49ers news: Draft pick praise, free agent spending and more for Cardinals fans to know
A look at what has been going on with the Cardinals' NFC West rival 49ers.
We have made it through another week in the NFL offseason, and that means we will check in with the Arizona Cardinals' NFC West rivals. What is new with the LA Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks?
Here are a few stories about the 49ers from the last week that Cardinals fans should know.
GM praises top draft pick
The 49ers selected EDGE Mykel Williams in the first round, a promising player the Cardinals probably would have selected were he still on the board at No. 16. 49ers GM John Lynch spoke about Williams and now it felt like he was a perfect fit.
Why the Niners cut back on free agent spending this year
Most will look at what the 49ers did in the offseason and consider it bad. They lost a number of starters in free agency. Lynch explained why they took a more measured approach.
George Kittle stands up for ex-teammate
The Niners traded receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. Some footage of Samuel came out and many have called him fat and slow. Kittle defended Samuel.
Brock Purdy considered dark horse for MVP
Purdy was a legitimate MVP candidate two seasons ago. He struggled more last season when his best players were hurt. But one analyst believes that Purdy could be a dark horse for this next season's MVP award.
Rookie LB needs surgery, will be ready for training camp
Third-round pick Nick Martin, a linebacker, broke his thumb in offseason workouts but did not miss any time. He is expected to have surgery and be ready for training camp.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says there will be no state money for sports venues
Two NFL teams call Pennsylvania home. Neither should consider calling Pennsylvania when it's time to finance stadium renovation or construction for their home stadiums. Via the Associated Press, Governor Josh Shapiro made it clear on Sunday that state money will not be available to sports teams. 'I'm very worried about the overall budget,' Shapiro said Sunday before a NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway. 'I'm very worried about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. You want to balance investing in tourism, investing in sports, investing in great arenas and facilities, with making sure that you're also investing those dollars in things that Pennsylvanians need most.' And, in Shapiro's view, Pennsylvanians don't have a pressing need for sports. He nevertheless wants sports — and more of them — in Pennsylvania. 'I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play,' Shapiro said. 'That are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue. We're going to continue to dialog with them about what they need and what's possible.' There's been a presumption for years that, because members of the public attend sporting events, there's an obligation by their state and local governments to help pay for the venue. Does that happen when someone builds a store that members of the public? A theater? The key words Shapiro used are 'generate revenue.' Sports stadiums generate plenty. More than enough to pay for themselves. Sure, that might result in less profit. But so what? If there's enough profit to justify the investment, that should be good enough. Sports teams aren't entitled to unlimited profit via taxpayer subsidies. The Steelers, who opened their current stadium in 2001, aren't currently angling for a replacement. The Eagles have begun the process of considering whether to renovate Lincoln Financial Field or to replace it. Whatever the approach on either side of the Commonwealth, the two teams have one thing in common. State money won't be available, for as long as Shapiro is in office. Elected in 2022, Shapiro can run again in 2026. So it's possible that the policy won't change before 2030. At the earliest.
NBC Sports
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says there will be no public money for sports venues
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an hour ago
Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound, and the Dodgers are monitoring his return to two-way play
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