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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top Free Agent Campaigns to Join San Francisco 49ers
It's been an offseason full of changes for the San Francisco 49ers. Several players on both sides of the ball have moved on, some by trade, and others in free agency. The Niners also have a new, yet familiar defensive coordinator. Yet, despite all these changes, the 49ers still have an urgent area of need, especially right now as training camps are getting underway. Specifically, the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart is looking particularly thin due to Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall being sidelined with injuries, and Deebo Samuel is long gone after being traded. There have even been rumblings suggesting Jauan Jennings wants a trade. Yet, help could be on the way. Recently, top free agent Gabe Davis expressed a strong desire to join the 49ers, not only due to the potential opportunity to quickly land a key role, but also thanks to the ingenuity of coach Kyle Shanahan. 'San Fran is definitely a spot I'm looking at. Shanahan's the man. He knows how to call an offense. They just got a lot of great weapons around there… Definitely a team that interests me because I like to be around great players.' Gabe Davis Even though they missed the playoffs last season, there's no denying that the 49ers still have plenty of great players, including Christian McCaffrey, Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, to name a few. While Davis may not be a star, he clearly wants to join a contender with a good offense, and that makes the 49ers an ideal fit. Related: Related Headlines MLB Exec Suggests New York Yankees Fleeced Colorado Rockies in Ryan McMahon Trade Soccer games today: Friday's MLS schedule, Liga MX fixtures and more San Diego Padres game today: Includes full 2025 Padres schedule Baltimore Orioles game today: TV details and start times for upcoming 2025 Orioles schedule
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
49ers embrace youth movement with potential influx of rookies in starting lineup
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers went into the past few training camps with one of the NFL's deepest rosters filled with established stars that left little opportunity for rookies to contribute. HT Image That's far from the case this year as San Francisco underwent a roster reset in the offseason that has infused the team with more youth and the most opportunities for rookies to compete since 2019 when draft picks like Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw helped the Niners reach the Super Bowl. That's especially true on defense, where at least five rookies are in the mix for starting roles on a unit that has been overhauled completely in the offseason. 'There's a chance we could have six new guys starting. There's a chance we could have eight, we'll see how it plays out,' coach Kyle Shanahan said, referring to rookies, offseason additions and former backups. 'Any time you say that, that's different. That is a different team, that is a different side of the ball so that does take some time.' The 49ers have had only four rookies start a season opener over the past five seasons, tied for the fifth fewest in the NFL in that span. They could match that this season with first-round pick Mykel Williams and fellow draft picks Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Nick Martin and Upton Stout all in the mix. The Niners have started at least three rookies in a season opener just five times since the NFL-AFL merger, with the last time coming in 2006 when Vernon Davis, Manny Lawson and Melvin Oliver all got the nod. It also happened three times early in Bill Walsh's tenure in 1980, the Super Bowl-winning season in 1981 and 1983. The most rookies to start an opener for San Francisco since the merger was four in 1978. That's a challenge to a coaching staff that also includes a new defensive coordinator, with Robert Saleh returning after a stint as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-24. 'With youth, the challenge is that a veteran never makes mistakes, but sometimes they might be a step slow," Saleh said. 'They're not running that 40 time that they ran back in the combine, right? Where a rookie is going to make a lot of mistakes, but he's flat fast, and explosive. So, the trick is, how quickly can you get that football player to play like a veteran while he's still connected to his 40 time that he ran back at the combine. So that youthful energy, that youthful explosiveness. With youth comes lumps because they're learning.' Saleh said even though his scheme isn't overly complex, he might need to simplify some things initially to help the young players acclimate. The problem is the opposing offenses won't be doing the same and they will hope to confuse the rookies who aren't used to dealing with NFL offenses. 'They don't just stand there and make it easy for us,' Saleh said. "They're motioning, they're moving, they're jetting, they're doing all kinds of stuff pre-snap. So there are going to be some moments where it's like, oh God. But, you prick your finger, you fight through it, you get them to a point where they see it over and over and over again, and your hope is that that youthful explosiveness comes out as they continue to gain experience.' The 49ers have liked what they have seen so far, with the young players being attentive in meetings and knowing their assignments on the field. Shanahan said they have brought needed energy to the team starting in the offseason and the veterans have been impressed. 'I like the group,' Bosa said. 'I think we have a lot of talent. I think when you look out on the field, you see NFL bodies out there that look impressive, which is a good thing. Obviously, we're young, but I think just because nobody knows them now, if they play a good couple games, then the whole world will know them. It'll be exciting.' ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
49ers embrace youth movement with potential influx of rookies in starting lineup
Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers went into the past few training camps with one of the NFL's deepest rosters filled with established stars that left little opportunity for rookies to contribute. That's far from the case this year as San Francisco underwent a roster reset in the offseason that has infused the team with more youth and the most opportunities for rookies to compete since 2019 when draft picks like Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw helped the Niners reach the Super Bowl. That's especially true on defense, where at least five rookies are in the mix for starting roles on a unit that has been overhauled completely in the offseason. 'There's a chance we could have six new guys starting. There's a chance we could have eight, we'll see how it plays out,' coach Kyle Shanahan said, referring to rookies, offseason additions and former backups. 'Any time you say that, that's different. That is a different team, that is a different side of the ball so that does take some time.' The 49ers have had only four rookies start a season opener over the past five seasons, tied for the fifth fewest in the NFL in that span. They could match that this season with first-round pick Mykel Williams and fellow draft picks Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Nick Martin and Upton Stout all in the mix. The Niners have started at least three rookies in a season opener just five times since the NFL-AFL merger, with the last time coming in 2006 when Vernon Davis, Manny Lawson and Melvin Oliver all got the nod. It also happened three times early in Bill Walsh's tenure in 1980, the Super Bowl-winning season in 1981 and 1983. The most rookies to start an opener for San Francisco since the merger was four in 1978. That's a challenge to a coaching staff that also includes a new defensive coordinator, with Robert Saleh returning after a stint as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-24. 'With youth, the challenge is that a veteran never makes mistakes, but sometimes they might be a step slow," Saleh said. 'They're not running that 40 time that they ran back in the combine, right? Where a rookie is going to make a lot of mistakes, but he's flat fast, and explosive. So, the trick is, how quickly can you get that football player to play like a veteran while he's still connected to his 40 time that he ran back at the combine. So that youthful energy, that youthful explosiveness. With youth comes lumps because they're learning.' Saleh said even though his scheme isn't overly complex, he might need to simplify some things initially to help the young players acclimate. The problem is the opposing offenses won't be doing the same and they will hope to confuse the rookies who aren't used to dealing with NFL offenses. 'They don't just stand there and make it easy for us,' Saleh said. "They're motioning, they're moving, they're jetting, they're doing all kinds of stuff pre-snap. So there are going to be some moments where it's like, oh God. But, you prick your finger, you fight through it, you get them to a point where they see it over and over and over again, and your hope is that that youthful explosiveness comes out as they continue to gain experience.' The 49ers have liked what they have seen so far, with the young players being attentive in meetings and knowing their assignments on the field. Shanahan said they have brought needed energy to the team starting in the offseason and the veterans have been impressed. 'I like the group,' Bosa said. 'I think we have a lot of talent. I think when you look out on the field, you see NFL bodies out there that look impressive, which is a good thing. Obviously, we're young, but I think just because nobody knows them now, if they play a good couple games, then the whole world will know them. It'll be exciting.' ___ AP NFL: recommended Item 1 of 3
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
49ers embrace youth movement with potential influx of rookies in starting lineup
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers went into the past few training camps with one of the NFL's deepest rosters filled with established stars that left little opportunity for rookies to contribute. That's far from the case this year as San Francisco underwent a roster reset in the offseason that has infused the team with more youth and the most opportunities for rookies to compete since 2019 when draft picks like Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw helped the Niners reach the Super Bowl. That's especially true on defense, where at least five rookies are in the mix for starting roles on a unit that has been overhauled completely in the offseason. 'There's a chance we could have six new guys starting. There's a chance we could have eight, we'll see how it plays out,' coach Kyle Shanahan said, referring to rookies, offseason additions and former backups. 'Any time you say that, that's different. That is a different team, that is a different side of the ball so that does take some time.' The 49ers have had only four rookies start a season opener over the past five seasons, tied for the fifth fewest in the NFL in that span. They could match that this season with first-round pick Mykel Williams and fellow draft picks Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Nick Martin and Upton Stout all in the mix. The Niners have started at least three rookies in a season opener just five times since the NFL-AFL merger, with the last time coming in 2006 when Vernon Davis, Manny Lawson and Melvin Oliver all got the nod. It also happened three times early in Bill Walsh's tenure in 1980, the Super Bowl-winning season in 1981 and 1983. The most rookies to start an opener for San Francisco since the merger was four in 1978. That's a challenge to a coaching staff that also includes a new defensive coordinator, with Robert Saleh returning after a stint as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-24. 'With youth, the challenge is that a veteran never makes mistakes, but sometimes they might be a step slow,' Saleh said. 'They're not running that 40 time that they ran back in the combine, right? Where a rookie is going to make a lot of mistakes, but he's flat fast, and explosive. So, the trick is, how quickly can you get that football player to play like a veteran while he's still connected to his 40 time that he ran back at the combine. So that youthful energy, that youthful explosiveness. With youth comes lumps because they're learning.' Saleh said even though his scheme isn't overly complex, he might need to simplify some things initially to help the young players acclimate. The problem is the opposing offenses won't be doing the same and they will hope to confuse the rookies who aren't used to dealing with NFL offenses. 'They don't just stand there and make it easy for us,' Saleh said. 'They're motioning, they're moving, they're jetting, they're doing all kinds of stuff pre-snap. So there are going to be some moments where it's like, oh God. But, you prick your finger, you fight through it, you get them to a point where they see it over and over and over again, and your hope is that that youthful explosiveness comes out as they continue to gain experience.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The 49ers have liked what they have seen so far, with the young players being attentive in meetings and knowing their assignments on the field. Shanahan said they have brought needed energy to the team starting in the offseason and the veterans have been impressed. 'I like the group,' Bosa said. 'I think we have a lot of talent. I think when you look out on the field, you see NFL bodies out there that look impressive, which is a good thing. Obviously, we're young, but I think just because nobody knows them now, if they play a good couple games, then the whole world will know them. It'll be exciting.' ___ AP NFL:
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Which team has the best chance to go from worst to first in NFL in 2025?
A team going from worst to first in the division is nearly an annual occurrence in the NFL. HT Image With last-place teams getting advantages like favorable schedules and higher draft picks, there have been 25 teams since the 2002 realignment that followed up a last-place finish with a division title the following year. While no team pulled off the trick last season, it had happened least once in each of the previous four seasons. Perhaps no team is better positioned to do it this season than the San Francisco 49ers, who followed up a Super Bowl loss in the 2023 season with a 6-11 last-place finish in 2024. The Niners were done in by a string of injuries to key players and now head into the 2025 season with the weakest projected schedule thanks in part to three games against fellow last-place teams Chicago, the New York Giants and Cleveland. Here's a look at the contenders based on their odds to finish first from BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM odds to win division: 165. Reason for optimism: The 49ers still have star power with players like Fred Warner, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams and one of the top offensive coaches in the game in Kyle Shanahan. With the last-place schedule and a rotation that includes eight games against the weaker South divisions, the Niners are favored to win the NFC West. Reason for pessimism: San Francisco let several defensive starters leave in the offseason as part of a movement to get cheaper and younger. But if their rookie class can't step in and contribute immediately, the defense could have some holes even with the return of coordinator Robert Saleh. BetMGM odds to win division: 475. Reason for optimism: QB Drake Maye showed flashes as a rookie and should get a boost in Year 2 with a better coaching staff led by Mike Vrabel and coordinator Josh McDaniels. Reason for pessimism: Maye still has very little support even after the offseason acquisitions of rookie lineman Will Campbell and veteran receiver Stefon Diggs. BetMGM odds to win division: 550. Reason for optimism: The Bears brought in the most highly sought after coaching candidate when Ben Johnson was hired after a strong run as offensive coordinator in Detroit. They also upgraded the interior of the offensive line by acquiring Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson in the offseason to help second-year QB Caleb Williams. Reason for pessimism: Chicago is in a division with three returning playoff teams and has one of the more difficult schedules in the NFL. If Williams' struggles as a rookie were more about holding onto the ball too long instead of the surrounding environment, the upgrades might not be enough. BetMGM odds to win division: 800. Reason for optimism: Last year's struggles delivered Tennessee the No. 1 overall pick. QB Cam Ward brings his playmaking ability to Tennessee and should be helped by an improved offensive line following the additions of Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler and anticipated improvement from recent first-rounders JC Latham and Peter Skoronski. Reason for pessimism: Ward doesn't have a strong group of pass catchers even after the signing of veteran Tyler Lockett and Tennessee hasn't done much to upgrade a defense that allowed 27.1 points per game last season. BetMGM odds to win division: 1,300. Reason for optimism: The offense could get a boost if first-round tackle Kelvin Banks can step in immediately and receivers Chris Olave and Rasheed Shaheed are healthy. Reason for pessimism: New Orleans has uncertainty at quarterback after Derek Carr's retirement and is counting on either second-round rookie Tyler Shough or 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler to perform at a high enough level to compete. BetMGM odds to win division: 1,500. Reason for optimism: Perhaps no team upgraded at quarterback and head coach as much as the Raiders with Pete Carroll replacing Antonio Pierce at coach and Geno Smith coming in at quarterback after a platoon of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell. The offense under new coordinator Chip Kelly could be intriguing with record-setting second-year tight end Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Reason for pessimism: Las Vegas is in a division that had three playoff teams last season, making it a difficult proposition to climb too high in the standings. There are major questions in the secondary that could prove fatal in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. BetMGM odds to win division: 2,800. Reason for optimism: The Giants should have one of the top defensive lines with No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter joining Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The return of left tackle Andrew Thomas after he missed 11 games last season should help boost the offense under new quarterback Russell Wilson. Reason for pessimism: While Wilson may be an upgrade at quarterback, his play has fallen significantly since leaving Seattle following the 2021 season. New York traded up to draft Jaxson Dart in the first round but he might not be ready to take over as a rookie on a team that still has many holes on offense. BetMGM odds to win division: 3,000. Reason for optimism: The Browns feature one of the game's top defensive players in four-time All-Pro Myles Garrett after he got a new contract last season and Kevin Stefanski has won AP Coach of the Year twice in five seasons with Cleveland. Reason for pessimism: Cleveland is still searching for a QB three years after trading for Deshaun Watson. Veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are all in the mix but none provide immediate hope for success. ___ AP NFL:
