49ers GM John Lynch addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon
John Lynch addressed the media today in Indianapolis. As expected, the press conference opened with questions about the negotiations with Quarterback Brock Purdy. Although Purdy is under contract, locking up the franchise quarterback quickly is a talking point, as the San Francisco 49ers have drawn out negotiations with other potential free agents.
Give us an update, if there is one, on QB Brock Purdy negotiations. Where does that stand?
“We have started negotiations, we’re talking. I won’t go into negotiations, like always is our stance. I want Brock to be our quarterback as long as we’re here and beyond and we’ll leave it at that. I think the final thing, there are no guarantees that we get something done, but my experience has been, when both sides are motivated, there’s ample opportunity to do so and we’ve been able to do that.”
Now, the quote about “no guarantees” that is making the rounds has raised eyebrows, but the statement is factual. In the range of outcomes, no deal is a guarantee, but the likelihood is low. The negotiations have just begun and what’s said in February generally ends up as a footnote of the process and result. There isn’t much to take from this answer other than this is the standard operating procedure for the 49ers and their negotiation process.
Lynch was also asked about Christian McCaffrey and his role in the offseason program and recovery was asked.
How’s RB Christian McCaffrey doing from a health standpoint?
“He’s doing great. Yeah, Christian’s doing really well and I think was real frustrated with the way last season went. And doing everything in his possible, as he did in preparation for last year, and we’re hoping CMC is out there. Going to have a tremendous year. If he is healthy, he will have a tremendous year, that’s just what he does.”
Is the expectation is that he’ll be ready for the offseason program?
“I think so, I think at least parts of it. We’ll be judicious and follow the medical folk’s advice on that. But Christian’s, he’s done a great job doing the rehab. He’s tireless. If anything, you’ve always got to say, ‘Woah.’ to Christian. And as my friend [Pittsburgh Steelers head coach] Mike Tomlin says, it’s a lot better to have to say woah than it is to say sit them. So Christian is a woah guy because he’s going to do everything possible to give himself a chance.”
Again, regardless of McCaffrey’s health heading into the 2025 season, there is no reason to push the running back too hard, given his importance to the team and the offensive success. This comment was something anyone could have seen coming, and McCaffrey should be given time, as getting him to Sundays is far more important than his offseason program participation.
Overall, Lynch’s press conference yielded no surprise answers. The 49ers GM is the master of cookie-cutter answers that are based in reality. There is nothing to see here, folks; there will be more developments as the negotiations with Purdy continue and as the players ramp up for the season.
For more on Lynch’s comments from Indianapolis, check out the video below.