Golden Nuggets: Would it be a 49ers offseason without a gnarly contra… — and more

49ers, Trent Williams locked in contract dispute that reportedly could end in his release (paywall)
“The 49ers have little financial incentive to part with Williams. The 49ers would earn $4.69 million in salary cap space by releasing Williams, but such a move would trigger a $34.15 million dead-money charge.

In addition, the 49ers don’t have a replacement on the roster after not drafting an offensive tackle since 2021. Their top option is Austen Pleasants, 28, who has been waived eight times since he went undrafted in 2020.

It’s possible the 49ers haven’t made heir-apparent plans because they have confidence that Williams can reach his oft-stated longevity goal. Williams wants to join a select group of by playing in 2028 when he’s 40. Only six offensive linemen have played into their 40s since 1925: Andrew Whitworth, Jason Peters, Jackie Slater, Bruce Matthews, Jeff Van Note and Ray Brown.” 

Five offensive linemen 49ers could target at pick No. 27 in 2026 NFL Draft
“Iheanachor got a late start in football because he focused on basketball earlier in his early high school days. Those movement skills are necessary for success in the 49ers’ blocking scheme. 

Again, Iheanachor does not check all the boxes because he played right tackle in college. The 49ers need someone to protect Brock Purdy’s blindside. 

He improved his stock with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl against top competition, an indication his game is on the rise.”  

Five top edge rusher prospects 49ers could target at No. 27 in 2026 NFL Draft
“Assuming they hold onto the 27th pick in the draft, the 49ers likely will not have the opportunity to draft such players as Arvell Reese (Ohio State), David Bailey (Texas Tech), Rueben Bain (Miami) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn).” 

49ers GM John Lynch speaks at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
“San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Here’s everything he had to say.” 

49ers select ‘most natural left tackle prospect’ in Bucky Brooks’ latest mock draft
“The most natural left tackle prospect in the draft could give the 49ers an enviable long-term plan at the crucial position,” Brooks wrote. “Lomu’s nimble feet and quick hands would make him the perfect eventual replacement for Trent Williams on the blind side.” 

The War Room: It’s Combine Week (paywall)
“Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State: This is one of the sharpest running backs I’ve watched. He has an elite tempo to his runs. He handles small spaces in flow, and follows his blockers with outrageous patience and intelligence. He might not have the top-tier measurables, but I think he’s quick enough. On early watch, this is a guy who can start Day 1.

Chris Brazzell III, WR, Tennessee: He’s WR2 for me right now, and that’s from someone who is typically lower on big receivers. He has no business moving the way he does at 6’5” and while he’s not a wide-framed player, he blocks his tail off. His deceleration is astonishing. His route distribution at Tennessee didn’t allow him to show off his full tree, but I see the route craft and movement skills. He also Mosses people. The only thing I really dislike is his inability to toe tap. He’s lazy/inconsistent dragging his feet along the sidelines a la Brian Thomas Jr. last year.” 

49ers add developmental prospect in Mel Kiper’s latest 2026 mock draft
“From an analytics standpoint, Proctor closed his collegiate career on a strong note. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted career-best marks in 2025 with an 86.1 overall offensive grade, an 81.1 run-blocking grade, and an 84.2 pass-blocking grade. He surrendered 21 pressures and two sacks across 611 pass-blocking snaps.

At 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds, Proctor possesses rare size, so the upside is apparent.

“So, Proctor could develop in Year 1 while kicking inside to guard and/or playing a swing tackle role before perhaps taking over for Williams in 2027,” Kiper added. “He has 40 career starts — all at left tackle — and is reliable in pass protection. This would be an upside pick for GM John Lynch.”

Will QB Mac Jones be on the 49ers’ roster next season? 
“Among those who could be in need of a quarterback, Jones would make the most sense in Minnesota, Miami and Arizona, all of whom employ head coaches or offensive coordinators with a background running at least a version of Shanahan’s offensive scheme. 

While Jones won’t have full say in a potential trade, his relationship with the Niners is strong enough that if multiple offers were on the table, he’d get some say in where he lands. And it’s a safe bet that his preference would be to land in a place that most closely resembles what he’s had in San Francisco both culturally and in terms of offensive system.” 

Stetson Hatters (10-19, 6-10 ASUN) at Jacksonville Dolphins (10-19, 5-11 ASUN)

Jacksonville, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Jacksonville plays Stetson after Hayden Wood scored 22 points in Jacksonville's 65-61 loss to the Austin Peay Governors.

The Dolphins have gone 7-4 at home. Jacksonville is eighth in the ASUN with 21.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Jason Thirdkill Jr. averaging 3.6.

The Hatters are 6-10 against ASUN opponents. Stetson has a 1-3 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

Jacksonville scores 71.9 points per game, 8.6 fewer points than the 80.5 Stetson gives up. Stetson's 44.8% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.0 percentage points lower than Jacksonville has allowed to its opponents (46.8%).

The teams square off for the second time this season in ASUN play. Stetson won the last matchup 67-62 on Feb. 12. Ethan Copeland scored 17 points to help lead the Hatters to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Thirdkill is averaging 7.8 points for the Dolphins. Wood is averaging 13.8 points over the last 10 games.

Copeland is shooting 42.8% and averaging 14.4 points for the Hatters. Alex Doyle is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Dolphins: 3-7, averaging 69.7 points, 28.3 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 5.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.0 points per game.

Hatters: 3-7, averaging 74.3 points, 29.8 rebounds, 16.5 assists, 5.9 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 78.8 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.