SANTA CLARA – Brock Purdy, here. Fred Warner, here. Heck, almost every 49er is here, minus George Kittle.
The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
Purdy’s appearance alone is enough to uplift the mood at 4949 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, and general manager John Lynch said Purdy’s contract talks “are going in a good direction.”
“That’s Brock. He’s a pro,” Lynch said in an annual pre-draft press conference. “He’s very clear-minded and is not going to let other people influence what he should be doing. That’s one thing everybody respects about Brock. He’s done a lot for this organization.
“We’re grateful for him and we’re looking forward to having him as our quarterback for a long time.”
Lynch also expressed gratitude for so many players showing up, a month after the 49ers purged their roster with nearly 20 players landing on teams elsewhere. Also present for Tuesday’s Day 1 of Phase 1 were running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams, who both skipped last year’s voluntary portion and eventually signed contract revisision.
“It’s a voluntary time. I can tell you we’re really thrilled that almost our entire team is here, almost every player, and we’re excited about that,” Lynch said. “We need that. We need that togetherness. We need that shared sacrifice.”
Kittle’s absence shouldn’t be alarming, but it does reflect how the 49ers are again delaying business matters, as they typically do each offseason until hard deadlines approach in training camp and at the regular season’s doorstep.
As for Purdy, the 49ers’ starting quarterback enters his fourth season, he’s been patiently waiting for an overdue raise that likely will serve as the largest contract in 49ers history, if he clears the $50 million annual standard set by the NFL’s 10 highest-paid quarterbacks. He’s due a $5.3 million salary this season as his rookie contract expires.
Phase 1 of the NFL’s offseason programs restricts players to meetings plus strength and conditioning for the first two weeks, so Purdy is not being exposed to an injury risk on the practice field. Organized team activities, including 11-on-11 drills, don’t start until May 27.
Once Purdy’s deal is done – if it gets done – then that could release funds for other contracts.
Kittle is entering the final season of his contract, and any extension is expected make him the NFL’s first tight end to clear $20 million annually. Lynch said there’s been “good communication, good talks” with Kittle’s representatives, and Lynch did not disparage Kittle or others who are absent.
“We have a lot of great players and great people who have intrinsic motivation,” Lynch added. “Whether they’re here or not, they’re going to be working. We trust that and we believe in that. But it’s always nice to have your guys here.”
Warner has two seasons remaining under contract with $17.7 million salaries.
The NFL Draft commences Thursday, with the 49ers slotted to draft No. 11 overall with the first of their 11 selections over three days. Lynch said the 49ers have identified 20 players as first-round caliber, with 200 overall worthy of drafting.
NOTES
— Lynch said no disrespect was intended in the 49ers’ failed pursuit of wide receiver Davante Adams, who told The Athletic that the 49ers told his agent: “We want him wholesale. We ain’t payin’ retail.” Lynch’s response: “That wasn’t me. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Davante. He’s on a division rival. We’re going to have our work cut out against him. If there was any disrespect taken, none was intended.”
— Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator, after four years away, is enhancing the 49ers’ search to replace seven defensive starters.
Said Lynch: “Robert is a really good football coach. He has a lot more experience now than when he last left (in 2021). It’s been a lot of fun being in the draft meetings, and hearing how Robert’s evolved … and hearing what he wants at certain positions, articulating that. It’s very clear with Robert and that’s always good for me and our scouts.”
— Dustin Perry has been named the 49ers’ vice president of health and performance. He is entering his ninth year with the organization, previously serving as their head strength and conditioning coach.
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