San Francisco 49ers president of football operations/general manager John Lynch has touched down for the NFL Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. This year, Lynch is wearing a couple hats at the four-day event, fulfilling responsibilities as the head of the 49ers braintrust and as a first-year member of the NFL Competition Committee.
Lynch held his customary media availability from the league meeting to address the organization's free agency moves, the status of quarterback Brock Purdy's contract negotiations, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's recovery progress, and everything in between.
Free Agency Departure Summary
The 49ers parted ways with a number of players during free agency, several of which were drafted and developed right here in The Bay. While letting go of these talented athletes was certainly not easy for San Francisco's front office, there was a concerted effort this offseason to create cap space and infuse the roster with some youth headed into the next season. As it stands, a majority of the 49ers players that became free agents at the start of the new league year have gone on to earn contracts elsewhere.
"It's flattering that the league saw our roster like that," Lynch said. "We've always been very aggressive in free agency. It just had gotten to the point - our roster was expensive and getting a little bit older... It was difficult to sit back. It's hard when you draft players, you develop them, our coaches have put a lot of great work in too, our scouts did a great job identifying guys, to watch them leave.
Following the trades for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and running back Jordan Mason, San Francisco is set to enter the 2025 NFL Draft with 11 picks. They've also added nine new faces to the organization, including bringing in former 2021 first-rounder Mac Jones to back up Purdy.
"I think it was necessary," Lynch added. "We also added a lot of players that we like. We're excited about that. We have 11 draft picks, the most we've had since we've been here, four in the top 100."
Progress with Purdy's Contract
The 49ers and Purdy have yet to agree to terms on a contract extension, but it's still early in the offseason. Outside of offering reassurance that both sides are still looking to get a deal done, the general manager opted to keep the details surrounding negotiations close to the vest.
"Brock wants to be us. We want Brock to be with us," Lynch said. "When that is the case, these things typically get done... There is motivation on both sides, and that is always a good thing."
Could the deal be done as early as the start of the offseason workout program?
"I don't think it's too optimistic," Lynch responded to a reporter in his availability. "I understand why Brock wants that. We'd like that very much, so we just have to find that right place for both sides. I would like nothing more than for that to be the case."
Aiyuk Recovery Updates
In his press conference at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Lynch noted an important recovery benchmark that Aiyuk was approaching in early March. The general manager was happy to report more positive news on Monday morning about the progress of his star wide receiver.
"We're pleased with Brandon's progress," Lynch said. "He's been working hard and got good reviews from Dr. Elattrache. That was kind of a key marker, and he did well."
Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL and other ligament damage last season during the 49ers Week 7 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Juszczyk Signs on for Two More Years
Kyle Juszczyk was a free agent for just a few days before the 49ers struck a new two-year with their veteran fullback. Juszczyk was part of Shanahan and Lynch's first free agent class back in 2017 and has earned nine-straight Pro Bowl nods dating back to 2016. He is currently the most tenured player on the 49ers roster.
"I think it's a win because we have an opportunity with a really good football player who is at the core of our leadership of our football team, a captain last year and has a chance to make that ten-year wall," Lynch said. "That would be really really cool. The fact that we tried to show him the respect that he deserved to go see what his market was, and then at the end, we found a way to make it work. We're really happy.
"I don't think it's any secret that people have a high respect and regard for Kyle (Shanahan)'s offensive acumen and scheme and at the forefront of that is the way we use Kyle Juszczyk, our fullback."
