SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ defensive makeover this offseason couldn’t ignore their linebacker unit, and today’s start of the league year has them connected with veteran Eric Kendricks. Kendrcks, 32, is expected to sign a one-year contract with the reigning NFC champions, ESPN first reported. That swiftly addresses the 49ers’ need for a plug-and-play linebacker … Read more
SANTA CLARA – The NFL’s saloon doors swing open Monday for free agency, and the 49ers still have enough money to buy a round. Perhaps one last round. Next year’s payroll will take on a big-ticket extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Already loaded with a bevy of highly paid stars, the 49ers’ roster remains very … Read more
SANTA CLARA – Glue guys. Support staff. Skilled players outside of the so-called skill positions. Every NFL team has them, and the 49ers need more. Their top priorities this offseason may be upgrading their linemen, offensively and defensively, but don’t overlook other positions. Some of those were exposed in the Super Bowl LVIII loss to … Read more
LAS VEGAS – NFL security came looking for John Lynch. The Super Bowl was winding down four years ago, and it was time to escort the 49ers’ general manager, from a sterile suite to the sweaty, tense sideline. That up-close view is how Lynch saw the 49ers’ 20-10 lead flip, in the final 6 ½ … Read more
While most San Francisco 49ers fans heading to Las Vegas this weekend for Super Bowl LVIII already have their golden ticket to the game, longtime fan Erika Mendoza is going empty-handed, hoping Sin City gives her the luck of the draw. Even before the 49ers secured their spot in the big game, the Modesto resident … Read more
HENDERSON, Nev. — The 49ers went through their first Super Bowl practice at UNLV despite field conditions that coach Kyle Shanahan wishes were better. There are no plans to change fields to possibly share the Las Vegas Raiders’ facility with the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending champions who’ll face the 49ers on Sunday at 3:30 … Read more
SANTA CLARA — Amid the driving rain, Brock Purdy was perfectly clear in the huddle. “The time is now,” the 49ers quarterback told his offense. Trent Williams was even more direct: “This might be the last time we get the ball,” the future Hall of Fame left tackle said. “This can be the last time … Read more
It’s not now or never for the 49ers to win the Super Bowl. But it’s fair to wonder: If this isn’t the moment for the 49ers, will that moment ever come? This is the best team that Kyle Shanahan has fielded in his seven-year tenure as head coach. The Niners’ roster is chock full of … Read more
SANTA CLARA – Nick Bosa was a mere rookie when he first enjoyed the thrill of clinching a playoff berth, sealed by Dre Greenlaw’s dramatic goal-line tackle at Seattle in the 2019 regular-season finale. That epic win clinched the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. Sunday, the 49ers returned to that top spot, which offers an … Read more
SANTA CLARA – Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised the 49ers’ roster Wednesday for having “some of the best players in the world over there,” and one such player did not escape notice: defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. “Shoot, one of our better players from last year is on their team,” Sirianni told reporters in Philadelphia. Hargrave … Read more