Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball has been predicting the future since 1946. We ran a few questions about the Los Angeles Rams by one, and the results were less than optimal.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, users ask yes-no questions to the ball, give it a shake and then turn it over to reveal the answer. We opted for an online version to ask the following:
Will the 49ers find a way to keep Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel?
Magic 8 ball says: Doubtful
The 49ers offseason has been dominated by trade rumors and speculation regarding the future of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
Aiyuk has just one year remaining on his current contract, while Samuel has two years remaining. While both players are an enormous part of the 49ers offense and among the best wide receivers in football, it is really difficult to see a way in which they can keep both players long-term, especially with a new contract looming for quarterback Brock Purdy.
The best-case scenario is that they get one more year out of them together in 2024, maybe franchise Aiyuk, and then hope first-round pick Ricky Pearsall develops into a starting caliber player.
Will Nick Bosa have more than 15 sacks?
Magic 8 ball says: Without a doubt
You know you are a great player when a 10.5 sack season is a “down” year. After recording 15.5 and 18.5 sacks the previous two years, Bosa’s numbers dropped a little in 2023 as the 49ers struggled to find somebody opposite of him that could command attention and free him up.
They attempted to address that this offseason by completely overhauling their defensive line, including the addition of veteran pass-rusher Leonard Floyd. The increased depth, as well as the presence of Floyd, should help free Bosa up a little more to see his sack total climb back up north of 15 for the season.
Will Kyle Shanahan deliver a Super Bowl win?
Magic 8 ball says: Outlook not so good
Since taking over as head coach of the 49ers, Shanahan has had a lot of success. They have reached four NFC Championship games and two Super Bowls, becoming one of the elite teams in the NFL. The only thing they have not done is actually win the Super Bowl.
In the two Super Bowl losses — both to the Chiefs — they have let double-digit leads slip away. In one of the NFC Championship game losses they let another double-digit lead slip away. Those are big negative marks on Shanahan’s resume, and until he actually wins a championship it will be difficult to shake them.
While his team has the talent to get back, the harsh reality is that it is difficult to reach the Super Bowl in back-to-back years and it is asking a lot to even expect a fifth trip to the NFC Championship game in six seasons.
Given the salary cap headaches the 49ers have coming in future seasons and the potential for losing some high-end players, it is possible his team might have already missed its best opportunity to win it all.