SANTA CLARA – Opportunity.
That is the buzzword entering 49ers training camp, and this summer’s auditions should be both plentiful and sincere for a franchise capable of reverting to playoff form.
“I’m just looking forward to guys taking advantage of the opportunities, because we lost some guys,” tight end George Kittle said recently.
Kittle pointed to a “new defense” that will await him and the 49ers’ offense on the practice fields, starting Wednesday, a day after all players report to what will be the ninth camp under coach Kyle Shanahan.
Here are 10 storylines to watch:
1. McCAFFREY’S COMEBACK
Every rep, every practice by Christian McCaffrey will be charted and weighed into how scaled back he’s being for a comeback season. He looked healthy in spring practices, so much so that fullback Kyle Juszczyk recently said: “He looks incredible, he looks so healthy, he looks so explosive. It changes everything.”
A week into last year’s camp, McCaffrey was shut down with what was termed a calf strain. He tried to get back for the start of the season, only to require further rest and treatment for bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
Since last scoring a touchdown on a Jauan Jennings pass in the Super Bowl, McCaffrey has overcome his Achilles issues, plus a knee injury that ended his comeback after four games. He also got married last summer to Olivia Culpo, and they announced on July 13 the birth of their daughter, Colette.
2. A JENNINGS HOLD-IN?
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a contract extension before camp or he’ll request a trade, a source confirmed last week. This contract drama won’t parallel Brandon Aiyuk’s from a year ago, but, like Aiyuk, Jennings could show up to avoid fines and opt not to practice until a resolution is reached on his contract, which expires after this season. Jennings bypassed mandatory minicamp in June with what coach Kyle Shanahan termed a minor calf issue. (Aiyuk had “back and neck” issues last summer until a $30-million-per-year deal was brokered in late August.)
3. ROOKIE COLLINS’ STATUS
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins’ initial camp is intriguing on two fronts. First, he broke a deadlock among second-round picks throughout the league by reaching a deal Wednesday that includes over $9 million guaranteed in his four-year, $10.3 million contract. Beyond that business, Collins has yet to practice with the 49ers because of a calf strain before the draft.
4. DEFENSIVE CHANGES
Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator should spark new energy but also new looks with a slew of personnel changes, not just compared to his previous stint (2017-20) but even the last few years. “I’m excited to see our new defense,” Kittle said. “Actually I’m excited to go against Saleh again. That will be really fun.”
5. DEFENSIVE LINE SHUFFLE
Each year, the 49ers introduce new players into Nick Bosa’s supporting cast, and this year’s greatest additions include first-round pick Mykel Williams and veteran pass rusher Bryce Huff on the opposite edge of Bosa. On the interior, Collins and rookie C.J. West should push Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens for starting spots as all four are pegged to rotate. But don’t dismiss incumbents Yetur Gross-Matos, Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal Jr., Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis.
6. L.A. LAW
Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir have had to deal with separate legal matters in Los Angeles, but that should not keep either out of camp. It could impact their availability this season if the NFL doles out discipline, however.
Robinson recently pled no contest to last year’s driving-under-the-influence arrest while he was on the Rams, and NFL policy could prompt a three-game suspension at some point the next month or so. Lenoir’s arrest last month for obstruction of justice scheduled him for a July 25 court date if he’s charged.
7. PEARSALL’S PRESENCE
Ricky Pearsall’s greater presence in the offense should be compelling, especially with Jennings’ unclear participation and Brandon Aiyuk’s side-field rehabilitation. Pearsall finished his rookie season strong, but he missed a chunk of his rookie camp because of shoulder issues, prior to him surviving a gunshot wound through his chest in a Labor Day Weekend robbery attempt in Union Square.
8. WARNER’S WINGMAN
Dre Greenlaw’s departure in free agency stung most in this spring’s exodus of talent. Dee Winters figures to get the first shot as the weak-side linebacker next to All-Pro Fred Warner. Rookie Nick Martin should contend for that role, presuming he’s not hindered by a fractured thumb before June’s mandatory minicamp.
9. LATE ADDITIONS
The 49ers have a lot of salary cap room ($48 million) if they want to add a household name via free agency or trade. Which positions might command last-minute shopping? Wide receivers and defensive backs are always in need, and the 49ers appear thin at both spots, including safety while Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) and Malik Mustapaha (knee).
10. KICKER COMPETITION
Last but not least in fans’ minds will be whether kicker Jake Moody retains his job after a rough second season. This time, Moody must beat out a veteran, Greg Joseph, who had a brief stint last season with the New York Jets, whose special teams coordinator, Brant Boyer, is now in that role with the 49ers’ refurbished unit.