The San Francisco 49ers have faced their share of offseason drama, with the absences of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tackle Trent Williams making waves. The players on the field are frequently asked about the situation, including their thoughts on the two stars' absences.
Aiyuk reported to training camp but has refused to practice as his contract situation remains unresolved. It's uncertain whether he will secure a new deal with the 49ers or be traded. Meanwhile, Williams has yet to report and is seeking a restructured contract.
For the players, this drama is beyond their control. Their focus is on preparing for the 2024 season, a campaign they hope will culminate in hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir shared his perspective on the situation. After February's Super Bowl defeat, the 49ers aren't focused on any offseason drama. Instead, they're focused on getting back on the field and proving they can get over that hurdle.
"Everybody's under control," Lenoir told Richard Sherman on the former cornerback-turned-analyst's podcast. "They know it's gonna get done at some point. Everybody's just ready for Week 1, really. The emotions are high. Just ready to get that feeling back, get back out there, because we left with a sour taste with losing the Super Bowl. So everybody just really wants to get back out there and just show what we got."
He added, "I feel like this year, this is our year, and we are determined and focused, and we know what's at stake. We know this could possibly be the last dance, so we know what needs to be done."
Lenoir is preparing for his own contract situation as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He hopes to stay in red and gold—for the right price.
"With the contract part, it just got to make sense," Lenoir said. "It can't just be something that's really not my worth, I would say. But just being here and playing here, I love this team, and I love everything about it, the organization, and just me wanting to execute and be one of those Pro Bowl players, All-Pro players.
"I just constantly preach to myself that I just got to work and just be one of them guys. I gotta show up. So that's kind of the chip I play with on my shoulders. I just have to show up."