49ers’ stars, including Kittle, optimistic about 2026 return

SANTA CLARA – Unlike other years when sad 49ers clear out their lockers and head for offseason surgical repairs, most of that work has already been done, even as the team chugged along to the playoffs.

Monday’s exit interviews with the media were more of a confirmation that the 49ers should return at full strength in 2026, likely as a Super Bowl contender.

They just are out of the mix for this season’s Super Bowl, which will be held here Feb. 8, with either the rival Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams bunking in the 49ers’ locker room.

“I’m really excited for the future of the 49ers and what we’re going to do,” said quarterback Brock Purdy, two days after their 13-6 season ended with a 41-6 playoff loss at Seattle in the NFC’s divisional-round playoffs.

Feeding that excitement are the recovery efforts by their stars among this season’s mass casualties, such as:

— Purdy declared his right big toe “good to go” without a surgical fix, but with strengthening exercises and rest. Having signed the 49ers’ richest deal ever in May (five years, $265 million), Purdy entered with high expectations before developing turf toe in the Seattle season opener and missing eight games. “It was a lot emotionally and obviously physically, but that’s the NFL,” he said.

— Defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are several months into their anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Williams, last year’s first-round pick, said Bosa has been “like a real big brother” checking on him through their process.”

— Linebacker Fred Warner’s right ankle has recovered so well that he planned to suit up had the 49ers reached this Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. He still could have a postseason presence: NBC is expected to add him as a guest analyst for Super Bowl 60.

— Last but not least is tight end George Kittle. Eight days since a clean tear of his right Achilles in the wild-card win at Philadelphia, Kittle was upbeat as he wheeled his repaired leg on a scooter. More importantly, he didn’t rule himself out from returning at any point of the 2026 season, be it Week 1, midseason or thereafter.

“Any time you have it taken away from you, it makes you want to get right back out there. That’s all you want to do,” Kittle said. “So I’m very ready. I’m very excited to attack this.”

He spoke of his comeback with words that could represent so many teammates.

JENNINGS’ BUSINESS

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings didn’t make a public plea to re-sign before free agency negotiations begin March 9.

As for whether he’d accept playing under the projected franchise tag of $28 million, Jennings deferred that and other business-related inquiries to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Instead, Jennings did open up emotionally about his six-year tenure, including how his favorite memory is of watching confetti fall after the 2023 team won the NFC Championship here. Back in 2020, he made an unsuspecting arrival as a seventh-round draft pick.

“There’s nothing like Santa Clara. When I first flew in here, I was thinking I was going to San Francisco, just like everybody else, then you find out fast it’s Santa Clara,” Jennings said. “Now it’s home. It’s quickly turned into home. It’s a run I’ll never forget, for sure.”

KITTLE DETAILS INJURY

Kittle’s ninth season came to an abrupt and unexpected end in Philadelphia as he backpedaled on a 4-yard catch.

“They didn’t have to drill into my heel, and where the repair was, is where there’s more blood flow, so it takes some time off the recovery,” said Kittle, who was thankful for the widespread support he has received, including immediate contact from Richard Sherman and Kirk Cousins, who overcame Achilles tears in their careers.

Kittle confirmed that once he was carted to the 49ers’ locker room, 49ers owner Jed York came to console him, along with a bottle of tequila. “Can I get Jed York fined? Yep, it happened, had a great time,” Kittle said.

COACHING CAROUSEL

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was expected to interview in person for the Tennessee Titans’ head-coach opening, after already conducting virtual meetings with the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins.

“I definitely took some things from Saleh,” Williams said. “I hope he’s here, but if he’s not, it’s the nature of the beast and part of the game.”

Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak reportedly has spoken with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head-coach roles. Shanahan said Saturday night Kubiak would not be let out of his contract for a lateral move to a coordinator post.

MAC ON POSSIBLE TRADE

Mac Jones’ 5-3 record in place of an injured Purdy came with enough highlights that could make him a trade target. He signed a two-year contract last offseason.

“It was just so fun to get the train back on the tracks and that’s what I wanted to do,” Jones said. “Put a lot of good film out there. In a way, I had two seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup, so it was really good for me.

“Had a lot of fun and I’m excited for what’s next,” Jones added. “I’m on a two-year deal, but I do believe I’m a starter in this league and am excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens.”

TROPHY CASE

Christian McCaffrey, declaring himself healthy after his NFL-high workload, came away with the 49ers’ two most prestigious honors: the Len Eshmont and Bill Walsh awards, which are voted upon by players and coaches, respectively.

“Anytime you’re honored by your peers, I take it very seriously and it’s a huge honor,” said McCaffrey, who’s also an NFL Salute to Service finalist. “I didn’t do anything special other than be myself. Again, just appreciative to be a part of a team that was encouraging to me and inspired me every day.”

Other winners: right tackle Colton McKivitz (Bobb McKittrick Award, for offensive linemen; Perry/Yonamine Unity Award for community service), linebacker Dee Winters (Hazeltine Iron Man Award), defensive lineman Alfred Collins (Thomas Herrion Memorial Award; community relations), linebacker Curtis Robinson (Perry/Yonamine Award; NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee), offensive lineman Nick Zakelj (community relations); Patrick Taylor Jr. and his wife, Lauren (community relations family award).