Lions, Jackson's acquisition could provide an immediate boost to the 9ers O-Line.