Could the window be closing for this well-positioned Super Bowl favorite?

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the frontrunners to walk away with this year's Lombardi Trophy, but is the Super Bowl window closing? One analyst thinks so. 

While examining the Super Bowl odds of NFL teams led by quarterbacks on rookie deals, Bill Barnwell of ESPN surmised that this year may represent the 49ers' best chance to win one as currently constructed. 

"It's too dramatic to say they're on the way down while the Packers and Texans are on their way up, but it's not wrong, either," Barnwell wrote. 

Admittedly, the 49ers' talented roster should have them in the championship conversation over the next few seasons, but as Barnwell points out, they also have a core that's "getting old and more expensive." 

With an average age of 27.21, the 49ers are above the NFL baseline (26.62). They are the 28th oldest team in the league, per Spotrac, younger than only the Carolina Panthers (27.23), New England Patriots (27.32), New Orleans Saints (27.44) and Buffalo Bills (27.8). 

Furthermore, according to Over The Cap, the 49ers are one of 11 teams operating in the red as far as 2024 cap space goes at -$9.2 million. They could create a little breathing room by restructuring a few contracts, as they did with tight end George Kittle and tackle Trent Williams ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. Those moves freed up $23.2 million. However, they would only be kicking a growing can down a road that's getting shorter and shorter. 

There is also a significant pay bump for quarterback Brock Purdy looming, further complicating things. Signing Purdy would mean less money for other positions, ultimately leading to more challenging roster decisions. 

Despite all the doom and gloom, the sky isn't falling in San Francisco yet. 

The 49ers still boast the best odds to win the Super Bowl at +175, per DraftKings. No matter how this year's run finishes, the team will likely be among the favorites again next season. 

With a league-best five first-team All-Pros and a deep, talented group surrounding them, the 49ers are built for success now. In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, though, it's best to strike while the iron is hot. For the 49ers, that means taking advantage of the opportunity to win while the roster is still at its peak.