The start of San Francisco 49ers training camp has (nearly) arrived, and several compelling storylines are set to dominate as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024.
Rookies reported last week, and veterans report to Santa Clara on Tuesday.
Jauan Jennings wants a new contract
Much like last offseason, a top storyline entering camp involves a wide receiver seeking a new deal. Jauan Jennings is entering the final year of the two-year contract he signed in 2024, and ESPN's Adam Schefter recently reported that the veteran wideout plans to request a trade if a contract extension isn't reached.
With Deebo Samuel now in Washington and Brandon Aiyuk still rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL suffered in October 2024, Jennings and second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall are projected to start Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The 49ers' first training camp practice is scheduled for Wednesday, and the Jennings situation could quickly become a major distraction in Santa Clara.
Jennings is coming off his best NFL season, finishing 2024 with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns.
Wide receiver depth and player health
Injuries played a significant role in the 49ers' struggles last season. A healthier roster will be crucial for competing in a tough NFC West in 2025.
Aiyuk and Pearsall begin camp on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. There's been cautious optimism surrounding Aiyuk's recovery, with whispers that the receiver might be ready for Week 1. However, the team is expected to take a cautious approach, which could mean starting the season on the reserve/PUP list, sidelining him for at least four games.
Pearsall's setback is believed to be the same hamstring issue that caused him to miss the end of the offseason program. If it's a minor issue, he can be activated at any point.
Still, the uncertainty surrounding Jennings and the absence of both Aiyuk and Pearsall further depletes the 49ers' wide receiver depth.
Running back Christian McCaffrey will also be under the spotlight after missing all but four games in 2024. He began last season on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis and ended it there due to a PCL injury. The team is hopeful he can regain his 2023 form, when he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Brock Purdy has something to prove
While Brock Purdy may not feel pressure inside the locker room, outside analysts continue to question whether he can carry the 49ers through adversity. That scrutiny only intensified after he signed a five-year, $265 million extension, making him one of the league's highest-paid players.
Purdy's critics will point to the 49ers' struggles last season as evidence that the quarterback can't carry the team through adversity. Despite throwing for a single-season franchise record 4,280 passing yards—along with 31 touchdowns—in 2023, his numbers dipped to 3,864 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024.
With possible early-season absences at wide receiver, Purdy's performance in training camp will be heavily scrutinized by fans and media alike.
Pressure on Robert Saleh and rookie impact
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is back in San Francisco and faces high expectations to revive a defense that struggled to stop the run and consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season.
The 49ers made significant changes up front this offseason. Five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa is joined by several new faces, including rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West, along with edge rusher Bryce Huff, who was acquired via a trade.
The 49ers must also determine a starting linebacker to pair with All-Pro Fred Warner and address lingering questions in the secondary.
Saleh's ability to quickly elevate this revamped unit will be crucial to the 49ers' success in 2025.
Other position battles
In addition to the competitions at linebacker, along the defensive line, and in the secondary, several other position battles are worth monitoring.
Ben Bartch is the frontrunner to land the starting left guard job following Aaron Banks' departure. However, San Francisco recently placed Bartch on the non-football injury (NFI) list. That opens the door for Nick Zakelj and rookie seventh-round pick Connor Colby to get valuable reps early in camp.
There's also a kicking competition brewing. Jake Moody will look to bounce back after a rough season in which he missed 10 field goals and one extra point—most of which came after suffering a high-ankle sprain.
The 49ers brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete, and fans have been vocal regarding their frustration with Moody. Expect training camp field goal stats to be closely analyzed.