The 49ers spent the week making noise in a few different corners of the NFL landscape, from their practice schedule to a major ownership shakeup involving a division rival.
San Francisco announced 11 open practices that fans will be able to attend during training camp. That gives the 49ers more public sessions than the Cardinals, who announced seven open practices.
There was also some buzz around the team’s coaching staff. 49ers linebackers coach K.J. Wright, who is well known in the NFC West from his playing days with the Seattle Seahawks, has been drawing comparisons to DeMeco Ryans. Wright, though, does not have aspirations to become a head coach right now.
On the field, one former 49er thinks this could be San Francisco’s moment. The source noted that while the Rams are viewed as the best team in the league and the Seahawks are the defending champs entering the 2026 season, a legendary former 49er believes this is the 49ers’ year.
There was also a notable change in the tackle rankings. Trent Williams, the 49ers’ starting left tackle, had long been considered the best tackle in football, but that title now belongs to Penei Sewell of the Lions.
And in a story that reaches beyond the roster, the estate of Paul Allen has reached a deal with the Khosla family to sell the Seattle Seahawks for more than $9.6 billion. The Khosla family is a limited partner with the 49ers and will have to divest its share of the 49ers to complete the sale.
In Other News...
Cardinals Suddenly Have A Josh Sweat Problem They Didn't Need
Josh Sweat was supposed to be one of the Cardinals biggest offseason additions, a proven edge rusher coming off a career-best season and a four-year deal in Arizona. Instead, his spring has already turned into a distraction. Sweat skipped the voluntary offseason program and did not show up until mandatory minicamp, a sign that the fit has been bumpier than the team likely expected after a coaching change left him with a new staff he did not choose.
The concern is not just about attendance, either. Sweats production last season gave Arizona a much-needed pass-rush boost, but his contract also leaves the door open for more uncertainty down the line, since there is no guaranteed money left after this season. If the Cardinals stumble out of playoff position, they could be looking at a difficult decision on a player they just brought in to help stabilize the defense. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Still Have Something To Prove Up Front In NFC West
The NFC West enters the 2026 season with a clear pecking order up front, and Arizona is still trying to climb it. Seattle brings back all five starters from its Super Bowl-winning line, San Francisco has key pieces back after its contract issues were settled, and the Rams still lean on strong interior play even if the tackle spots remain a question. The Cardinals, by contrast, are getting better, but they are still very much a rebuilding unit when compared with the divisions top groups.
There is reason for optimism in Arizona, starting with Paris Johnson Jr. developing into a franchise left tackle and the recent addition of Chase Bisontis, whom the team drafted in the early second round to start at right guard. Even so, the bigger picture is unchanged: the Cardinals have made progress, but they still have something to prove before they can be mentioned alongside the Seahawks and 49ers as one of the NFC Wests most complete lines. [Read more 🡒]