This is the first installment of a daily series previewing the San Francisco 49ers’ training camp.
SANTA CLARA — Everyone needs a packing list when heading off to camp.
That goes for the 49ers’ rookies who report Tuesday, the veterans due July 25, and the Faithful fans who are certain this team is ticketed for the Super Bowl.
It all starts at a familiar campground. Twenty years ago, the 49ers relocated camp to their everyday training facility in Santa Clara, following a five-year term at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, which was preceded by the franchise’s glory (and steamy) days at Rocklin’s Sierra College (1981-97).
Here is what you need to know entering camp:
![Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa (97) after the 49ers 35-7 win at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)](https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BNG-L-49ERS-1212-338.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
MONEY MATTERS
A year ago, the 49ers sorted things out with Deebo Samuel a week into camp and signed him to a three-year extension. Fellow 2019 draft pick Nick Bosa will command a much more complex, lavish contract. Bosa’s extension should be the team’s first order of business.
It’s a paycheck the 49ers have been budgeting for, and it’s what Bosa has merited since his selection as the No. 2 overall pick, having won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season. Bosa is slated to make $18 million on his fifth-year option that caps his rookie deal, and a new deal should actually expand the 49ers’ cap space (currently at $10 million).
Bosa figures to draw an annual salary between $30 million and $35 million, which could make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback, even after missing most of the 2020 season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This offseason, Bosa worked out in his native Fort Lauderdale, as usual, and did report for the mandatory minicamp last month. Time now for the 49ers to pay up and avoid a potential “hold-in” distraction.
![San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of their NFC divisional-round playoff game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, January 22, 2023. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)](https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SJM-L-49ERS-01XX-14.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
BIGGEST QUESTION
Who’s their quarterback? Yes, this is a daily and perennial dilemma. An answer may not reveal itself until after camp and before the Sept. 10 season opener in Pittsburgh. That’s because Brock Purdy is six weeks away from completing his rehabilitation timeline for elbow ligament repair.
Coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch repeatedly endorsed Purdy this offseason as the incumbent starter, based on his winning touch as a rookie, when he produced eight straight wins (in relief of an injured Jimmy Garoppolo) before the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass rush wrecked Purdy’s arm on the opening series of an NFC Championship Game defeat.
The quarterback competition in camp practices will pit Trey Lance (the 49ers’ 2021 No. 3 overall pick) against Sam Darnold (the Jets’ 2018 No. 3 overall pick). Rather than hire an undrafted rookie or meager veteran as a camp arm, the 49ers are excited to deploy former Bengals backup Brandon Allen in that role.
![San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (98) takes part in a veteran mini-camp session on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)](https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BNG-L-49ERS-0608-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
FIRST-TIME CAMPERS
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was the 49ers’ marquee addition this offseason, by way of his free agency exit away from Philadelphia. He’s the only newcomer who is a lock to enter the starting lineup.
This will be running back Christian McCaffrey’s first time in a 49ers training camp – and he moved at warp speed in the offseason program. Camp could help these newbies lock up key roles: nickel back Isaiah Oliver, defensive end Clelin Ferrell and offensive linemen Jon Feliciano and Matt Pryor. Let’s not forget about the rookie class, led by the trio of third-round draft picks in safety Ji’Ayir Brown, kicker Jake Moody and tight end Cameron Latu.
BEST COMPETITIONS
This is the 49ers’ most talented and possibly deepest roster since Shanahan and general manager John Lynch took charge in 2017. These three units could offer the best competition:
Defensive end: Starting opposite Bosa should be either Drake Jackson (who’s worked tirelessly since his rookie fade) or Clelin Ferrell (who could mimic Arden Key and Charles Omenihu in recalibrating his career under Kris Kocurek). Maybe the 49ers find money to entice another veteran pass rusher (see: Yannick Ngakoue, Jadaveon Clowney).
Linebacker: Replacing Azeez Al-Shaair (now on the Titans) as the No. 3 linebacker could be veterans Oren Burks or Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Then again, maybe they promote Curtis Robinson or Marcelino McCrary Ball. What about rookies Dee Winters or Jalen Graham?
Tight end: If Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley don’t stick as George Kittle’s understudies, then the 49ers could be turning to rookies Latu and Brayden Willis.
![San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)](https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AP23010791301083.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
DEEPEST UNIT
Running backs may be devalued around the NFL, but in the Shanahan system, they thrive, one after the other, year after year. McCaffrey is the league’s No. 1 all-around back, so the bigger mystery is if Elijah Mitchell can stay healthy to make for a phenomenal tandem. Jordan Mason won everyone over as an undrafted rookie and their so-called “finisher” to ride out wins. Keep an eye in the exhibition games for what the 49ers might have with Ty Davis-Price and undrafted rookies Khalan Laborn and Ronald Awatt.
PRESEASON GAMES
The 49ers open their preseason Aug. 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, which is where the season ends with Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11. The Raiders are expected to host joint practices with the 49ers on Aug. 10 and 11.
Preseason games follow at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Denver Broncos and Friday, Aug. 25 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. There are no earlier roster cutdown dates, unlike in past years.