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Critics will be quick to point out that San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Solomon Thomas had a tough year on the football field in 2018. He had an even tougher year off the field, which probably impacted his on-field play.
Thomas had to deal with the death of his sister in January of 2018. The loss resonated with the defensive lineman but he told reporters on Tuesday that he is in a much better place now that he has had time to deal with the anger, depression, and grief that accompany losing someone close to you.
"Physically, you can be the best you can ever be, but if you're not healthy mentally, your body's not going to work," Thomas said. "Your mind can take over your body. Your mind controls everything. That's what I've been working on for me, and I feel mentally healthier than ever, and that's why I feel this is the best I've ever felt in my life right now."
"Solomon, he's a different person the past couple of months," Juszczyk said on the "Joe, Lo and Dibs" show. "You just see it in his eyes. The guy is always smiling. He just gives off a different energy now, and you can tell he's in a really good place.
"I think he's in a good place to succeed as well. There's some serious talent on that defensive line, and I think that's only going to bring the best out of each and every one of them."
The mentally and physically healthier Thomas is certainly a candidate to be a breakout player this year. He has just four sacks in his first two NFL seasons but is surrounded by a lot more talent now. He also has a new defensive line coach in Kris Kocurek, who brings with him a different scheme up front and has a reputation of getting the best out of his players.
"I probably had my worst season in my life last year, and I'm the most confident I've ever been in my career right now," Thomas added. "That says a lot. I'm just ready to move forward and show everyone who Solomon Thomas is and what I'm about to bring to the table for this team."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Juszczyk below.
You can watch Tuesday's presser with Thomas below, courtesy of Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Brock Purdy hopes Kyle Shanahan makes addition to 49ers playbook
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for a franchise-record 4,280 yards last season, leading the team to the Super Bowl and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He held onto the football 39 times on the ground, rushing for 144 yards and scoring twice. This marked a significant improvement over his rookie 2022 campaign when he had 22 carries for 13 yards and a score.
Purdy further displayed his athleticism during the 49ers' playoff game against the Detroit Lions last season, helping engineer a comeback victory while rushing for 48 yards on five carries.
On Tuesday morning, Purdy joined the "Pat McAfee Show," acknowledging that he believes he can contribute more rushing yards if called upon. However, that decision rests with head coach Kyle Shanahan,
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
