San Francisco 49ers begin phase three of their offseason workout program with OTAs starting this week
It's still a long time until the San Francisco 49ers play anything resembling 'real football'. But their preparations for another season they hope will end in the Super Bowl will step up this week, with the Niners beginning phase three of their offseason workout program. It is the final phase of the program before the […]
It's still a long time until the San Francisco 49ers play anything resembling 'real football'.
But their preparations for another season they hope will end in the Super Bowl will step up this week, with the Niners beginning phase three of their offseason workout program.
It is the final phase of the program before the final break ahead of training camp, and it consists of organised team activities (OTAs).
Teams are allowed 10 OTA practice sessions. OTAs include on-field workouts with individual and group components, including walkthroughs, but no live contact is permitted. Howver, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed during OTAs. Helmets and pads, except protective knee and elbow pads, are not permitted.
Here is the 49ers' schedule for OTA workouts:
- May 20-21
- May 23
- May 28-29
- May 31
OTAs are voluntary and not every player will attend every practice session. However, Article 22 of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) allows teams to hold one mandatory minicamp for both rookies and veterans during phase three of the offseason workout program. San Francisco's mandatory minicamp will take place June 4-7.
The major storyline in terms of the attendance of players during the offseason program concerns wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whom the 49ers are attempting to sign to a long-term extension.
A 2023 second-team All-Pro who has led the NFL in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, Aiyuk was the subject of trade speculation during draft weekend. The 49ers have stuck to their position that they intend to hang on to the 2020 first-round pick and sign him to a lucrative deal.
But with the two sides not thought to be close to an agreement, there is a strong chance Aiyuk will choose to skip OTAs. If he does report to the team, he could elect not to take part in the on-field drills.
A clearer picture of how negotiations are going will come at mandatory minicamp. If Aiyuk reports, then that may be an indication the sides are nearing a deal. Should he choose not to do so, it will be a sign of the impasse being a significant one.
San Francisco 49ers at risk of making a major mistake with pace of Brandon Aiyuk negotiations
They should speed things up.
