Unfortunately, our salary cap situation is worse than theirs. But I agree that the window is closing.
There may not be critical cap issues, but salary issues are looming. CMC has been a bargain so far, but his cap hit in 2024 and 25 is $14 million per year, in his age 28 and 29 seasons. Will it be worth it? He had a lot of wear and tear this year. Are they going to try to extend Aiyuk?
Then there are questions on defense. They still have Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, so they'll be good, but most likely, the defense won't be as good as it was this year. First, Dre Greenlaw tore his ACL and won't be ready by the start of the season. Second, are they going to be able to re-sign Chase Young? And will Steve Wilks return?
Finally, I think that losing the big game takes its toll. Doubts start to creep in, and desperation begins to take over. Before long, Lynch and Shanahan will think that they are only one player away and make bad decisions. At least I hope so.
Someday you will say this and it will be true. Hard to take it seriously tho considering what's happened.
BTW, Greenlaw tore his Achilles, not his ACL.
You can look at this a number of different ways RE "window closing".
There are certainly some guys you have to start looking at replacing. Trent. Kittle. Maybe even CMC tho he's only 27.
....but....
They have been drafting players to replace their starters. Ji'Ayer brown likely replaced Gipson next year. He just had an INT in the SB. Hufanga replaced Tartt and was an all-pro. Lenoir had a HUGE season at CB. Ward was All-Pro. They have been drafting young guys at LB and TE to be eventual replacements and they get 11 picks this year.
You just never really know. I'm old enough to remember the 49ers draft of 1986. Some thought they might "Age out" Without a 1st round pick, they took FB Tom Rathman, CB Tim McKyer, WR John Taylor, DE Charles Haley, OT Steve Wallace, DE Kevin Fagan, and CB Don Griffin.
Rebuilt a HUGE part of the team in a single draft.
Not saying they will certainly do that again. Just sayin strange things happen.