Well, the 49ers have found something common in one of their top draft prospect this year. Both of them had a horrendous 2024. On one hand, the 49ers experienced a meteoric fall from Super Bowl LVIII runners-up to NFC West bottom-dwellers. On the other hand, you have Ohio State’s Offensive tackle Josh Simmons. The 22-year-old was almost certain to be picked high in this year’s draft until his future flashed in front of his eyes after suffering a torn patellar tendon. However, the 49ers might actually have received some welcome news on Josh Simmons’ recovery from his knee injury. Looks like against all odds, Simmons will be ready before the 2025 season comes rolling.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport believes Simmons is already defying all expectations with his simply magical recovery. Speaking from the Combine, Rapoport said, “My understanding after talking to several sources informed of his medical and physical here. It sounds like it went incredibly well. Simmons reported that he’s way ahead of schedule and I was told he’s healing extremely nicely and there’s a very real chance—an expectation almost—that he’s ready to start the 2025 season.” If that really happens, it would be wonderful news for the 49ers who are on the market for an OT.

It’s been almost 4 years since the last time the Niners actually drafted an offensive tackle. Their backup tackle Jaylon Moore is expected to hit free agency. Then, next year starting right tackle Colton McKivitz is also predicted to hit unrestricted free agency. So, that leaves the 49ers with a glaring need in their O-line. Yes, Josh Simmons could be a great pick, but using No.11 overall on him would that be a wise choice? See the 49ers haven’t had a great time with their players suffering a torn patellar tendon. Defensive end Drake Jackson tore his and hasn’t played since. Former center Weston Richburg tore his in 2019 and never played another down.

So, naturally, the 49ers will have doubts about Simmons. Of course, they wouldn’t want their 2025 to turn into a Game of Thrones Season 8. After everything they have done right, leaving 2024—underperforming in 2025 will spill cold water on all of their positives. Like you know, people never miss the chance to point out the negatives. No matter how great you were, like the early seasons of Game of Thrones. It’s inevitable they will poke you with Season 8 in the case of the 49ers—it’s last season.

With that being said, there might be more changes coming in the Bay Area. Hours after trading Deebo Samuel to the Commanders, the 49ers are predicted to trade their $120M receiver.

Is Brandon Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco coming to an end?

Two seasons back, if you had asked anyone whether the 49ers are looking to trade away Brandon Aiyuk, they would have straight-up called you crazy. In 2022, Aiyuk posted a career-high 78 receptions. Then, the following season, he racked up career-high receiving yards with 1,342 in just 75 receptions. Like he played with an average of 17.9 yards per reception. So, after some tug of war with the 49ers front office. Aiyuk earned a $120M contract extension. With more money came more responsibilities from Aiyuk. However, he couldn’t justify the price tag in his first year after that mammoth extension.

His 2024 season abruptly ended after he tore his ACL, MCL against the Chiefs in week 7. And even for the 7 games he played prior to his season-ending injury, Aiyuk never looked like a multi-million dollar player. He was average at best, hauling in only 25 receptions for 374 receiving yards. There’s also no guarantee he will be as explosive as he was before rupturing his ACL.

Because players tend to lose their speed and charisma after coming off such a huge setback. Maybe that’s why the 49ers are looking to get rid of Aiyuk while his stock is still high. Although there might be very little interest in him after what happened last season, the 49ers could find a way to get a good deal out of Aiyuk. For sure, they can at least get a first-rounder or at the very least a second-rounder for Aiyuk. Yet again, it depends upon his recovery and the gamble other franchises are willing to take on an injured player.