Team Profile
San Francisco 49ers
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10.7% 9thOff DVOA
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33% 7thPassing DVOA
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-3.8% 13thRushing DVOA
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-1.6% 13thDef DVOA
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0.8% 10thDef Passing DVOA
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-4.4% 23rdDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For22.9 15th
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Points Against25.6 25th
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Yards Per Game377.0 4th
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Yards Allowed Per Game318.0 8th
The Pittsburgh Steelers are working hard on a trade to acquire wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, according to sources, and a deal could get done soon. The 49ers now seem motivated to get something done, and the Steelers could use an upgrade at the position to help complement current WR1 George Pickens. Aiyuk is in a contract year and is looking to be traded after not being able to work out a long-term contract extension in the Bay Area. The 26-year-old former 25th overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State enters the 2024 season on the WR1/2 borderline after his second straight 1,000-yard season with 15 total touchdowns the last two regular seasons. If he were to land in Pittsburgh, he would immediately become the team's WR1 with quarterback Russell Wilson working with him, which would be a downgrade over Brock Purdy.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could be on the move before the regular season begins. The stud wideout has reported to training camp but continues to sit out while he awaits a new contract. It doesn't sound like the two sides are too close on a new deal which could mean the 49ers trade Aiyuk. A new contract would probably be close to $30 million per season for Aiyuk, which doesn't seem to interest the 49ers. That being said, the 49ers seem more likely to trade Aiyuk for draft picks and hopefully a player or two that could help the team win now. There doesn't seem to be much trade discussion right now but the talks could heat up as training camp goes on.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) is back to participating in practice on Saturday. This comes a day after Jennings was limited to side work due to a minor ankle issue. Luckily, Jennings is back and hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy during Saturday's practice. Jennings figures to compete for the No. 3 wideout role in training camp. He has seen less than 40 targets in two of his first three seasons in the league. However, an increased role to the No. 3 spot could give him more fantasy value.
San Francisco 49ers first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) has shown impressive progress in training camp despite an initial slow start due to his injury. The 31st overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, who hails from Florida, was placed on the Non-Foothall Injury list before camp began but is now back at practice. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan praised Pearsall's development, noting, "real happy" and "He definitely understands our standard." With key players like Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings already established, the 49ers don't need Pearsall to make an immediate impact. However, his strong performance could make it difficult for the team to keep him off the field come fall. Pearsall is a valuable asset in dynasty leagues but will need an injury or trade to become relevant in redraft leagues.
With Christian McCaffrey receiving a training-camp rest day on Monday, Jordan Mason was the San Francisco 49ers' first running back on the field for the start of team drills. Mason, the 49ers' No. 3 back the past two seasons, carried the ball on the first snap. Elijah Mitchell, the No. 2 back sinceMcCaffrey arrived in 2022, had a carry on the second snap. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also shared praise of Mason's development after the session. After Mitchell served as McCaffrey's unquestioned backup, Mason at least is making the situation murkier.San Fran's backfield pecking order behind McCaffrey will certainly be something for fantasy managers to monitor leading into the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the hosting Tennessee Titans. Until then, Mitchell should be treated as CMC's preferred handcuff at the end of fantasy drafts with rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) sidelined.