No workforce was hit more durable in free company than the San Francisco 49ers. No workforce was as aggressive because the New England Patriots. I discover the newest on each golf equipment in my column, in addition to one of many NFL Draft’s prime prospects.
Purdy safe
There isn’t any doubt who the 49ers’ quarterback of the longer term is: Brock Purdy. Whereas sources do not imagine a contract extension is imminent, FOX Sports activities has discovered that each side are actively negotiating with the intent to finalize a deal earlier than the 2025 season.
May it occur earlier than subsequent month’s draft? It is potential, however as one league supply put it, “there’s not a rush.”
The larger query is, what is going to the phrases be?
Earlier within the 2024 season, it appeared potential that Purdy may surpass Dak Prescott’s $60 million annual clip with the Cowboys if he had one other stellar marketing campaign and deep playoff run. Whereas that now appears much less doubtless, a number of sources insist that Purdy may nonetheless land “wherever from $50-$55 million, or doubtlessly extra.”
If current historical past is any information, a brand new deal may take a while. For Nick Bosa’s extension, San Francisco waited till the day earlier than the 2023 season. Brandon Aiyuk’s negotiations dragged on for months, solely to be resolved per week earlier than the 2024 season. Trent Williams‘ contract talks had been additionally troublesome final yr, and Deebo Samuel had his personal drawn-out course of three years in the past.
“I actually simply assume Kyle (Shanahan) and John (Lynch) wish to get this completed,” a present GM informed FOX Sports activities. “The ultimate quantity will likely be difficult, however the cap is rising, and the quarterback market is barely going up.
“After the yr they’ve had with the dropping, accidents, Aiyuk, and buying and selling Deebo (Samuel), I am unsure they’ve the abdomen to have one other contentious negotiation within the media.”
Jordan Schultz shares the newest on Brock Purdy-49ers contract talks
May there be a hometown low cost?
“Maybe just a little,” the GM stated. “However Purdy’s getting paid, that is a truth. The profit the 49ers have is that he is been taking part in on a really team-friendly deal, so perhaps he takes rather less to lock in long-term safety.”
Earlier this month, the Niners misplaced each of final yr’s backup quarterbacks in free company — Brandon Allen to Tennessee and Josh Dobbs to New England — in order that they signed Mac Jones to a two-year deal.
This story comes full circle in a means, because it’s well-known in league circles that Kyle Shanahan was enamored with Jones within the 2021 draft. There have been critical discussions about taking him at No. 3 earlier than the workforce in the end pivoted to Trey Lance, a transfer that did not pan out.
Now, Jones and Shanahan are lastly collectively, however let’s be clear: That is Purdy’s workforce, and Jones is strictly there as a backup. His addition can have no bearing on Purdy’s impending extension.
Aiyuk up for grabs
Issues are a bit extra tenuous, nevertheless, between the Niners and their WR1.
Sources point out that the 49ers are open to buying and selling Aiyuk — a terrific participant who will definitely be motivated — and there was communication with a number of groups. Nevertheless, buying and selling for Aiyuk’s contract coming off an ACL harm is a tall order, and most imagine it’s unlikely.
The timing right here is essential: Aiyuk has a assured choice bonus of practically $23 million that triggers on April 1, making it more durable to maneuver him afterward.
“It might be a reasonably large shock for me,” a personnel director stated.
Pats hold digging in
One potential Aiyuk suitor is likely to be off the board.
Whereas Stefon Diggs did not signal with the Patriots after his preliminary go to final week, it was solely a matter of time earlier than he did. The workforce was very happy along with his medicals and thus moved shortly to ink him to a three-year deal value as much as $69 million. Sources have repeatedly stated Diggs is forward of schedule in his ACL rehab and must be prepared by Week 1.
The Patriots, in the meantime, had been extremely motivated so as to add one other receiver or two this offseason, and Diggs continues to be the kind of man who can win on the line of scrimmage.
“My feeling was he’d get one thing much like what Cooper Kupp bought from Seattle [three years, $45 million max],” a personnel director stated. “New England made the transfer, they usually have an out after the primary yr if issues do not go properly. However I like Diggs for them.”
The Patriots have been pursuing a number of high-priced receivers, together with Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, Calvin Ridley, Chris Godwin and Aiyuk, amongst others — however had but to shut any offers earlier than Diggs. With Drake Maye now the franchise cornerstone, including weapons to his arsenal has grow to be a prime precedence for Mike Vrabel & Co.
Jordan Schultz on the newest with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers
No. 1 OT within the draft?
LSU offensive deal with Will Campbell’s arm size has been a key speaking level all through the pre-draft course of, and his Professional Day measurement offered an necessary replace. On the NFL Mix, Campbell’s arms got here in at 32 5/8 inches —simply shy of the 33-inch threshold that many NFL groups favor for deal with prospects. Nevertheless, at LSU’s Professional Day on Wednesday, NFL scouts measured his arms at precisely 33 inches, checking off a vital field for evaluators.
Such a discrepancy is not distinctive to Campbell, as sources say a number of offensive linemen this offseason measured barely shorter on the Mix in comparison with their Professional Day or different All-Star occasions just like the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl.
With Professional Day measurements performed by workforce scouts somewhat than the league, there’s at all times some variation, however the important thing takeaway is that Campbell now formally meets the specified benchmark. This could solidify his inventory as the highest deal with within the draft.
“I do not assume groups will likely be as involved about Campbell’s arm size as some have made it out to be,” an NFL evaluator stated. “His Professional Day measurement ought to assist quiet the pointless noise. However on the finish of the day, for those who can play, you possibly can play. Campbell has a excessive soccer IQ and the mobility and power wanted to be an NFL deal with.”
Jordan Schultz is an NFL Insider for FOX Sports activities. He additionally co-hosts the “Why Is Draymond Inexperienced Speaking About Soccer?” present. You possibly can comply with him on X at @Schultz_Report.
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