OTA's

 49ers OTAs begin this Wednesday May 27-29, June 1, 3, and 4

Mandatory minicamp is on June 9-10 49ers football is right around the corner friends!

Helping Hand

 

Fox is suggesting the 49ers help their QB less than publicly perceived.

COTY

Should've been Kyle Shanahan by a country mile but it seems he's graded on a higher curve. 

OL Surfaces

 Understanding offensive surfaces is critical from both a coaching and player development perspective because surfaces dictate how an offense creates leverage, numbers advantages, run lanes, and pass protection structure

A surface is simply the number of eligible blockers attached to one side of the formation, and defenses are constantly adjusting fronts, fits, and coverage strength based on those surfaces A 2 man surface is typically built with the Guard and Tackle attached to one side of the Center and is often used in spread formations or balanced looks. This keeps spacing clean and forces defenses to defend width and space A 3 man surface usually includes the Tight End attached to the Tackle and Guard, creating additional edge support and allowing offenses to run stronger downhill concepts, gap schemes, and play action off the surface A 4 man surface adds another attached player such as an H Back, Fullback, or extra Tight End, creating the ability to overload a defense, generate double teams, create vertical displacement at the point of attack, and control the line of scrimmage physically From a coaching perspective, surface recognition is one of the most important parts of offensive football because it impacts: • Run fits and defensive alignments • Box counts and leverage • Pass protection structure • Front identification and communication • Blocking angles and double teams • How defenses set their strength The best offenses understand how to manipulate surfaces to force defenses into unfavorable numbers and leverage situations Surface variation also allows offenses to disguise intentions, create formation stress, and dictate how defenses must communicate and adjust pre snap

To Travel Or Not To Travel

That is the question when it comes to Mykel Williams, Nick Bosa and George Kittle. Flying at high altitudes for that length of time will almost certainly stimulate inflammation surrounding the affected area around the injuries. I am expecting all three to remain behind when the team travels down under for the season opener against their NFC West division rivals, the LA Rams. I'll be surprised if any of them make the trip. What about you? This is where I feel like it makes some sense to sign a DE like Joey Bosa. 

You've Got Mail

 I got to ask Eric Branch a question last week:

 @Invader49er: Is Chris Foerster the 49ers’ best offensive line coach since Bobb McKittrick?

Yes? It’s hard to assess the impact of NFL position coaches, but it helps to ask a question: How much do they get out of the talent they’re given?

It’s why McKittrick is a legendary figure. The 49ers used one first-round pick on an offensive lineman in his 21 seasons (1979-1999) — selecting tackle Harris Barton with pick No. 22 in 1987 — and won their five Super Bowls during that span. That was partly because of McKittrick’s water-into-wine work. The 49ers’ starting line in their last Super Bowl win included Derrick Deese (undrafted), Jesse Sapolu (11th round) and Guy McIntyre (third).

“He has developed more offensive-line knowledge than anyone, ever,” Bill Walsh once said. “His men have played longer, with better technique, more production, fewer injuries. In every possible category you can measure, he’s right at the top.'”

Foerster is similar. His ability to develop unheralded players has also shaped the 49ers’ draft approach, leading them to prioritize skill-position players with their offensive picks (and causing some fans to lose their minds). The 49ers’ $45 million right tackle, Colton McKivitz, is a fifth-round pick. Center Jake Brendel (undrafted) has become a solid four-year starter after starting just three games before age 30. Guard Dominick Puni (third round) is clearly a keeper.

The 49ers have had other well-regarded offensive-line coaches between McKittrick and Foerster, most notably Mike Solari (2010-14), who oversaw strong units in the Jim Harbaugh era. But Solari also had the benefit of working with three first-round picks: Joe Staley, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis.

And On The 7th Day

 

The 49ers will set an NFL record this season by traveling more than 38,000 miles, including trips to Melbourne, Australia and Mexico City crossing 58 time zones.

2026 San Francisco 49ers Schedule

 That's a gauntlet after the Bye! 

Taken By Force

 Many reasons why the 49ers are on the low end of forcing turnovers, but what is the number one reason in your opinion?

Under Pressure

 

Just 17 Sundays until the 49ers kick off the 2026 season.

Mini-Camp

 The 49ers begin their rookie minicamp today and we’ll get our first look at the 2026 draft class in Red & Gold.

OTAs will start on May 27th where the rookies will meet up with the vets for the first time.

Morris Talks

New 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will meet the local media for the first time at 12:15 PT Thursday to kick off the team’s rookie minicamp. 

Devils In The Details

 

The salary cap breakdown of Trent Williams 2-year, $50M contract with the 49ers

• $48.5M GTD • $22.2M signing bonus & 2026 salary/workout bonus are GTD • 2027 base salary & $11M bonus GTD • 4 void years added Trent Williams signed a two year, $50 million contract with the 49ers on April 20, 2026, replacing his prior contract he had with the team. $48.5 million is guaranteed. Williams received a $22.2 million signing bonus and his 2026 salary, per game and workout bonus are both guaranteed. In 2027 Williams base salary and an $11 million option bonus are guaranteed. The team has until September 1 to exercise the option or convert it to a roster bonus. If Williams is on the roster on September 1 of 2027 and does not hold out or miss any offseason time he will earn an $11.5 million roster bonus in 2028 that will be fully guaranteed if earned. There are effectively four void years for salary cap purposes. The contract is designed to have a post June 1 treatment in 2028. The 49ers have until the 10th day of the league year to terminate or extend the contract and prevent a $50.175 million 2029 roster bonus from becoming fully guaranteed. There are also per game bonuses worth up to $900,000 per year and a 1st game $500,000 bonus for 2027.

SOS

 

All Purpose LB

Louisiana HC Michael Desormeaux coached LB Jaden Dugger for 2 seasons and here’s his take on the 49ers draft pick: “It’s the versatility. His first year with us he played on the edge. A lot of the teams thought that’s pretty intriguing. He’s 6'5", long arms. He can rush. He’s got good pass rush ability. He’s got that on tape. The thing I like about it is he can play inside backer… He’s got a safety background so in the pass drops, he understands coverage really well. He’s got really fluid hips. He’s really smooth... He gives you the ability to play in multiple fronts, multiple defenses without having to switch personnel.” 

Could line him up on the edge in that 5-man front.