On Wednesday, San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. And while most of what Lynch said was expected, he made a few comments that left fans reacting and, in some cases, overreacting. Some reporters and content creators have also been reading between the lines and questioning a few things the general manager said.
Let's examine the top three reactions (or overreactions) to Lynch's statements. I'll break down the statements and then give my take on them.
1. Is there a chance the 49ers won't extend Brock Purdy?
Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have been clear that they want Brock Purdy to be their quarterback. But actions speak louder than words, so until a new contract is signed, there is always the chance it won't happen. On Wednesday, Lynch was asked for an update regarding the contract negotiations.
"We have started negotiations, we're talking," Lynch said. "I won't go into negotiations, like always is our stance. I want Brock to be our quarterback as long as we're here and beyond, and we'll leave it at that. I think the final thing, there are no guarantees that we get something done, but my experience has been, when both sides are motivated, there's ample opportunity to do so, and we've been able to do that."
What people have reacted to: Lynch's statement that "there are no guarantees that we get something done..."
Some have questioned if negotiations aren't going well or if Lynch might be hinting at the possibility that they won't get a new contract worked out for Purdy. There are still fans and media members (mostly national media) who believe the 49ers would prefer to move on from Purdy and bring in another quarterback. But that's speculation. The 49ers appeared to love having Purdy as their franchise QB.
My take on it: After Lynch said there are no guarantees, he said, "...my experience has been, when both sides are motivated, there's ample opportunity to do so, and we've been able to do that." I don't believe Lynch was hinting at the possibility of things not working out. He's known to be very honest with reporters. In all likelihood, Lynch was simply telling the truth—there are no guarantees.
The 49ers will complete the contract with Purdy. I'm unsure when it will happen, but I expect it to be before the team begins the offseason program in April.
2. Could the 49ers consider trading Brandon Aiyuk?
Earlier this week, Dianna Russini, Senior NFL insider for The Athletic, reported that teams are interested in trading for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. At the combine, Lynch was asked about that.
"Yeah, that typically happens with really good players," Lynch answered. "I remember, I think, two years ago, having similar conversations. You get calls, and you always listen to calls. I think since Kyle and I have been here, we've been certainly a top five, I believe, number two, cash-spending team in the four years. Going into the fourth year, I think we're the fourth-highest cash-spending team, so at some point, you have to reset a little bit or at least recalibrate. You can't just keep pressing the pedal, and I think there's some good that could come out.
"We need to get younger; I think we're the oldest team in football trying to make a run at the deal last year. And I think it's good to constantly get younger. Our draft class last year was a great move towards that. We'll have four picks in the top 100. If the comp picks happen, like we see it, that's always a calculation. We will have 10 picks overall, and we're excited about adding more youth to a great core of players that we already have."
What people have reacted to: Lynch's comment about being the oldest team in the league, when he said, "We need to get younger; I think we're the oldest team in football trying to make a run at the deal last year. And I think it's good to constantly get younger."
I'll admit, it was odd that Lynch essentially said the 49ers are getting calls because Aiyuk is a very good player and then followed that up by saying the 49ers need to get younger. It's like if I said, "I don't watch 'The Bachelor,' but if I did, here's why I would." It's not hard to understand why some may wonder if the 49ers are considering trading Aiyuk.
My take on it: Just like the comment before, I will assume Lynch is being overly honest. If he had answered the question and stopped talking, no one would be reading into things. But he gets going and likely says more than he intended to say.
I don't believe the 49ers will trade Aiyuk. First, what team would want a player coming off a significant knee injury? Aiyuk may not be ready to go until late in the season. And when he does return, he won't be the 2023 version of himself.
Second, if the 49ers trade him less than one year after giving him a huge contract, they will take a huge cap hit. So, I don't see that happening.
3. Is Jed York pressuring Shanahan and Lynch to spend less money?
During his answer regarding Aiyuk, Lynch said, "I think since Kyle and I have been here, we've been certainly a top five, I believe, number two, cash spending team in the four years. Going into the fourth year, I think we're the fourth-highest cash-spending team, so at some point, you have to reset a little bit or at least recalibrate. You can't just keep pressing the pedal, and I think there's some good that could come out."
What people have reacted to: Fans, reporters, and content creators have pointed out that Lynch didn't talk about "cap space" but "cash spending." The argument is that the general manager wouldn't be as concerned about spending cash as he would cap space unless it came from the top. And since there have been recent rumors that some in the 49ers front office (likely Jed York and Paraag Marathe) have not been happy with some of the contracts the 49ers have handed out in recent years, could York be telling his coach and general manager to slow down their spending?
My take on it: Of the three questions, reactions, and overreactions, this one is the most likely of concern. The 49ers made Aiyuk one of the highest-paid wide receivers last year, only a year after making Nick Bosa the highest-paid defensive player ever. The team also has the highest-paid or one of the highest-paid players at several positions, including linebacker, offensive tackle, tight end, and fullback. And that doesn't even mention Purdy, who may soon be among the highest-paid players in NFL history.
Is it possible that negotiations are taking longer with Purdy because York has mandated less spending? Could the 49ers consider trading Aiyuk because of "cash spending?" Does Deebo Samuel's trade request have to do with finances? Maybe he knew he would be asked to take a pay cut, much like Arik Armstead and Kyle Juszczyk a year ago.
We may not know all the answers to these questions any time soon. The "cash spending" issue may be a real one. But I wouldn't worry too much about the other concerns. Purdy and Aiyuk are not going anywhere. The question is, will the 49ers spend much in free agency? We will soon find out.
