Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025
Robert Saleh watch: Latest Buccaneers news could benefit 49ers
“On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen will have his second interview, and one report suggests the Buccaneers are preparing for his potential departure.
“[T]here’s a growing belief that it’s Coen’s job to lose,” wrote Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “Not only were the Jaguars impressed with the 39-year-old offensive coordinator when he interviewed virtually a week ago, he’s also most equipped to resurrect the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.”
49ers’ offseason blueprint: Hurry up and pay Brock Purdy, then draft him protection (paywall)
“A reason to use high-end draft picks on positions such as offensive tackle, defensive tackle and edge rusher? Those positions are among the priciest in free agency, and we just demanded that the 49ers plunk down at least $55 million per year on their quarterback and to make it snappy.
Given some financial constraints, they’d be wise to make their annual free-agent splash on a cornerback after doing just that in 2022 when they signed Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $40.5 million deal. Three years later, Ward is likely to leave in free agency and his expected departure would leave the top of their depth chart with Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green and … Darrell Luter? Ever heard of Tre Avery?
Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, a fifth-round pick of the 49ers in 2018, has said he’ll test free agency, but he could be out of their price range. A less expensive option might be the Saints’ Paulson Adebo, a 2021 third-round pick who has 10 career interceptions but missed 10 games last season with a broken leg.”
“Fans of the 49ers bemoaned the team’s play along the offensive line. But the playoffs have demonstrated that other top teams have their own issues up front.
After all, the Minnesota Vikings and Eagles surrendered nine and seven sacks, respectively, against the Rams.
The Vikings’ season ended when they could not protect quarterback Sam Darnold against the Rams’ young, vibrant pass rush. The Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts survived and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they will host the Commanders on Sunday.”
“Big-time players show out when the lights are brightest, and Williams put on a clinic in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run, with exceptional performances in wins over Texas and Oregon. Technically sound and remarkably consistent, Williams might not possess the pass-rushing prowess of Harmon or Nolen, but it’s hard to argue there is a player with a better floor as a run defender at the position in this draft.
Williams measures in at 6-foot-3, 330 pounds and could provide an immediate impact for a 49ers’ defense in desperate need of plugging the holes in their run defense. The No. 11 overall pick feels like a reach for Williams at this point, but his strong College Football Playoff showing could vault him out of the 49ers’ range in the second round. Perhaps San Francisco could trade up from No. 43 overall? Something to keep an eye on.”
How 49ers’ 2025 NFL Draft selections are impacted by Darnold
“And the standout play of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold appears to mean the 49ers will receive another compensatory pick at the end of the fourth round.”