Since the San Francisco 49ers cratered down the stretch of an injury-riddled 2024 season to a 6-11 record, understandable talk of their Super Bowl window closing has gained traction.
San Francisco loses the luxury of having the cheapest starting quarterback in football, with Brock Purdy set for a highly lucrative extension.
The 49ers’ roster is aging and expensive.
As San Francisco looks to get younger and save money, more veterans will follow wide receiver Deebo Samuel — traded to the Washington Commanders in a deal that can become official Wednesday — out the door, giving rise to the idea they are stepping back from the contender pack.
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was released. Cornerback Charvarius Ward (Colts) is gone. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga are set to sign with the Denver Broncos, and guard Aaron Banks got big money from the Green Bay Packers to depart in free agency.
Yet the 49ers still have Pro Bowlers and All-Pros across the roster. With 11 picks at their disposal, they have the resources to set themselves up for short- and long-term success in a draft that is loaded on the defensive line.
San Francisco needs additional edge depth to help Nick Bosa, but of more urgent attention is defensive tackle, where the 49ers were largely devoid of impact players last year after losing Hargrave for the season in Week 3. Finding interior difference-makers who can disrupt the quarterback and improve a run defense that allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns (24) in 2024 is a must.
The depth of the defensive line draft class improves the odds of the 49ers re-establishing their once-feared front. However, in a year set to be headlined by Purdy’s contract, the 49ers need to protect that forthcoming investment.
That means emphasis is required on building up an offensive line short on depth and with obvious weak spots at right tackle and on the interior. Focus must also be dedicated to putting Purdy in a better position to succeed by adding to his weaponry.
Even in the wake of the Samuel trade — which reflected the 49ers’ evolution away from an offense centered on short completions and yardage after catch — the supporting cast is still outstanding.
But with Brandon Aiyuk’s status for Week 1 unclear and reason for doubts around Christian McCaffrey’s long-term durability, the 49ers’ offense would benefit from having another receiving weapon and some added insurance in the backfield.
In a strong draft at running back and tight end, there’s a clear case to be made for San Francisco bolstering its options at both spots and leaning into heavier personnel packages, from which head coach Kyle Shanahan’s penchant for making similar plays look entirely different is often most devastating.
The 49ers must confront the reality that they are at a point where every area of the roster could use help. They also have to contend with somewhat limited financial flexibility because of the impending Purdy deal and the $31 million dead cap hit San Francisco took on as part of the Samuel trade.
However, the 49ers’ floor remains high due to their still plentiful premier talents. Facing a last-place schedule in 2025, there is reason for optimism for a rebound. If they can successfully rebuild the defensive line and bolster and diversify the playmaking depth around Purdy, the 49ers could very quickly surge back into contention in 2025.
