The San Francisco 49ers shipping quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the Pittsburgh Steelers by the end of the month wasn't the only offseason prediction made by The Athletic's Tim Kawakami. The longtime scribe also projected several other moves, including contract extensions for two of the team's biggest stars.
This offseason, the 49ers can begin negotiating contract extensions for defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel, a second-round pick in 2019, is entering his fourth NFL season. Bosa, San Francisco's first-round pick that same year, has a fifth-year team option, but Kawakami doesn't see it coming to that. The 49ers know what Bosa means to the defense and team's success.
Earlier this month, general manager John Lynch sounded confident that the 49ers have financially planned for both players, saying "it's been budgeted for."
Eliminating Garoppolo's hefty salary will help, and Kawakami fully expects deals for Bosa and Samuel to be finalized this offseason—but not until July. Linebacker Fred Warner signed his mega-deal on July 21, 2021. Tight end George Kittle didn't sign his deal until August 13, 2020, well into training camp.
Kawakami believes Samuel could get a deal averaging $20-22 million per year with $55-60 million guaranteed. He doesn't see his dual role as a receiver and running back as much of an obstacle, either.
For Bosa, Kawakami believes it might take $30 million a year and $100 million guaranteed to lock up the talented pass rusher for the foreseeable future.
Kawakami made other offseason predictions. The writer envisions the 49ers re-signing guard Laken Tomlinson, defensive tackle D.J. Jones, and even running back Raheem Mostert. The salary cap jumping from $182.5 million to an expected $208.2 million will help.
Kawakami also sees San Francisco signing quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a veteran backup for second-year quarterback Trey Lance. That move makes a lot of sense following the likely departure of Garoppolo and the hiring of former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, now serving as the 49ers' assistant head coach.
Of course, the 49ers can't re-sign everyone. Kawakami believes the 49ers drafted Talanoa Hufanga last year, intending for him to replace safety Jaquiski Tartt. That's precisely what Kawakami foresees happening in 2022.