Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Friday, May 24th, 2024
“When asked about analysts’ surprise regarding how early he was drafted, Pearsall responded, “That definitely made me feel good because there were a lot of people questioning the pick, but that’s O.K. That’s some noise I gotta block out because at the end of the day, I couldn’t care less of what anybody thinks of me—and that’s my personality and that’s how I walk around. You either like me or you don’t, but I’m going to be myself no matter what.”
He added, “I really don’t pay attention to that stuff, but to see Brandon Aiyuk say something encouraging to me, who’s a teammate of mine, a friend of mine, and he’s having success at a high level, it’s definitely encouraging for me to see that.”
Brandon Staley’s unique role with the 49ers — part DeMeco Ryans and part Mike McDaniel (paywall)
“The 49ers’ previous assistant head coach was Anthony Lynn (coincidentally, also a former Chargers head coach), who left to join the Washington Commanders’ staff this season. But Lynn mainly coached the running backs and was never really a Shanahan confidante or acolyte the way that top offensive assistants Mike McDaniel and Mike LaFleur were before him.
In a different way, because they ran the defense with high levels of leadership and football intellect, Saleh and Ryans were both true Shanahan almost-peers. And now, while Sorensen runs the defense, Staley could blend elements of McDaniel’s brainy counterpart role with a Ryans kind of junior partnership. Lynch serves this combo role, too. But it always helps to have depth.”
““He’s been awesome,” Holland said. “I’ve been watching him play for a long time, when he was a rookie in 2016 in Atlanta. It’s his ninth year in the league now and he’s gravitating to our system. He has such a good awareness with coverage and his ability to still run and play.
“We are excited to have him and he will fit good into our system.”
Why the 49ers might revisit Christian McCaffrey’s contract with two years to go (paywall)
“Meanwhile, in exchange for helping carry the offense while absorbing constant punishment, McCaffrey would likely appreciate a commitment that would provide security into his early 30s. A potential compromise could involve guaranteed money. McCaffrey has none left on his contract, and guarantees would protect him if he sustains a serious injury in 2024.
The 49ers have already altered McCaffrey’s deal. Last year, they restructured his contract to free up nearly $9 million in salary cap space. In agreeing to do so, McCaffrey also benefited: The 49ers converted $10.72 million of his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus, which McCaffrey received immediately.
“Good thing for him,” general manager John Lynch said. “Good thing for us.”
A year later, it’s possible another change to McCaffrey’s deal isn’t imminent. Before his current contract expires, however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if McCaffrey requests that the 49ers do a good thing for him, trusting it will also be a good thing for them.”
“But through one week of OTAs, Gray’s stock appears to be on the rise.
“Danny has been doing a hell of a job for us since April 15, being back here busting his tail,” said wide receiver coach Leonard Hankerson. “What I would like for Danny is to just be consistent doing it. I never question his work ethic at all. It’s just a matter of can he sustain it? And thus far he has been doing a hell of a job. I’m impressed with where he’s at. I’m impressed by his mindset, how he’s been out there competing. And I think he has gotten better. He has been doing every I have been asking him to do.”
TRANSLATION: Work ethic has been an issue for Gray early in his career. So far through one month of OTAs, he has worked as hard as he needs to work. Now he needs to keep it going.”