Golden Nuggets: Lynch and Shanahan at the Combine

Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch spoke on Tuesday at the NFL Combine about the roster heading into 2020. The 1st order of business for them will be dealing with Arik Armstead’s contract. Arik is the team’s top free agent after leading the them in sacks this season. The former 1st rounder had a breakout season rushing the quarterback and the team would like to have him back, but cap space is limited. They could franchise tag him for this upcoming season and revisit next offseason. Arik mentioned that he did not have an issue with that route, but it could be risky.

One way for the team to save cap space is to either let go of Jerick McKinnon or restructure his deal. He is scheduled to make over $6 million this season and has a cap hit of over $8 million. The Niners would have loved to have him in Kyle’s offense, but injuries kept him out of the last two seasons. They could come to an agreement in a restructure, but if they can’t, the Niners still have Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert on the roster.

John Lynch expects last season’s 3rd round pick Jalen Hurd to be ready for the offseason program in April. He will be an important piece of this offense. He flashed his talent in the one preseason game he played in last season by scoring 2 touchdowns. If he can have a similar impact as Deebo Samuel did this season, the team will be in a good place. If Emmanuel Sanders is not resigned, the team will need him to help replace some of Sanders’ contributions. If Sanders does resign, he can help Jalen gradually integrate into the offense.

49ers links

Trying to resign Arik (Wagoner)

Marquise Goodwin has a newborn daughter (Gantt)

NFL combine (Inman)

Ideal free agents (Madson)

John Lynch on his starting QB (Maiocco)

Lynch riding with Jimmy G (Branch)

Jalen Hurd’s recovery (Inman)

Kyle Shanahan speaks at the combine (Martin)

Lynch believes Joe Staley will return for 2020 (Chan)

Niners meet with top 2 wideouts at combine (Madson)

Jalen Hurd should be ready for offseason program (Madson)

McKinnon’s contract will be discussed soon (Madson)

Lynch gives some updates around the roster (49ers.com)

Kyle trying to keep current roster in place (Branch)

George Kittle wants to stay with team according to Kyle’s wife (Maiocco)

Decisions in the backfield (Chan)

NFL links

Mock draft (Brooks)

Latest from CBA meeting (Bergman)

Teams did not like PI replay according to survey (Bergman)

Stefon Diggs could still be a Viking next season (Cronin)

New Carolina coach expects Cam to be on the team (Newton)