49ers Headed Down Under, O-Line Questions Loom, and Mac Jones Trade Buzz: What’s Next for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers are packing their bags - and this time, they’re headed a bit farther than Seattle or SoFi. In a groundbreaking move for the NFL, the 49ers will square off against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia in 2026. While the exact date and kickoff time haven’t been locked in, early signs point to Week 1 as the likely landing spot.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t just a long road trip. We’re talking about a roughly 16-hour flight from San Francisco to Melbourne, and a time difference that can stretch up to 19 hours. That’s a logistical monster, and the players know it.
“Australia is pretty far,” Christian McCaffrey said earlier this week, with a chuckle that couldn’t quite mask the concern. “*I’d love to see how the schedule would work.
Transparently, that might be a little too far. I think you’d have to find another way to do that.
… What’s that flight, like 20 hours or something? *”
McCaffrey’s not wrong to raise eyebrows. The NFL has made international expansion a priority, but this one’s going to test the limits of travel, recovery, and routine. How the league handles the schedule - both before and after the game - will be a storyline to watch closely.
Rookie Review: Collins Makes a Quiet Impact
While the 49ers’ rookie class didn’t produce any instant superstars, there were flashes - especially on the defensive side. One name that quietly made a difference? Collins.
When Collins was on the field, the 49ers allowed an explosive rush rate of just 4.9%. That number would’ve ranked third-best in the league.
But when he was off? That number jumped to 7.3%, which would’ve dropped them to 17th.
That’s not just noise - that’s impact. And while Collins may not be a household name yet, those kinds of splits suggest he’s more than just a rotational guy. He’s a potential foundational piece, especially in a front seven that thrives on versatility and gap discipline.
Mac Jones Trade Talk: Smoke or Fire?
With Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as the starter, the 49ers’ quarterback room still isn’t short on intrigue. Mac Jones, acquired as a backup with starting experience, has become a name to watch as trade buzz starts to percolate.
According to reports, there’s “a decent chance” Purdy could miss time this season - whether that’s a game or a handful - which makes having a capable backup more than just a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Jones fits that bill. He’s started in this league, he’s won games, and he’s still young.
But here’s the catch: the 49ers don’t have much incentive to move him unless the offer is right. It’s a thin year for both rookie quarterbacks and free-agent options, which could drive up his value.
If San Francisco picks up the phone, expect interest. But they’re not in a rush to make a move - especially if they see Jones as a reliable insurance policy behind Purdy.
Offseason Priorities: Fixing the Trenches and Finding More Firepower
As the 49ers look ahead to the offseason, there are two areas that demand attention: the offensive line and the supporting cast around Purdy.
Let’s start in the trenches. The offensive line struggled to protect Purdy consistently last season, and the run game - usually a Kyle Shanahan staple - ranked just 24th in the league. That’s not going to cut it, especially with the physical brand of football San Francisco prides itself on.
Up front, they need reinforcements. Whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or internal development, the Niners have to do a better job keeping their quarterback upright and clearing lanes in the run game.
Then there’s the skill positions. McCaffrey is still elite, but as one analyst put it, “*We’re coming towards the end of the Christian McCaffrey ‘I’m in the prime of my career’ era.
*” That’s not doom-and-gloom - it’s just reality. He’s taken a lot of hits, and the 49ers need to start thinking about who else can carry the load.
Receiver is a likely focus, especially with uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk’s future. If he’s not back, the Niners will need to find another explosive weapon to stretch the field and complement Deebo Samuel. This offense hums when it has balance and versatility - and right now, it’s teetering on the edge of being too reliant on a few key guys.
Draft Radar: Zion Young Turning Heads
Looking ahead to April, one name that’s already creating buzz is Missouri edge rusher Zion Young. He’s not just big - he’s disruptive. Young brings a combination of raw power, twitch, and awareness that’s rare for a player his size.
He’s got the kind of traits that jump off the screen: powerful hands, the ability to anchor against double teams, and a knack for staying upright through contact. That last part - his “contact balance” - is usually a phrase reserved for running backs, but Young wears it well. He doesn’t end up on the ground, and that means he’s a factor on every snap.
There’s still room to grow, especially in terms of pass-rush planning and technique, but the foundation is there. He keeps his eyes up, tracks plays as they develop, and consistently sets a strong edge. Even if he doesn’t go in Round 1, he’s got Round 1 talent - and that’s the kind of player who could fit nicely into a 49ers defense that thrives on depth and rotation up front.
Bottom Line: The 49ers are entering one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. They’re playing a historic game in Australia, evaluating a rookie class with hidden gems, managing quarterback trade buzz, and staring down key roster decisions on both sides of the ball. The pieces are there - but the next few months will determine if this team can stay at the top of the NFC or if they’ll need to retool to get back.