(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers have some issues to take care of, ideally before they start the regular season on Sept. 9, but if they resolve those issues, they should have a great shot at getting back to the Super Bowl and finally winning their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
However, those issues are serious, as they have two offensive stars, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, who may not play at all until they get the money they’re demanding.
Aiyuk, their top wide receiver, has not been participating in practice while looking for a contract extension, and Williams, arguably the NFL’s best left tackle, is looking for a restructured contract while holding out.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton said that avoiding such distractions will be the biggest key for San Francisco this season.
“Handle the distractions and do not let the distractions bleed into being a chasm,” Newton said, via the “4thand1show.”
.@CameronNewton thinks the 49ers’ biggest key to success is avoiding distractions—ensuring contract disputes with Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk, and coaching changes don’t bleed into the season.
‘The Road Ahead’ presented by @NHTSAgov pic.twitter.com/ewrSzqUo9E
— 4thand1show (@4thand1show) August 27, 2024
Aiyuk led the Niners in receptions and receiving yards last season, and they have explored trading him while also looking to reach an agreement with him on an extension that would keep him in the Bay Area.
They reportedly had a trade agreement in place with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it appears they’d rather get Aiyuk to sign an extension to stay than trade him away.
With regard to Williams, the 36-year-old is under contract for three more seasons including the 2024 campaign, but there is no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Newton also mentioned the fact that the Niners have a new defensive coordinator in Nick Sorensen, who replaced Steve Wilks, and said they will have to make sure they adjust to him and some new defensive personnel.
A few mainstays on their defensive front, including longtime lineman Arik Armstead, left this offseason, and they will have to break in some new players, including veteran defensive end and 2021 Super Bowl champion Leonard Floyd.
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