Samuel, nearly half of roster unsigned beyond this season
Even if Deebo Samuel gets his contract extended before camp opens today, and before his rookie deal expires after this season, nearly half of the 49ers' roster is unsigned for 2023.
Starters in the secondary, at linebacker, on both sides of the line, and all three specialists are entering contract years.
Here are the 43 players unsigned beyond this season:
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo Nate Sudfeld
Analysis: The 49ers took a quarterback each of the past two drafts, and one has a few more expectations than the other: Trey Lance (2021, first round, No. 3 overall) and Brock Purdy (2022, seventh round, No. 262). The world awaits Garoppolo's fate.
Free safety
Jimmie Ward Tarvarius Moore Analysis: Ward, the 49ers' longest-tenured player, hopes to use his ninth season to finally earn Pro Bowl and All-pro accolades en route to a bigger contract. If Moore rebounds from an Achilles tear, he has starter potential.
Cornerback
Emmanuel Moseley Jason Verrett Darqueze Denard Dontae Johnson Analysis: As much as the 49ers adore Moseley and as much as they hope Verrett can recover from another knee injury, they've invested in Charvarius Ward as a marquee cornerback while drafting a slew of prospects (Ambry Thomas, Sam Womack, Deommodore Lenoir, Tariq Castrofields).
Linebacker
Dre Greenlaw Azeez Al-shaair Demetrius Flanniganfowles (restricted free agent)
Curtis Robinson (exclusive-rights free agent)
Analysis: Re-signing both Greenlaw and Alshaair will be challenging.
Both battled injuries last season, though Al-shaair broke out in 2022 amid Greenlaw's extended absence.
Offensive line
Mike Mcglinchey Daniel Brunskill Jake Brendel Justin Skule Colton Mckivitz (RFA) Keaton Sutherland (RFA) Alfredo Gutierrez (ERFA) Analysis: Mcglinchey, a 2018 first-round pick, needs to prove his quadriceps repair can stabilize his career. Meanwhile, Brendel and Brunskill are projected starters at center and guard while Skule and Mckivitz might be top backups.
Defensive line
Samson Ebukam Charles Omenihu Jordan Willis Kemoko Turay Kerry Hyder Jr. Maurice Hurst Hassan Ridgeway Kevin Givens (RFA) Alex Barrett (ERFA) Analysis: Yes, that's a lot of D-linemen, but all are hungry to vie for greater riches, and a strong front will complement those efforts. The biggest dilemma is how much to pay Bosa and whether he might rather wait until the salary cap soars next year.
Wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Malik Turner Marcus Johnson Jauan Jennings (RFA) Austin Mack (ERFA) Analysis: Samuel should enter the top-level pay grade at over $25 million annually. Jennings' Year 2 outburst has him on a path to an extension. Looming in 2023: Brandon Aiyuk's contract year, though they can exercise his fifth-year option for 2024.
Tight end
Tyler Kroft
Ross Dwelley Jordan Matthews Tanner Hudson (RFA) Analysis: Nothing seems certain long-term at this position other than George Kittle, who likely restructure his deal next year before his salary jumps from $1 million to $11.7 million.
Running back
Jeff Wilson Jr. Jamycal Hasty (RFA) Analysis: Wilson arrived as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has delivered more highs than lows, though last season was derailed by a meniscus tear in the spring.
Fullback
Josh Hokit (ERFA) Analysis: Kyle Juszczyk's presence blocks Hokit's path to a long-term stay but he's developed nicely and is a commodity on a market where demand is limited.
Kicker
Robbie Gould Analysis: Gould turns 40 in what will be his sixth season with the 49ers, who reworked his contract before the 2020 season finale. As long as the 49ers remain in contention, they'd be wise to keep his age-defying leg.