Santa Clara, California (AP) – The mood surrounding the San Francisco 49ers has been off since the start of last season.
A contract dispute cast a shadow over the team during the spring and summer, compounded by the effects of Super Bowl hangovers and a shortened offseason, which drained energy and caused stagnation within the roster.
These challenges, along with numerous injuries, turned Super Bowl contenders into a 6-11 team, prompting head coach Kyle Shanahan to discuss necessary changes for the 2025 season.
“The guys felt they weren’t prepared to return,” Shanahan reflected on the 2024 season. “But I figured it out. I expressed that I didn’t really grasp it this year. It wasn’t a matter of being right or wrong, but I struggled to understand it. We’re five weeks out now, and we all recognize our disappointment.
As the 49ers began their final week of offseason activities on Monday, the need for changes became apparent.
The team successfully addressed critical contract issues early in the offseason, securing extensions for quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner, and tight end George Kittle, avoiding any drama.
Voluntary attendance in offseason programs was robust, with key players present to help mentor rookies and newcomers on the 49ers’ approach. Star left tackle Trent Williams was among the few notable players back in town last week for the initial week of field practice.
Shanahan highlighted the significance of attendance in April, and the players took notice, leading to a productive spring. He stated that following the end-of-season meeting, no further requests were necessary, as players expressed that a group discussion to ensure everyone’s presence this season was unnecessary.
“We didn’t feel like we needed to do it all,” Warner said. “When Kyle emphasized how important it was to return this phase after last season, we understood we were coming together with an entirely new group, filled with young players.”
The sense of urgency that was sometimes lacking in 2024 is back this offseason, as the Niners aim to avoid repeating the disappointments of last year.
San Francisco lost in the NFC title game after the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and fell in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing the Super Bowl in 2023.
These deep playoff runs shortened vacations, leading some players to rush back for the offseason program.
However, this spring is different, as the team prepares to integrate several new starters on both sides of the ball following a roster overhaul in March.
“When the season ends and you’re not making the playoffs, there’s a strong desire to return to the building and erase that taste from your mouth,” Kittle said. “The guys are eager to get back at it. When you’re playing in mid-February, you need that extra month. Many don’t show up, but understanding the importance of this first phase was clear. Kyle wanted us to come back.”
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Source: apnews.com