SANTA CLARA – It’s that time of year the 49ers like to promote their “nice track record of extending the players who are important to us.”
Each year, that is meant as a vote of confidence in the form of a big-money extension for a homegrown star. Brandon Aiyuk should be this year’s target, unless all parties are cool with him playing out his rookie contract at $14 million salary, which is almost half of what he might get annually in a new deal.
Overall, the 49ers must overcome playoff heartbreak to recharge their roster, and the first step looms with next week’s start of free agency. Negotiations on the open market begin Monday at 9 a.m., and deals can not be executed until Wednesday, although the 49ers can re-sign their own ahead of time.
Here is a look at their in-house free agents:
DEFENSIVE LINE
The brunt of the 49ers’ defensive line is up for a new contract: Clelin Ferrell, Chase Young, Randy Gregory, Javon Kinlaw, Kevin Givens and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
Young, acquired in an October trade for a third-round pick, has Nick Bosa’s endorsement for an encore. But Young had a mixed showing opposite his ex-Ohio State teammate: 2 ½ sacks in nine regular-season games, poor pursuit of a touchdown run in the NFC title game, and then a bounce-back showing in the Super Bowl with a sack. Welcoming Young back on a short-term prove-it deal could benefit the 49ers, but Young may find a more lucrative spot elsewhere.
Ferrell started all 17 regular-season games before a knee injury kept him out of the playoffs, revealing how much his work ethic and edge-setting presence was missed. Joseph-Day, a late arrival who played 63 defensive snaps over the final five games, has ties to former Chargers coach Brandon Staley, who has been added to Kyle Shanahan’s staff.
QUARTERBACK
Purdy’s backups at quarterback, Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen, are both slated to return to the marketplace. Neither saw a big change in stock in 2023 as Purdy rebounded from elbow surgery to set a franchise record for passing yards. Darnold’s one-year apprenticeship in Shanahan’s system could enhance his market value, but he still might not find a better shot at a starting job across the NFL landscape, unless he’s willing to serve as a bridge to the next wave of rookie phenoms arriving.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Jon Feliciano unseated Spencer Burford as the starting right guard during last season’s playoff push, and Feliciano was faring well up until the Super Bowl, when an elbow injury forced his exit and the insertion of Burford, who missed a critical block on their final offensive snap of overtime.
Feliciano caused a stir on social media the next day as he pointed out that right tackle Colton McKivitz was not at fault, thus exposing Burford as the culprit. General manager John Lynch defended Feliciano to reporters at the NFL scouting combine, so re-signing Feliciano is an option, but so is the possibility of bringing in an upgrade. Backup linemen Matt Pryor and Ben Barch are also pending free agents.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The 49ers could lock up third-down specialist Jauan Jennings to a multi-year contract after his breakout role in the Super Bowl. Or they could have to drop a second-round tender ($4.9 million) on him as a restricted free agent; the 49ers would receive a second-round pick as compensation should they choose not to match another suitor’s offer.
Ray-Ray McCloud was a serviceable return specialist, but perhaps his final image in a 49ers uniform was the failure to pounce on a punt that ricocheted off unsuspecting rookie Darrell Luter Jr.’s foot. McCloud’s two-year totals as a reserve wide receiver: 26 catches, 378 yards, one touchdown; plus two receptions for 26 yards in these past playoffs.
Chris Conley proved a valuable veteran coming off the practice squad and delivering well in the playoffs with a couple of catches and special-teams plays. He is 31, so another one-year deal could work for both parties.
TIGHT ENDS
Charlie Woerner’s impact in special teams and as a blocking tight end should make him a priority to re-sign rather than cast him into free agency for the first time. Signing Ross Dwelley to a one-year deal is an annual rite of spring, though last season didn’t end well as they kept him on Injured Reserve with a high-ankle sprain.
What other options could complement George Kittle as he enters his eighth season? Cameron Latu spent last year on Injured Reserve, and fellow rookie Brayden Willis wasn’t targeted in 48 snaps.
LINEBACKERS
Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are better known for their special-teams acumen than as backup linebackers. Because Dre Greenlaw is recovering from a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl, it’s imperative the 49ers have depth at the weak-side spot next to Fred Warner. Burks and Flannigan-Fowles know the system, and rookies Dee Winters and Jalen Graham learned it in the shadows of their rookie year.
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SAFETIES
Tashaun Gipson Sr. sparked the 49ers’ NFC Championship win by forcing a fumble, and his veteran presence is a positive in the secondary. But after back-to-back one-year deals, the 49ers may opt to move on and roll with Ji’Ayir Brown and Talanoa Hufanga as their projected starters, assuming Hufanga recovers from knee reconstruction surgery.
Logan Ryan arrived late in the season after Hufanga’s injury and also took on the nickel back role. It would be a surprise if he re-signs rather than return to pseudo-retirement.
Cornerback Isaiah Oliver was released last week, a reminder that the 49ers are hunting for options at nickel back yet again.