Niner Noise
FanSided

5 lessons 49ers can learn from Patriots, Eagles’ Super Bowl run

By Logan Stanley

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head Coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a 38-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings after their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head Coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a 38-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings after their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Aggressiveness in the offseason pays off

This past offseason was an active one for the Eagles, who signed 10 free agents. Those moves are proving to be smart ones, with six of those 10 players contributing to the team’s playoff run.

Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, quarterback Nick Foles, running back LeGarrette Blount, defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson have all played a role into the team’s success.

Instead of staying idle, the front office knew they had to seize the opportunity with Wentz leading the helm and it has resulted in a Super Bowl appearance.

The Patriots too were aggressive in the offseason too, trading a 2018 first-round pick for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, as well signing key free agents like cornerback Stephon Gilmore and running back Rex Burkhead.

Undeniably, the three have all been important this season for New England.

Both Philadelphia and New England are prime examples of what a busy offseason can yield.

With $114 million in cap space— per Over The Cap—the 49ers would be wise to be very aggressive this upcoming offseason. The situation for the team is rare.

San Francisco is in a special position considering they have a franchise quarterback, solid pieces in place on both sides of the ball, the aforementioned (and astronomical) cap space and a top 10 pick.

Sitting idle will not be rewarded. And while the notion of trading a top draft pick seemed unfeasible just a year ago, the front office should not be hesitant to do so if the right deal is on the table. The window for winning is the present, not in the future as it was for the previously planned long rebuild.