The San Francisco 49ers began training camp this week in Santa Clara, California. There was a lot to process regarding injuries, style of play, and player development from the first week of the 49ers training camp.
The Defensive line unit is deep
The strength of the San Francisco 49ers is the defensive line led by Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead. There is a lot of depth at the line with players like Javon Kinlaw, Charles Omenihu, Kerry Hyder, Drake Jackson, and Samson Ebukam. However, the 49ers will have a tough decision on who to cut and who to keep this year because not everyone will make the defensive line unit.
Bosa will not get an extension this year
General Manager John Lynch stated during their opening press conference that they like to give contract extensions to players with one year left in their contract. Superstar Defensive End Nick Bosa still has two years left on his rookie contract with a fifth-year option available. Bosa is wise to wait because he will become one of the top, if not the top, paid defensive ends in the NFL. The TV revenue will also be at an all-time high in the next year.
Samuel is in good standing with Shanahan
Deebo Samuel was seen on the sideline running and staying in shape but not participating in team activities. Samuel still has no contract extension, but both sides are on good terms. Unfortunately, the two sides are stuck at a fork in the road. Samuel doesn’t want to sacrifice the money he will make at the end of his career from how the 49ers use him as a wideback now. The 49ers are less explosive and exciting offense with Deebo not running the ball, and expect both sides to agree with the 49ers training camp.
The Interior Offensive line is a major unknown
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said during his opening press conference before the 49ers training camp that the offensive line is like musical chairs during the 49ers training camp. Left Tackle Trent Williams, the top 49ers player according to Pro Football Focus, must be a pillar to help Lance in his first season as the starter. To the right of Williams is an unknown, with players like Aaron Banks, Daniel Brunskill, Jake Brendel, and Mike McGlinchey trying to establish themselves as legitimate starters in the NFL. The offensive line will be a significant factor in whether Trey Lance will be successful this year.
It’s Trey Lances Team
During the opening press conference of the 49ers training camp, Shanahan and Lynch both stated that the time for Trey Lance to take over and lead the team is now. Jimmy Garrappolo is healthy and still on the roster but will be released or traded. Garroppolo was running on the sidelines during the first week of 49ers training camp. There has been a lot of hype around the beginning of the Lance era. It will be interesting to see if Lance can lead the 49ers back to success when they’ve been to two conference championship games and a Super Bowl within the last four years.
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