Recapping what's happened since the NFC championship loss
Training camp began this week, so let's catch you up with an abridged recap of the 49ers' offeason.
On the surface, nothing major has transpired in the six months since losing the NFC championship game.
No trade or release of Jimmy Garoppolo, mainly because of his March shoulder surgery.
No multiyear contract extensions (yet) for Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa or Dre Greenlaw, their 2019 draftclass gems.
No known season-ending injury or off-field chaos that we know of to this point.
Yet there is plenty to review and ponder after Tuesday's reporting date and Wednesday's initial practice:
TREY LANCE'S ASCENT >>
Limited to essentially 21/2 games as a rookie backup to Garoppolo, Lance looked in command, fluid and more accurate through the offseason program. He has two weeks to further seize the QB1 role before the Aug. 12 preseason opener against Green Bay and then the bigger tests that come with joint practices Aug. 17-18 in his native Minnesota. GAROPPOLO'S MARKET >> The 49ers openly tried trading Garoppolo before he opted for surgery on his throwing shoulder. What followed was an NFL land rush for quarterbacks, with no takers for Garoppolo, who reportedly won't be fully cleared to throw until mid-august. He has a $24 million salary that doesn't kick in until Week 1. The 49ers could release him, retain him for competition's sake, see if the Browns need him upon a Deshaun Watson suspension (the Browns reportedly aren't interested), or magically trade him a team with a not-so-surefire QB like the New York Giants, the Houston Texans or, gulp, the Seattle Seahawks. Stashing him on the physically-unable-toperform list seems like an option.
TRADE REQUEST >> Samuel reportedly sought a trade (for still-unknown reasons) weeks before the draft and he confirmed that to an ESPN reporter April 20. The 49ers publicly insisted they would not trade him. Once the draft's opening night ended April 28, coach Kyle Shanahan said “nothing was even remotely close” in terms of trade offers. Samuel skipped the voluntary offseason program, then attended the mandatory minicamp to observe practices in upbeat fashion.
“Hopefully when it's all said and done, we'll get the best thing for the Niners, the best for Deebo and hopefully that's the same thing, because we'd love to keep going how we've been,” Shanahan said in April.
AIYUK SHINES >> Brandon Aiyuk served as the No. 1 wide receiver, both on the 49ers' fields in Samuel's absence and in Lance's Southern California workouts with private coaches. “I'm trying to really maximize my spot, my role I have in this offense,” Aiyuk said in May.
DEE FORD DONE? >> Three years after a big deal (and contract) for defensive end Dee Ford, the 49ers are apparently done with him, though he hasn't formally retired or been released yet. In June, Shanahan said Ford was cleared by his doctor, and that the 49ers' staff still would examine him, but “I do not expect him to be on our team.”
FREE AGENCY GAINS >> Cornerback Charvarius Ward (Kansas City Chiefs) was their big buy (three years, $40.5 million). Special teams were their other big emphasis with receiver/returner Ray-ray Mccloud (Steelers), safety George Odum (Colts) and linebacker Oren Burks (Packers). Also signed: wide receivers Marcus Johnson (Titans) and Malik Turner (Cowboys); defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (Eagles); defensive ends Kerry Hyder Jr. (Seahawks) and Kemoko Turay (Colts); and, tight ends Troy Fumagalli (Patriots) and Tyler Kroft (Jets).
FREE AGENCY LOSSES >>
Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson (New York Jets) cashed out after five seasons. Dolphins coach and ex-49ers assistant Mike Mcdaniel brought with him running back Raheem Mostert and wide receivers Trent Sherfield and River Cracraft. The Denver Broncos poached cornerback K'waun Williams, nose tackle D.J. Jones and guard Tom Compton. Also gone: safeties Jaquiski Tartt (Eagles) and Marcell Harris (Jets), defensive linemen Arden Key (Jaguars) and Kentavius Street (Saints), wide receiver Richie James (Giants) and running back Trenton Cannon (Titans). RETIREMENTS >> Center Alex Mack waited until June 3 to announce the end of his 13-year career, the last season of which came on the 49ers. Jake Brendel is Mack's projected replacement, unless the 49ers bring in a veteran before camp (see: J.C. Tretter) or if Daniel Brunskill slides over from right guard. (Also: Frank Gore, the 49ers' all-time leading rusher, signed a ceremonial contract to retire with the franchise on June 3, the same day as Mack.) ONE-YEAR ENCORES >> Resigned to one-year deals were cornerback Jason Verrett; running back Jeff Wilson Jr.; wide receiver Jauan Jennings; linebacker Azeez Al-shaair and Demetrius Flannigan-fowles; quarterback Nate Sudfeld; tight end Ross Dwelley; offensive linemen Daniel Brunskill, Jake Brendel and Colton Mckivitz; defensive backs Dontae Johnson and Darqueze Dennard; and, defensive linemen Maurice Hurst, Jordan Willis and Kevin Givens.
STILL ON THE MARKET >> Among last season's 49ers who remain unsigned are wide receivers Mohamed Sanu and Travis Benjamin, cornerback Josh Norman and safety Tavon Wilson. CHAMPIONSHIP KARMA? >> Shanahan said it was “awesome” to sit two rows behind the Warriors' bench during their first win of the NBA Finals, en route to their fourth championship with coach Steve Kerr. Said Shanahan: “You enjoy your nachos and your drink, and just enjoy something that the guys in front of me probably haven't been sleeping and have been thinking about and waiting for that moment all day.”