So far this offseason, the 49ers have changed virtually nothing about their offense. They've brought back all 11 starters and most of the backups.
But in a few months, they presumably will give Brandon Aiyuk a massive contract extension worth more than $25 million per season. And then next year, they most likely will give Brock Purdy a gigantic contract extension worth more than $50 million per season. And suddenly, the 49ers will have one of the most expensive quarterback-wide-receiver combinations in the NFL, which is great, if the 49ers actually commit to building around their passing game.
Right now, the 49ers have built their offense around their running game. That's why their offensive line is so much better at run blocking than pass blocking -- the 49ers prioritize the rushing attack. Which means the 49ers don't have the pass protection to optimize the Purdy-Aiyuk connection.
And that's because the 49ers have the highest-paid fullback, the highest-paid running back and the highest-paid wide back in the NFL. Between these three players -- Kyle Juszczyk, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel -- the 49ers pay almost $45 million per season on average.
But the most valuable players on the offense now are Purdy and Aiyuk, and so it's time for the 49ers to reallocate some of the money in the backfield to positions that help the passing game, such as offensive line, tight end or wide receiver. Literally anything other than a wide back.
Purdy and Aiyuk could be one of the best connections in the NFL for the next five years if the 49ers allow them to flourish.
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