After the 49ers’ exit press conference, speculation swirled when a surprise conference call with head coach Kyle Shanahan was scheduled. The buzz suggested a significant announcement was imminent. Indeed, the speculation proved true as Shanahan announced during the call that the team would be parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. This move set off ripples of discussion and analysis within the NFL community regarding the team’s defensive strategy and future coaching decisions.
The recent developments have marked the beginning of a crucial offseason for the 49ers, characterized by a flurry of decisions, evaluations, and looming questions. While Steve Wilks’ departure came as a significant surprise, it’s emblematic of the unpredictable nature of the 49ers’ offseason maneuvers, which often unfold with unexpected twists and turns.As the team navigates the offseason landscape, three potential surprising moves loom on the horizon:
Trading Brandon Aiyuk
In light of recent events, it’s essential to note that the 49ers have navigated similar situations before, such as the departure of DeForest Buckner following the 2019 season, which resulted in a significant trade with the Indianapolis Colts yielding the ninth overall pick. Despite any sentiments expressed by Brandon Aiyuk’s inner circle on social media, it’s crucial to recognize that the 49ers maintain considerable leverage regarding Aiyuk’s fifth-year option.
While trading Aiyuk would undoubtedly come as a surprise, the team would likely entertain offers, especially if they included a mid-first-round pick and a high-end second-rounder. However, it’s worth noting that the 49ers have consistently emphasized their intention to prioritize re-signing Aiyuk. Furthermore, despite projected cap constraints for the 2024 season, the team has avenues to mitigate their cap situation through an extension for Aiyuk, thus affirming their commitment to retaining him for the long term.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
While Wilks’ departure was a notable change, the 49ers might further revamp their coaching staff with unexpected additions or reshuffles. A surprise hiring or promotion could inject fresh perspectives and strategies into the team’s coaching ranks, influencing their approach on both sides of the ball.
Speaking of linebackers, Mike Vrabel is available following his departure from Tennessee. Vrabel feels like a bit of a longshot, but the 49ers would be wise to check in on the former Titans coach with the example of how the defense performed under former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans.
The most far-fetched scenario would involve Bill Belichick accepting a position under Kyle Shanahan or another head coach. While the idea of both coaching legends sharing the same space seems improbable, fans can certainly indulge in wishful thinking.
Shanahan emphasized that the team will consider candidates who align with their desired defensive scheme, as well as those with contrasting philosophies. Whoever assumes the role will inherit a promising foundation but will also face significant pressure to restore the defense to its former elite status.
The 49ers needs to address the offensive line
As the 49ers return to the first round of the draft, the focus shifts to addressing concerns, particularly along the offensive line, highlighted by issues on the right side. It would be astonishing if the team didn’t prioritize selecting one or multiple offensive linemen given the pressing need.
With a later first-round pick, the team faces a strategic decision: prioritize an available lineman or adhere to a best-player-available approach and address the line later in the draft. The approach they choose will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
One certainty is the necessity for the 49ers to bolster their offensive line through the draft. However, they must balance this need with the overarching principle of not forcing selections based solely on positional requirements. Should the team opt to bolster their offensive line through free agency or maintain their current depth chart, it would undoubtedly be the most shocking move.
Considering these scenarios, the most surprising outcome would likely be the 49ers foregoing offensive linemen in the draft altogether and instead relying on other avenues to address their needs, whether through free agency or internal options.
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