Here are other San Francisco 49ers-related storylines that might interest you.
Tom Rathman retires from coaching
The Indianapolis Colts announced that their running backs coach, Tom Rathman, is retiring.
"It was an honor to represent the NFL for more than 30 years as a coach and player," said Rathman via a statement issued by the Colts.
31 years of excellence.
Happy retirement, Coach Rathman!
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 28, 2021
Rathman has been the Colts' running backs coach since 2018. He had two coaching stints with the 49ers. One from 1997-2002 and the other from 2009-2016. Between that, he spent time with the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders.
Kyle Shanahan did not retain Rathman upon being named the 49ers' head coach in 2017, and Rathman took a year off before joining the Colts.
"That was extremely difficult," head coach Kyle Shanahan said after being hired in 2017. "I definitely didn't want to lose Tom, but I've known (current 49ers running backs coach) Bobby Turner for a long time ... I told him if I ever had a head coach opportunity, I was going to try to take him with me, and he's known that for a while."
Added Shanahan: "I know how great of a coach Tom is."
Of course, Rathman is best known to 49ers fans as the iconic fullback who won two Super Bowls during his eight seasons (1986-93) with the organization. He finished his playing days with one season (1994) with the Los Angeles Raiders and was inducted into the 49ers' Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame in 2017.
The 49ers released the following statement.
"The 49ers family would like to congratulate Tom Rathman on concluding a tremendous, 31-year career as both a player and a coach in the National Football League. During more than two decades as a 49er, he left an indelible mark on our organization, the players he coached and the defenders he battled. Tom coached his players the same way he played the game, with a selfless, hard-nosed dedication to getting the best out of himself and those around him. A member of the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame, he is the quintessential 49er in every way. We are so happy for Tom, his wife, Holly, and their family, as he steps away from the game to which he gave so much."
The team also released the following statement from former 49ers running back Frank Gore.
"I want to congratulate Tom on a Hall of Fame career – both as a player and a coach. Tom was a father-figure to me. He came into my life and career at the perfect time. He challenged me every day to be better, both on the field and off, and I always wanted to make him proud. Tom helped me see the big picture of football and I wouldn't have had as much success throughout my career without him. I love him. SQUEEZE IT!"
Stafford-to-49ers chatter dominating Senior Bowl
Denver-area radio host and NFL insider Benjamin Allbright stated that the rumors linking Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to the 49ers are dominating the week at the Senior Bowl. Stafford and the Lions have mutually agreed to part ways, and the team has opened up trade discussions.
On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated reported that San Francisco has the "inside edge" to potentially acquire Stafford.
"Lot of smoke around Niners and Stafford this week," wrote Allbright without elaborating.
Have a messed up screen on my phone, hence the updates being sparse.
Lot of smoke around Niners and Stafford this week. In Mobile. We'll see.
Be back and active on here tomorrow.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 28, 2021
We'll see, indeed.
NFL.com names Jeff Wilson as 49ers' under-the-radar stud
NFL Media writer Nick Shook went around the NFC and named one "under-the-radar stud" for each team. His choice for the 49ers is running back Jeff Wilson Jr., whom San Francisco recently re-signed to a one-year deal.
Wrote Shook:
"The speedy Wilson played in 12 games in 2020, the most he has in any of his three seasons in the NFL, and his increased opportunities allowed him to produce at a rate previously unseen from him at this level. Wilson set career highs in carries (126), rushing yards (600), yards per carry (4.8), rushing touchdowns (seven), receptions (13), receiving yards (133) and receiving scores (three). He was efficient when carrying the ball, gaining 74 rushing yards over expectation on the ground in 2020, and for a team that was again hampered by unfortunate injuries, Wilson stepped up when needed."
Wilson's contract details emerge
NBC Sports Bay Area reported the details of Wilson's one-year contract, which was signed on Tuesday. The deal fully guarantees the running back $2.05 million with incentives that could add another $1.55 million. That means Wilson could earn up to $3.6 million. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent and is now slated to be an unrestricted free agent in 2022.