San Francisco 49ers Preview

July 26, 2024 by Staff

After a season in which they fell just short of winning their first Super Bowl in thirty years (1994), the San Francisco 49ers should be back in the mix in 2024.

The 49ers are the odds favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX (59) on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans for a rematch with Kansas City whom they fell to 25-22 in overtime.

One thing the 49ers and Chiefs have in common are two of the NFL's top tight ends - in fact, two of the best in the business. Kansas City boasts Travis Kelce while San Francisco has Greg Kittle.

The 'Niners also have the benefit of a consistent roster with top returnees in QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, and WR Deebo Samuel.

However, as of this writing, negotiations with 26-year old Brandon Aiyuk and team management are ongoing. So far, the sides appear to be about $4 million off in total compensation as he tries to leverage the success of his 84-catch 1,491-yard, 8-TD season in 2023. Those numbers topped a solid 2022 season in which he had 84 receptions for 1,124 yards and 8 scores.

All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, 36, is holding out over the lack of any guaranteed money. He is under contract through 2026 at the 3rd-highest total for his position at $23 million a year.

There's only so much money to go around. QB Brock Purdy could sign for $60 million a year after Mr. Irrelevant's initial contract was $3.7 million for four years. He becomes eligible for a new deal next year.

Earlier this summer, McCaffrey, 28, signed a two-year extension worth $38 million.

Meanwhile, the defense will still be anchored by Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.

San Francisco was 2nd in total offense and 8th in defense a year ago, but Nick Sorensen takes over at Defensive Coordinator for Steve Wilks who held that role for just one season and was fired after the Super Bowl. Sorensen has been with the organization since 2022 when he was hired as a defensive assistant and was given the responsibilities of defensive passing game specialist & nickel packages coach a year ago. The Frank Beamer protege played linebacker, quarterback, and special teams in college (Virginia Tech) and parlayed that into a 10-year NFL playing career. He's been on the sidelines of an NFL team every year since 2013.

Brandon Staley is the new assistant head coach after Anthony Lynn left for the Washington Commanders.

San Francisco doesn't have an official post of offensive coordinator, though head coach Kyle Shanahan largely fills the role with assists from Klay Kubiak and Chris Foerster.

San Francisco will face the 12th-toughest (tied with 3 others) schedule in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule

Week 1 vs. Jets on Sept. 9
Week 2 at Vikings on Sept. 15
Week 3 at Rams on Sept. 22
Week 4 vs Patriots on Sept. 29
Week 5 vs Cardinals on Oct. 5
Week 6 at Seahawks on Oct. 10
Week 7 vs. Chiefs on Oct. 20
Week 8 vs. Cowboys on Oct. 27
Week 9 Bye
Week 10 at Buccaneers on Nov. 19
Week 11 vs Seahawks on Nov. 17
Week 12 at Packers on Nov. 24
Week 13 at Bills on Dec. 1
Week 14 vs Bears on Dec. 8
Week 15 vs. Rams on Dec. 12
Week 16 vs Dolphins on Dec. 22
Week 17 vs. Lions on Dec. 30
Week 18 at Cardinals (TBD)