Hello, 49ers fans. The back-to-the-Super Bowl season is finally here and I’ll be on hand — along with columnist Marcus Thompson II — every step of the way in what promises to be an eventful year.
One of the storylines I’ll be following is whether Brandon Aiyuk can duplicate his 2023 performance. While Aiyuk spent the summer waiting for his contract extension, fellow receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. had one of the best training camps of his career. It’s hard to see both being on the roster next year, though Samuel’s recent contract restructure could impact that. I’ll also examine whether the team’s defensive makeover — including a new coordinator and a reworked defensive line — improves over the one that sputtered at times last year. And of course, I’ll be monitoring Brock Purdy’s development in a season that could set him up as one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
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- Follow live Monday Night Football coverage of the Jets vs. 49ers today
Week 1: vs. Jets, Monday, 5:15 p.m. PT (ABC/ESPN)
Here are a few stories to get you ready for the season:
49ers must-reads:
What we’re seeing: Brock Purdy airing it out and other observations
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan eschewed his typical even run-pass ratio during the playoffs last season. Could that continue into 2024?
Levi’s Stadium turns 10: 49ers’ home field still blazing hot, strides made in other areas
Jed York said he plans to make major investments in Levi’s Stadium every 10 years or so to make sure the facility doesn’t become outmoded.
Ricky Pearsall shows up at practice; Christian McCaffrey is limited
The 49ers were missing two players during Thursday’s session, and one big piece of their offense — McCaffrey — was limited.
Kawakami: My 2024 prediction — 11-6 and the NFC West title
The 49ers have a top-heavy roster and some schedule complications, but they should have enough talent and experience to win the NFC West.
Brock Purdy’s college reunion: Why 49ers’ opener vs. Jets has Iowa State flavor
Purdy will face fellow Iowa State alums Breece Hall, Will McDonald IV and Allen Lazard in the 49ers’ season opener against the Jets.
Why Brandon Aiyuk’s fit with Brock Purdy was too good for 49ers to trade away
The crucial part of the Aiyuk deal — it keeps intact a quarterback-receiver combination that’s been so elusive for Shanahan’s 49ers.
Trent Williams forfeited millions in fines — and cashed in big time
Williams was fined at least $2 million — potentially up to $4 million — but the new guaranteed dollars in his deal more than made up for it.
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Veterans talk Dominick Puni: ‘Most polished rookie I’ve been around’
Most of Puni’s matchups on Monday likely will be against someone very familiar to the 49ers — 2020 first-round pick Javon Kinlaw.
Talanoa Hufanga, Isaac Yiadom return to bolster 49ers’ secondary
Charvarius Ward thinks the 49ers can field the NFL’s best secondary. This week’s returns to practice can help toward that goal.
As roster comes into focus, so do the weak spots
The 49ers had two healthy running backs at Wednesday’s practice, although two more are expected to be back on the field next week.
Levi’s Stadium guide
(Chris Unger, Ryan Kang, Kevin C. Cox, Perry Knotts / Getty Images)
NFL rankings and insights:
Week 1 Power Rankings
It’s time for a vibe check for every team heading into the season.
Quarterback Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1
Aaron Rodgers missed Tier 1 for the first time in the 11th annual survey of 50 NFL coaches and execs. His successor in Green Bay surged.
How NFL GMs, coaches really feel about the new kickoff rule
More returns? Fewer injuries? The NFL thinks so, but, even after seeing it in the preseason, some coaches and GMs aren’t sold yet.
NFL agents dish on best (and worst) franchise, Mahomes’ value and Dak’s next deal
In our sixth annual agent survey, reps offered thoughts on everything from QB contracts to top talent evaluators to ways to improve the NFL.
Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more
Dozens of NFL executives and coaches weigh in with thoughts on how the 2024 season will unfold for each team.
Ten bold predictions: Packers win NFC North, but Caleb Williams for MVP?
Plus: Kyler Murray breaks out, the 49ers suffer a Super Bowl hangover and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs make history (again).
Hope-O-Meter results: Ranking fans’ optimism for all 32 teams
Optimism in the NFL tends to be closely tied to a team’s starting quarterback. So which fan bases are most optimistic heading into 2024?
Win total projections | Week 1 schedule
(Photo of Brock Purdy: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
Matt Barrows is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the 49ers. He joined The Athletic in 2018 and has covered the 49ers since 2003. He was a reporter with The Sacramento Bee for 19 years, four of them as a Metro reporter. Before that he spent two years in South Carolina with The Hilton Head Island Packet. Follow Matt on Twitter @MattBarrows
