San Francisco

49ers

Per Maiocco, “now it’s up to Aiyuk to decide if he will accept either team’s contract terms.” It’s odd timing for a deal of this nature, but things are looking irreparable between the 49ers and their co-No. 1 receiver. The 2020 first-rounder just wants to get paid heading into the final season of his rookie deal, and the star-laden Niners aren’t in a great position to do so. This should get resolved within the next 24 hours. Both the Pats and Browns would be a steep fantasy downgrade, but the Pats far, far — far — more so.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo picked up a hamstring injury on the first day of camp and presumed top backup Elijah Mitchel did not practice on Monday, both of which could have combined to force the 49ers’ hand in bringing in a familiar veteran face. Whether or not Breida’s presence is anything more than camp depth remains to be seen, but the two sides reunite for the first time since 2019.

Aiyuk is not practicing after requesting a trade, but he is still taking part in meetings and remains “engaged as usual” according to Wagoner. The 26-year-old is obviously unhappy with his current situation, but if a trade isn’t able to get worked out, it’s at least a little positive to hear that there’s still a relationship with the team.

Snead’s career has fizzled out since he posted 1,879 yards in his first two seasons with the Saints, but he is still hanging around the league as a reserve option at receiver and a special teams contributor. He spent the past two years in San Francisco, appearing in four games for both seasons. With Odell Beckham on the PUP list, Snead gives the team an extra body at receiver for the start of training camp.

Jackson played in just eight games last season and recorded three sacks — all of which came in Week 1 against the Steelers. The former second-round pick was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery in mid-November. In 23 career games, Jackson has totaled 21 tackles and six sacks, along with five TFLs. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Jackson is out through the duration of training camp “at a minimum,” suggesting his absence could stretch into the regular season. This is presumably the same knee injury that ended Jackson’s campaign last year.

The 49ers selected Guerendo with the 129th pick in this year’s draft. The former Louisville product turned in one of the best combine performances ever earlier this year and was expected to compete for the backup running back job in the 49ers’ backfield. His absence should bolster the fantasy stock for Elijah Mitchell, who looks firmly entrenched as the RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey for the time being. Guerendo will likely need to make up for lost time once he returns, and may not have much, if any fantasy impact early in the season.

Pearsall missed last week with a hamstring injury he suffered while away from the team. Now, the rookie first-rounder will have a chance to mix in with a 49ers offense that has been short on receiver talent. Brandon Aiyuk is currently in the midst of a hold-in while awaiting a new contract. Pearsall’s fantasy value will be largely dependent on whether or not Aiyuk returns to the team, which he will presumably do at some point, as they appear unwilling to trade him. Pearsall totaled 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Florida, averaging 15.2 YPR during his college career. He’ll likely be a boom-or-bust option for fantasy in most weeks if Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are active.

Burford has started 29 games with 30 appearances through his first two years in the league with the 49ers. The team is reportedly in the process of deciding whether or not to pursue surgery although he is expected to miss three weeks regardless. The health of Jon Feliciano and Aaron Banks could determine how much playing time Burford sees on the interior in 2024 and could help rookie Dominick Puni earn more offensive snaps early in the season.

Pearsall is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list with the ailment, which requires a transaction prior to his return to the field. Fellow rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing is also on the reserve/NFI list in addition to rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, with Pearsall apparently the closest to a return to the practice field. Keep an eye on all three rookies as they battle for early-career snaps behind one of the best primary skill position groups in the league.

Williams, 36, is holding out for a new contract. The three-time All-Pro is entering the fourth year of a six-year deal he signed with the team in 2021, but that deal is fresh out of guaranteed money. Williams is one of two 49ers currently in the midst of a holdout while awaiting new contracts, putting the team in a difficult position to open camp. Still amongst the best in the game, Williams earned a PFF blocking grade of 89.9 last season and didn’t give up a sack on any of the 18 quarterback pressures he allowed. Williams is subject to a $50,000 fine for every day he does not report to camp.