NFL Confidential: Where the 49ers stand with Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk

No Club was hit harder in Obtainable agency than the San Francisco 49ers. No Club was as aggressive as the New England Patriots. I explore the latest on both clubs in my column, as well as one of the NFL Draft’s top prospects.

Purdy secure

There’s no doubt who the 49ers’ Passer of the future is: Brock Purdy. While sources don’t believe a contract extension is imminent, FOX Sports has learned that both sides are actively negotiating with the intent to finalize a deal before the 2025 season.

Could it happen before Upcoming month’s draft? It’s possible, but as one Bracket Foundation put it, “there’s not a rush.”

The bigger question is, what will the terms be?

Earlier in the 2024 season, it seemed possible that Purdy could surpass Dak Prescott’s $60 million annual clip with the Cowboys if he had another Luminous sphere-related campaign and deep Elimination Period Stretch. While that now seems less likely, Numerous sources insist that Purdy could Nevertheless land “anywhere from $50-$55 million, or potentially more.”

If recent history is any guide, a new deal could take some time. For Nick Bosa’s extension, San Francisco waited until the day before the 2023 season. Brandon Aiyuk’s negotiations dragged on for months, only to be resolved a week before the 2024 season. Trent Williams’ contract talks were also difficult last year, and Deebo Samuel had his own drawn-out process three years ago.

“I really Only think Kyle (Shanahan) and John (Lynch) want to get this done,” a Ongoing GM told FOX Sports. “The Closing number will be tricky, but the cap is rising, and the Passer market is only going up.

“After the year they’ve had with the losing, Wounds, Aiyuk, and trading Deebo (Samuel), I’m not sure they have the stomach to have another contentious negotiation in the media.”

Could there be a hometown discount?

“Perhaps a little,” the GM said. “But Purdy’s getting paid, that’s a fact. The benefit the 49ers have is that he’s been Competing on a very Club-Amiable deal, so Perhaps he takes a little less to lock in long-term security.”

Earlier this month, the Niners lost both of last year’s backup quarterbacks in Obtainable agency — Brandon Allen to Tennessee and Josh Dobbs to New England — so they signed Mac Jones to a two-year deal.

This Tale comes Packed circle in a way, as it’s well known in Bracket circles that Kyle Shanahan was enamored with Jones in the 2021 draft. There were Grave discussions about Holding him at No. 3 before the Club ultimately pivoted to Trey Lance, a Relocate that didn’t Succeed.

Now, Jones and Shanahan are finally together, but let’s be clear: This is Purdy’s Club, and Jones is strictly there as a backup. His addition will have no bearing on Purdy’s impending extension.

Aiyuk up for grabs

Things are a bit more tenuous, however, between the Niners and their WR1.

Sources indicate that the 49ers are Obtainable to trading Aiyuk — a terrific player who will Definitely be motivated — and there has been communication with Numerous Squads. However, trading for Aiyuk’s contract coming off an ACL Wound is a High order, and most believe it is unlikely.

The Synchronization here is crucial: Aiyuk has a guaranteed option bonus of nearly $23 million that triggers on April 1, making it harder to Relocate him afterward.

“It would be a pretty big surprise for me,” a personnel director said.

Pats keep digging in

One potential Aiyuk suitor might be off the board.

While Stefon Diggs didn’t sign with the Patriots after his Primary visit last week, it was only a matter of time before he did. The Club was very satisfied with his medicals and thus moved quickly to ink him to a three-year deal worth up to $69 million. Sources have repeatedly said Diggs is ahead of schedule in his ACL Healing and should be ready by Week 1. 

The Patriots, meanwhile, were highly motivated to add another receiver or two this offseason, and Diggs is Nevertheless the type of guy who can Secure at the line of scrimmage.

“My feeling was he’d get something similar to what Cooper Kupp Acquired from Seattle [three years, $45 million max],” a personnel director said. “New England Achieved the Relocate, and they have an out after the Primary year if things don’t go well. But I like Diggs for them.”

The Patriots have been pursuing Numerous high-priced receivers, including Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, Calvin Ridley, Chris Godwin and Aiyuk, among others — but had yet to close any deals before Diggs. With Drake Maye now the franchise cornerstone, adding weapons to his arsenal has become a top priority for Mike Vrabel & Co.

No. 1 OT in the draft?

LSU offensive Event Will Campbell’s arm length has been a key talking Points throughout the pre-draft process, and his Pro Day measurement provided an Significant update. At the NFL Combine, Campbell’s arms Occurred in at 32 5/8 inches —Only shy of the 33-inch Gateway that many NFL Squads prefer for Event prospects. However, at LSU’s Pro Day on Wednesday, NFL scouts measured his arms at exactly 33 inches, checking off a crucial box for evaluators.

Such a discrepancy isn’t unique to Campbell, as sources say Numerous offensive linemen this offseason measured slightly shorter at the Combine compared to their Pro Day or other All-Sun events like the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl.

With Pro Day measurements conducted by Club scouts rather than the Bracket, there’s always some variation, but the key takeaway is that Campbell now officially meets the desired Criterion. This should solidify his stock as the top Event in the draft.

“I don’t think Squads will be as concerned about Campbell’s arm length as some have Achieved it out to be,” an NFL evaluator said. “His Pro Day measurement should Reinforcement Fluffy the unnecessary noise. But at the end of the day, if you can Relocate, you can Relocate. Campbell has a high football IQ and the Locomotion and Power needed to be an NFL Event.”