After a rollercoaster season that saw the 49ers finish 6-11, Brock Purdy is shedding some light on what went wrong. The team was coming off consecutive deep playoff runs, and fatigue seemed to become an unwelcome teammate.
“Last year, man, guys were tired,” Purdy explained, highlighting the relentless grind from summer training sessions in July through February. With just a five-week breather before diving right back in, the toll on players’ bodies became evident.
Looking at the recovery front, 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is on the mend from a torn ACL. According to Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Aiyuk is on track to return by midseason, reinforcing hope for his impactful comeback.
Meanwhile, in the draft scouting scene, the 49ers have been busy. They’ve shown interest in strengthening their defense by engaging with Penn State DT Coziah Izzard and SMU DT Elijah Roberts ahead of their pro days, always on the lookout for promising talent to bolster their roster.
Switching gears to the Cardinals, it’s been a busy pro day season. They’ve kept a keen eye on several prospects, including Minnesota DL Danny Strigow and Michigan CB Will Johnson, who paid an official visit.
Nebraska S Isaac Gifford and Texas State DE Brice Bass also met with the team, as did Texas A&M DE Nic Scourton. UCLA DE Oluwafemi Oladejo, with a whopping 10 official 30 visits planned, counts the Cardinals among those interested in his potential.
Over in Seattle, there’s been an update on linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s recent surgery, with GM John Schneider clarifying it was a knee procedure. The Seahawks are also upping their game with strategic visits. Texas State G Nash Jones got face time with the team at his pro day, and Connecticut OL Chase Lundt will have an upcoming official visit.
As for wide receiver Cooper Kupp and his new contract, it’s structured with lucrative incentives. His performance will dictate salary escalations in 2026 and 2027, with catch thresholds and receiving yards acting as key markers. It’s a smart setup that encourages peak performance and helps align the Seahawks’ financial plans with on-field achievements.
This offseason, as always, promises developments that can turn the tables for each team. With careful scouting and recovery strategies, these teams are aiming to turn fatigue and adversity into triumphant comebacks.
