

The San Francisco 49ers are going all out this offseason. Luke Farrell, Patrick Taylor Jr., Richie Grant, Luke Gifford, and the list goes on as the 49ers have awarded them fresh contracts this offseason alone. Not to forget that John Lynch and star QB Brock Purdy are in talks for a long-term contract that could make Purdy the most expensive quarterback in the NFL. But this might not be just yet for the Niners general manager, as Lynch may have set his eyes on another generational talent.
With HC Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch in charge of recalibration, the Niners empire is changing directions. It’s not a rebuild! They are into a fire sale to achieve their aim of getting younger, fresher players. Trading or releasing almost all the players that might stumble in performance in the next 2-3 years. Amid this, they are also helping the new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh get some talent. Saleh already knew this Niners squad would need a few fresh talents and seems like the Niners DC has found the next superstar for San Francisco.
It started when the 49ers front office flooded the Oregon Pro Day. GM Lynch stood and talked to the inside linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. The San Francisco Standard reporter David Lombardi claimed the GM remains interested in the player, sparking rumors. He added, “I think that John Lynch talking to Jeffrey Bassa definitely got some people’s attention yesterday.”
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Well, the hype around Bassa is not surprising, though. Last year, before the 2024 CFB season even started, Bassa was placed at #3 on a list of the most underrated prospects for the 2025 draft. Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports said, “Bassa is one of the top coverage linebackers in the country. That combined with his excellent tackling skills and ability to rush the passer as a blitzer make him a defender who can stay on the field for every snap.” So, do not be surprised if Lynch wants someone like Bassa on his roster.
Lombardi of SF Standard also compared the 49ers’ historical choices. He claimed that the Niners favored players who moved from safety to inside, just like Bassa. But also warned Robert Saleh with a relatively low athletic score. The Oregon LB had a good 38.50-inch vertical leap in the combine. But, he showed some problems in a short space of 7.34 seconds for a 3-cone drill.
However, Bassa has shown he can deal with mental competition. The player is the 2024 Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP, getting 8 tackles. While explaining his mindset in such a crucial matchup, Bassa added, “Just keeping our poise, going to the sideline, not keeping our highs too high and our lows too low.” The 49ers’ plan is straightforward. They are looking to follow a new direction.
They are trying to emulate the Rams’ plan from 2023. Draft and train! In this scenario, it becomes extremely important to find the players with the upside of becoming the best. Or they should have some basic skills to work on.
They have traded WR Deebo Samuel to the Commanders. Brandon Aiyuk is also expected to trade out. But everyone is busy discussing their trades and exploring the worst ones.
What’s your perspective on:
Are the 49ers' offseason moves a masterstroke or a recipe for disaster?
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Robert Saleh & Co. slammed for the worst moves in the offseason
A few days back, HC Kyle Shanahan declared they were releasing FB Kyle Juszczyk and RB Jordan Mason. The update shocked everyone. But wait, it was just the teaser! He then re-signed the fullback. Analysts slammed the coach for poor decision-making. Something was fishy!
It was a similar case with the LB Dre Greenlaw. They first released him. And when the Broncos gave him a 3-year $35 million offer, they tried to persuade him to stay. But Robert Saleh knew he wouldn’t. Amid all this drama, fans chose Shanahan’s addition as their worst move.

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It’s replacing their blocking TE Charlie Woerner with Luke Farrell. In four years with the Jaguars, Farrell has never scored a touchdown. In 66 games (20 starters) in 4 seasons, the TE has 36 receptions in 318 receiving yards. So, they signed him on a 3-year $20.25 million contract.
It forced Woerner to move on with the Falcons. They signed a 3-year $12 million deal. So, the 49ers signed a player with almost the same skill set for double the price. The move will come to extensive testing during the season when the performance pressure will take over.
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So, they should make careful moves to save themselves from the blame game when it gets hot.
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Debate
Are the 49ers' offseason moves a masterstroke or a recipe for disaster?