With the San Francisco 49ers all but eliminated from the playoffs, the conversation has naturally turned to the offseason. No topic will be more analyzed and discussed than quarterback Brock Purdy's potential contract extension.
Debates have already begun on how much money Purdy is worth. Answers will vary from the $30 million to $60 million per-year range, and then there are others who think the Niners should not extend Purdy and potentially franchise tag him after next offseason.
That debate will rage on, but for the sake of argument, let's imagine that Purdy signs a fairly team-friendly contract. Purdy seems like a pretty selfless guy, so it would not be a huge surprise if he signs a contract that benefits San Francisco, thereby allowing the team to beef up a better supporting cast around him.
If that scenario does come true, it means the 49ers could keep some valuable players who are set to be free agents this offseason.
Let's take a look at three players the Niners could keep if Purdy signs a team-friendly deal.
Dre Greenlaw
We all know things have gone downhill for the Niners ever since linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl. Getting Greenlaw back in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams was huge, and the 27-year-old veteran looked like he did not miss a beat.
Having Greenlaw and All-Pro Fred Warner together at linebacker is so huge for San Francisco. It is no wonder why his teammates are hopeful the Niners bring him back next season.
If Purdy signs a team-friendly deal, that could become a reality.
Talanoa Hufanga
Another key 49ers defender is safety Talanoa Hufanga. Unfortunately, the USC product has struggled with injuries the last two seasons. Last year he tore his ACL, and this season he has dealt with a wrist injury.
Yet, when Hufanga is on the field he shows how valuable he is.
The Niners have gotten solid contributions from rookie safety Malik Mustapha, but second-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown has taken a step back.
That makes a reunion with Hufanga all the more essential as the 49ers try to put together a solid secondary.
Charvarius Ward
Cornerback Charvarius Ward has obviously had an awful year, personally, with the loss of his young daughter, which really puts into perspective the fact that what happens on the football field is ultimately irrelevant. Ward is a premium cornerback and seems likely to get paid this offseason even if he has struggled at times in 2024.
The Niners already signed cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to an extension, so it would be huge if they could sign Ward as well. It may be tough even if Purdy signs a team-friendly deal, but it would unquestionably bolster the secondary.
We will see how things unfold this offseason. Much of what San Francisco can or cannot do is dependent on whether the Niners sign Purdy to an extension and if they do, what kind of extension he receives.
If he signs a team-friendly one, perhaps the 49ers can keep at least one or two of these key defensive free agents.