Thanks in large part to quarterback Brock Purdy’s rookie contract, the San Francisco 49ers have assembled one of the greatest lineups in the NFL with several All-Pro players on both sides of the ball. On the other hand, impending contract extensions may drive one great 49er off the roster.

Long-term, San Francisco faces challenges when it comes to salary caps. Although there aren’t many significant free agents that general manager John Lynch needs to sign this offseason, the 49ers still have a long list of impact players on both sides of the ball who could become available in 2025.

That poses a particular issue for a team whose cap space is expected to be limited to $25.55 million by 2025. For players in contract years like Brandon Aiyuk, Deommodore Lenoir, and Talanoa Hufanga, the amount does not even take into consideration possible contract extensions and wage rises. This year, San Francisco may have to make a tough choice about Purdy because a long-term contract is also imminent.

All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel was also highlighted as a player who might be traded this winter amid NFL trade speculations concerning Aiyuk.

A trade of Samuel would enable San Francisco to extend Aiyuk’s contract and establish him as the primary receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. Although Samuel has been a key member of the squad and his absences have caused Purdy’s stats to decrease, he is not as much of a natural No. 1 receiver as Aiyuk and has struggled with numerous injuries in the past.

Although that occurred in 2022 when he wasn’t signed to a long-term contract with San Francisco and had asked to be traded out of San Francisco, Samuel has also surfaced in NFL trade speculations in the past. In the end, the 49ers’ front office will have to make some tough choices regarding the roster in the upcoming years, and it’s still possible that one of their top offensive weapons won’t be available when the 2024 NFL season begins.