Matt Barrows
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mattbarrows.bsky.social
Matt Barrows
@mattbarrows.bsky.social
8.1K followers 170 following 1K posts
Matt has covered the 49ers since 2003, first for The Sacramento Bee and now for The Athletic. Like fiction? Check out the crime novel Matt co-wrote. It's about a reporter who commits a series of murders ... https://a.co/d/hntQmF5
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Matt Barrows @mattbarrows.bsky.social · Dec 17
Attention “Lord of the Rings” fans: You have a kindred spirit in NFL star George Kittle, who sees himself as Strider but who’s contemplating a Sauron tattoo. Yes, it’s complicated … #LOTR #49ers

www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Inside the mind — and tattoos — of 49ers’ George Kittle, one of the NFL’s most interesting players
Kittle, a 'Lord of the Rings' devotee, sees life and an NFL season through that lens. On Thursday, he was channeling his inner Sauron.
www.nytimes.com
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Kyle Shanahan may have defended Brock Purdy with words after Monday's game, but with actions? There were no aggressive, down-field passes in the second half.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 25, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
victafur.bsky.social
And here’s @mattbarrows.bsky.social on how 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defended Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’ ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defends Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’
Shanahan said he never considered replacing Purdy with Mac Jones, while Purdy said his toe injury was not a factor in the interceptions.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defends Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defends Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’
Shanahan said he never considered replacing Purdy with Mac Jones, while Purdy said his toe injury was not a factor in the interceptions.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Roger Craig tears up upon saying hello to Christian McCaffrey before today’s game …
November 25, 2025 at 1:07 AM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Based on warmups, rookie Nick Martin will continue his role as strongside linebacker and Spencer Burford will start at left guard. He’s been alternating series with Ben Bartch.
November 25, 2025 at 12:43 AM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
#49ers inactives:
K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Robert Beal Jr. (concussion)
WR Jordan Watkins
RB Jordan James
OL Connor Colby
DL Kevin Givens
November 24, 2025 at 11:47 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
“He’s one of those guys who’s good at everything”

In an ultra-competitive 49ers locker room, one man reigns supreme in chess, anagrams and word hunt …
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 24, 2025 at 10:33 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
The 49ers elevated K Matt Gay and LB Jalen Graham from the practice squad for today’s game. Graham likely is the backup mike linebacker behind starter Curtis Robinson
November 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
A look back at the Christian McCaffrey trade that set the stage for 49ers-Panthers tilt
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
A look back at the Christian McCaffrey trade that set the stage for 49ers-Panthers tilt
The 49ers packaged a second-, third- and fourth-round pick in 2023 and a fifth-rounder in 2024 for McCaffrey from the Panthers.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
49ers +/-: TK and I talk Brandon Aiyuk, possible reasons for voiding his 2026 guarantees and why the 49ers have So. Many. Contractual. Issues. At. Receiver.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPV...
49ers' Constant WR Issues | 49ers +/-
YouTube video by 49ers Plus Minus Podcast
www.youtube.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
timkawakami.bsky.social
New semi-emergency "49ers +/-" episode with @mattbarrows.bsky.social on the Brandon Aiyuk drama -- what Kyle Shanahan said, what led to this, and what happens next.

-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7LTk...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
[49ers +/-] The Long 49ers/Aiyuk Breakup
open.spotify.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money voided, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirms
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money voided, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirms
Shanahan said the 49ers had hoped to have Aiyuk back on the field by now, but his progress has plateaued.
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:54 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Welcome to Wideout’s Wild Ride roller coaster at 49ers Great America. It's a rush -- goes from banner year to new contract to bad blood to bye-bye in the blink of an eye. (Caution: It might make you vomit.)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
49ers’ offseason project: Restocking their once-powerful receiving corps
The 49ers keep repeating the same sequence when it comes to their top wideouts -- banner year, difficult contract, bad blood and bye-bye.
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:22 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
49ers’ offseason project: Restocking their once-powerful receiving corps

www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
49ers’ offseason project: Restocking their once-powerful receiving corps
The 49ers keep repeating the same sequence when it comes to their top wideouts -- banner year, difficult contract, bad blood and bye-bye.
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
#49ers preparing for stunning split with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
49ers preparing for stunning split with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk has not yet played this season, and while the 49ers are holding out hope, a reconciliation appears unlikely.
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
timkawakami.bsky.social
New "49ers +/-" with @mattbarrows.bsky.social -- previewing MNF game vs. Carolina, questions about Aiyuk and more.
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3Yeu...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
[49ers +/-] Monday Night Test / Aiyuk Questions
open.spotify.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:00 AM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
49ers +\-: TK and I talk 49ers-Panthers, Brandon Aiyuk and how the teams’ linebackers figure to be targeted on Monday night …
youtu.be/xGgsdxNgYTc
NFL Week 12: 49ers & Panthers Battle on Monday Night Football | 49ers +/-
YouTube video by 49ers Plus Minus Podcast
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
Among this week's questions: Will Fred Warner be back for the playoffs, and what could the 49ers fetch in a Mac Jones trade?
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
mattbarrows.bsky.social
#49ers mailbag:
* Who will be Shanahan’s ‘26 QB rebuild?
* What pick could Mac Jones fetch?
* What pick could Brandon Aiyuk fetch?
* Details on Cowing’s injury
* What Brant Boyer has done especially well
* Eddy P the MVP?
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
Among this week's questions: Will Fred Warner be back for the playoffs, and what could the 49ers fetch in a Mac Jones trade?
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
#49ers mailbag:
* Who will be Shanahan’s ‘26 QB rebuild?
* What pick could Mac Jones fetch?
* What pick could Brandon Aiyuk fetch?
* Details on Cowing’s injury
* What Brant Boyer has done especially well
* Eddy P the MVP?
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
Among this week's questions: Will Fred Warner be back for the playoffs, and what could the 49ers fetch in a Mac Jones trade?
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Who will be Kyle Shanahan’s QB reclamation project next year? 49ers mailbag
Among this week's questions: Will Fred Warner be back for the playoffs, and what could the 49ers fetch in a Mac Jones trade?
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Matt Barrows
mattbarrows.bsky.social
The only guy who can keep pace with Christian McCaffrey in the *highly* competitive word games the 49ers play: Dominick Puni
“We played our first game to 100. And he won 100 to 97. So it was a dogfight. It felt like a Game 7.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 19, 2025 at 7:55 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
The team released WR Russell Gage to make room for Gay.
mattbarrows.bsky.social Matt Barrows @mattbarrows.bsky.social · 6d
The 49ers are signing K Matt Gay, 31, to their practice squad. He'll be the temporary fill-in while Eddy Pineiro recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
November 19, 2025 at 11:35 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
The 49ers are signing K Matt Gay, 31, to their practice squad. He'll be the temporary fill-in while Eddy Pineiro recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
November 19, 2025 at 10:43 PM
mattbarrows.bsky.social
Kickers Cade York and Matt Gay worked out for the 49ers today. The three below worked out yesterday...
mattbarrows.bsky.social Matt Barrows @mattbarrows.bsky.social · 7d
The three 49ers tryout kickers today:

* Tanner Brown
* Anders Carlson
* John Parker Romo
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM