San Francisco 49ers

According to The Athletic's David Lombardi, San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell is the team's clear No. 2 back behind All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Mitchell is an all-around back, but his health is the key. If training camp this summer yields a productive backfield logjam, Lombardi points out that the 49ers have previously traded Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson Jr. when they have an excess of depth at the position. As of right now, the 26-year-old Mitchell is the best handcuff option for fantasy managers that take McCaffrey first overall in fantasy drafts this fall. Mitchell has produced 4.7 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL in the Bay Area, but he's also played in just 27 games in a three-year span. If CMC misses time with an injury in 2024, Mitchell will become a hot commodity.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has not reported to the team's mandatory minicamp this week as he seeks a new contract. Aiyuk will be subject to fines for however long he's not in attendance. The 26-year-old former first-rounder hasn't been present for any of the voluntary organized team activities this offseason either, so his absence at minicamp isn't a big surprise as he seeks a new long-term contract extension from the team. If he plays under his current deal in 2024, he'll earn $14.124 million in the final year of his rookie contract. Aiyuk had the finest year of his career in 2023 with 75 receptions on 105 targets for a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season starts. He's now had back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns with 15 touchdowns and should eventually be paid a handsome sum to stay in the Bay Area.

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has once again reset the running back market by signing a two-year contract extension on Tuesday that averages $19 million per year, according to sources. McCaffrey will receive an additional $8 million over what he was scheduled to make in the first two years while adding $24 million in guarantees. The 27-year-old's $19 million annual average makes him the league's highest-paid RB, for good reason. CMC finished third in the MVP voting in 2023 after going for 2,023 scrimmage yards with 21 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. McCaffrey hasn't been immune to the injury bug in his career, but when he's healthy, he's a league-winner as the heartbeat of the Niners' offense. He should go first overall in most fantasy drafts this fall.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (undisclosed) is reportedly working through an injury and wearing a non-contact jersey at OTAs. However, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports that his injury has not held him out of practice or slowed him down. That said, this should not be a concern for fantasy managers. "As was the case last week, Pearsall looked comfortable in the offense and caught several passes from Brock Purdy, including one at the sideline that Pearsall snagged in front of cornerback Isaac Yiadom, who had close coverage," Barrows wrote. The former Arizona State and Florida wideout was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in April's 2024 NFL Draft, and although he lands in a great offense, it's tough to find a path toward consistent production in 2024. As of now, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel remain on the roster, and the organization re-signed Jauan Jennings to a two-year extension on Wednesday. Pearsall is likely best served as a dynasty-league stash for rebuilding teams.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $15.4 million that includes $10.5 million guaranteed on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jennings was a restricted free agent, but he'll remain with the organization ahead of the 2024 campaign. Jennings, who has been stuck in a crowded offense with Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, has put up just under 1,000 yards in his first three NFL seasons. However, he's viewed as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL and was likely to be named Super Bowl LVIII MVP had the 49ers won following his two-touchdown game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Tennessee Volunteer is unlikely to be a weekly producer in fantasy football, though he'll have a better chance if one of Samuel or Aiyuk are traded. Jennings is likely to lose snaps to first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall if Samuel and Aiyuk stick around in 2024.