INDIANAPOLIS – 49ers general manager John Lynch is preparing for an important offseason in San Francisco, but he first had to make a decision on his own future.
Lynch was courted for a lucrative deal with Amazon to join its new Thursday Night Football broadcast as an analyst, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported last week. While the terms of that contract were not clear, it was expected to be a significant offer.
The 50-year-old Lynch, who worked previously with the FOX broadcast team before being hired by the 49ers in 2017, said Amazon’s interest gave him something to consider but he intends to stay in San Francisco.
“I came to this business because I was pulled by the opportunity to compete,” Lynch said Wednesday at the NFL Combine. “I think we have a very good team. I think we’ve got an opportunity to get better.
“You listen. But ultimately, I made the decision, my family made the decision that this is where my heart is at right now and that’s what I’ve always had guide me. I’m happy to be here and that’s that.
“It is a lot of money, though. I can’t believe they’re paying that much for people to talk football. It’s unbelievable.”
Amazon’s interest in Lynch comes as the NFL’s television broadcasts have brought significant moves in recent years. Tony Romo signed a 10-year, $175-million deal with CBS in 2020 as its lead broadcast analyst. He earned $127.4 million over 14 seasons as the Cowboys’ quarterback.
Last week, Troy Aikman reportedly signed a five-year, $90-million deal with ESPN as its lead analyst for Monday Night Football. Aikman will also surpass his career earnings as a player, which included $55.5 million over 12 seasons as the Cowboys’ quarterback.
The 49ers finished 10-7 last season, earning a postseason berth as a wild-card and reaching the NFC Championship game. Lynch is 39-42 over five years leading San Francisco’s front office. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year in recognition of his 15-year career as an NFL safety.
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