The 49ers have all systems in place for 2024.
On Tuesday, San Francisco received a double dose of good news. First, offensive lineman Trent Williams, a holdout during the team’s training camp due to a contract dispute, is expected to report to the team with a restructured contract imminent.
Later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that running back Christian McCaffrey (strained calf) also “is expected to return to practice” on Tuesday.
The Niners have reached the NFC Championship Game in four of the past five seasons. With the band back together in time for the start of the regular season, San Francisco is positioned nicely to make it five of six.
Williams, who turned 36 in July, is still among the best linemen in football. He’s been named a first-team All-Pro the past three seasons (2021-2023) while also making 11 consecutive Pro Bowls (2012-2023).
He makes quarterback Brock Purdy’s job easier, as does McCaffrey, who is arguably the best running back in football.
Last season, he had 272 carries, 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 67 catches, 564 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver.
He was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and finished third in MVP voting in 2023.
Both have a quick ramp-up period to get ready for San Francisco’s Week 1 home opener against the Jets on Monday. But as capable as they are, we won’t put it past them.
More importantly, San Francisco’s ability to end its contract dispute with Williams — four days after the Niners signed wideout Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract, ending his standoff — frees it from distractions entering a Super Bowl-or-bust season.
Per ESPN BET, the 49ers (+600) have the second-lowest odds to win Super Bowl LIX, only trailing the Chiefs (+500), who beat them in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.
Instead of wondering whether they’ll have their key offensive pieces to make another championship run, San Francisco only has to question if it has enough to get past Kansas City.
