SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Given the magnitude of the league-rattling move the San Francisco 49ers made to get their quarterback of the future, it’s hard to call any offseason more critical than what they did in 2021.

But, in part because rookie signal-caller Trey Lance didn’t take over after the Niners traded up to No. 3 to draft him, this offseason is nearly as important. Many of the decisions coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and their staffs make this offseason will be geared towards helping Lance in 2022 when, presumably, he takes over as the long-term starter.

With that in mind, here’s a look at what the Niners must do to again be a Super Bowl contender.

Extensions for Bosa and Deebo

Much like in recent years with the likes of tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner, the Niners have two franchise centerpieces due for massive contract extensions: defensive end Nick Bosa and wide back Deebo Samuel. Also like Kittle and Warner, deals for both are unlikely to happen until late summer.

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Still, the Niners have planned for both.

“We fully understand these guys are pillars of what we’re trying to do here,” Lynch said. “We’ve been blessed that we’ve been aggressive, because we’ve had a lot of players that we believe are some of the best in the league at what they do. And these guys are no different. … I’ m sure that we’ll find a way to get that done. It’s been budgeted for.”

Get quarterback clarity ASAP

The idea that the Niners will again keep starter Jimmy Garoppolo is far-fetched, despite San Francisco’s efforts to publicly maintain that piece of leverage. Garoppolo, meanwhile, expects to be traded and would like a say in where he lands.

“I’ve got a long career ahead of me,” Garoppolo said. “I’m excited about the opportunities to come. I just want to go to a place where they want to win.”

There appears to be no shortage of recent playoff contenders in need of a quarterback. Pittsburgh, Washington, Denver, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Indianapolis are but a handful of the teams who could be in the Garoppolo market.

Ideally, a trade would come together sooner than later even though it can’t become official until the new league year opens March 16. That would give the Niners some certainty on how much cap space they have to negotiate with their free agents and make outside additions. It would also allow Garoppolo to help steer his destination before this year’s game of quarterback musical chairs stops.

It would also clear the decks for Lance to move ahead as the starter and give San Francisco a chance to find a capable veteran backup — Tyrod Taylor, perhaps? — in free agencies.

Settle the salary cap

As it stands, the Niners figure to enter the new league year roughly $10 million over the salary cap. They must be in cap compliance with their top 51 salaried players by March 16.

Getting the Garoppolo situation settled is the most important piece of the Niners’ offseason financial equation, as trading him would instantly save $25.55 million.

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Defensive end Dee Ford is another expected departure, though his situation is more complicated. Ford had a $4.6 million roster bonus fully guarantee on Feb. 15 because of injury, which means the Niners can save only $2.4 million by releasing him. That savings can only be realized by including a post-June 1 designation and can’t be used until after that date.

Which means the Niners, in addition to moving Garoppolo, will have to explore other avenues to create cap space. The most common way to do that would be with simple contract restructures (converting base salaries into signing bonuses that can be spread out over the remaining years on a contract). Kittle, defensive lineman Arik Armstead and free safety Jimmie Ward are among the targets for such a move, with the Niners able to save up to roughly $24 million by restructuring their contracts.

Doing all of those things could give the Niners about $40 million in cap space for 2022.

Keeping their own

Once again, the 49ers have a lengthy list — 33 players — set to hit some form of free agency. Among the scheduled unrestricted free agents are left guard Laken Tomlinson, cornerbacks Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams, defensive tackle DJ Jones, safety Jaquiski Tartt, defensive end Arden Key and running back Raheem Mostert. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair heads the group of restricted free agents.

Last year, when the pandemic kept the salary cap down and depressed the market, the Niners kept more free agents than expected. Similar factors could be at play this year but players like Tomlinson, Jones and Key should have plenty of suitors.

Keeping that trio should be the top priority, but even retaining two of the three would be considered a win.

Outside help on the offensive line and at cornerback

Depending on how much cap flexibility the Niners can create, what they’re budgeting for Samuel and Bosa and which free agents they can keep, they also should be seeking help at cornerback and on the interior of the offensive line. Perhaps they’ll have to wait until the NFL draft for such reinforcement, and with three picks on Day 2 (but none in the first round) they have the resources to continue adding at those spots.

If they can figure out a way to make it work, adding a difference-maker at cornerback in free agency could vault the Niners’ defense into one of the league’s best. That doesn’t mean they have to spend the type of money that will go to a top free agent such as New England’s JC Jackson or Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis if either hits the open market. But a proven veteran who will be pricey but not bank-breaking on a shorter deal (think Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore) would make a lot of sense.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif .– If everything goes according to plan by Sept. 12, defensive Nick Bosa will be on the field ready to play the Detroit Lions in the San Francisco 49ers’ season opener.

Bosa, who spoke to the Bay Area media for the first time since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee last September, left little doubt on Thursday that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be ready for the 2021 season to start.

“I looked at the schedule but I knew when it was an early injury [last year], for the most part, I’d probably be ready to go for week 1, “Bosa said.” And everything is tending to be right now. So I hope to step it up over time and be ready to give all I have in Week 1. “

In the first days of the Niners training camp, Bosa worked in individual exercises, but kept out of one-on-one rush and team exercises. He arrived at camp and weighed around 260 pounds compared to the 263-265 he’d played in in 2019 in hopes that he could add a bit more speed on his return. He said he was moving “better than I’ve ever done”.

Bosa won the 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after posting 47 tackles, nine sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 60 quarterback pressures. A promising start to 2020 was derailed by the knee injury against the New York Jets in Week 2 and resulted in a long recovery process away from his team.

After knee surgery, Bosa spent much of his time with brother Joey, family, and girlfriend in Southern California and at home in Florida. The arduous rehabilitation and the lack of football made Bosa’s mind wander at times.

“My thoughts went to some dark places, especially when football is a really big part of your life,” said Bosa. “And now you just value your family more.”

Bosa also said he was grappling with the decision on whether to have the COVID-19 vaccination. He came to his media meeting on Thursday wearing a mask and is attending the NFL’s required protocols for unvaccinated players.

“I’m evaluating everything right now,” said Bosa. “I haven’t made a decision yet. But follow the logs and see where it goes.”

When Bosa will take part in the full training sessions, there is still no fixed schedule. But he’s impressed teammates and coaches with where he’s at in the process.

“Nick takes care of himself and is better than anyone I have ever met,” said coach Kyle Shanahan. “The guy has a one-pronged mind and it’s great. So you knew he’d come in great. And now the time has come, you need to know how much time has passed since the injury. He moves and looks like that Being a player is not a problem. It’s all about building him up properly. … We take our time for him and we’re smart. “

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