There’s a big financial shift coming to the San Francisco 49ers.
For years, the team by the Bay Area benefitted from having quarterbacks like Brock Purdy on rookie contracts.
Now that negotiations with Purdy are underway, the 49ers need to plan around his potentially massive deal by cutting the fat elsewhere.
Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward are just a few key defenders who have already departed San Francisco.
On a recent podcast with Brett Kollman of “The Film Room,” ESPN analyst Mina Kimes mentioned that even with those key players, the 49ers ranked 23rd in run DVOA defense last season.
Now with their departure and Purdy’s contract looming, 49ers’ GM John Lynch and company must make smart choices with their signings.
Kimes referenced San Francisco’s drafting strategy, taking Mykel Williams, an edge out of Georgia in the first round, and Alfred Collins, a big defensive tackle from Texas.
Both are player that will be crucial to aiding the 49ers in stopping the run.
San Francisco’s draft sent a clear message: They want to stop the run.
Discussed their class with @BrettKollmann on the pod!
🎧: https://t.co/BEdZ7lIU9m
📺: https://t.co/fWvgQKzNqb pic.twitter.com/Kc25nNfPj4
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 30, 2025
Kollman added the point that Robert Saleh is back as defensive coordinator and his focus will be stopping the run.
Another key addition from the draft was C.J. West, a run-stopping DT from Indiana.
“C.J. West is there to stop the run, Alfred Collins is there to stop the run, Mykel is there to stop the run,” Kollman said. “Because if they get you into 3rd and 7, Nick Bosa will do the rest.”
If all three can be productive on rookie contracts, it will make life much easier for Purdy and the rest of the 49ers.
