Not only are there NFL player rumors floating around this time of year, but NFL broadcasting rumors as well.
According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, 49ers general manager John Lynch turned down the chance at a potential $10 million raise to join Amazon’s broadcast booth. Marchand revealed the information Friday morning in a Twitter exchange with 49ers Webzone.
During his season wrap-up press conference on Feb. 1, Lynch told reporters, “From time to time, opportunities are presented. I can tell you and tell everyone that my commitment right now is this organization. We’re just coming off a season, but my commitment is to the 49ers, the York family, [coach] Kyle [Shanahan]."
It appears Lynch is standing by his word. You can’t fault him for wanting to have dinner when a $15 million annual contract is potentially dangling in front of him. Lynch has previous TV experience, as he was part of Fox Sports’ NFL coverage as a commentator from 2008-16 before joining San Francisco.
Troy Aikman’s move from Fox to ‘Monday Night Football’ will continue to have a ripple effect, but I imagine Lynch wants to see this era of 49ers football through the first couple of seasons with Trey Lance under center. Lynch and Shanahan revamped the organization in 2017 and will be entering their sixth year together as chief decision-makers for the franchise. Perhaps none will be bigger than deciding what to do in 2022 with their quarterback – whether it’s Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo or a bigger name like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers.
Listen to Bay Area sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest 49ers team gear
That’s just the first thing on the 49ers’ to-do list this offseason. Big extensions are on deck for stars Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa, while last year’s staunch defense is likely going to have some major turnover in the secondary.
The pay might be better, but you can’t win a Super Bowl ring in a broadcast booth. The competitor in Lynch, 50, apparently hasn’t faded. It’d be one thing if the 49ers were in bad shape, but he’s built a good situation in Santa Clara that has bred big expectations for 2022 after two NFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance in the past three years.
Related
