Looking back, what the 49ers managed last year amidst a host of injuries was almost unbelievable. It’s hard to imagine a team with a weaker foundation surviving such a brutal season.
They faced major losses with defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, tight end George Kittle, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk all sidelined with season-ending injuries. Quarterback Brock Purdy also missed six games because of a turf toe injury.
Despite this, the 49ers still clinched 12 victories and made the playoffs. Unfortunately, they ran into trouble and were eliminated in the first round by the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Nevertheless, the feats they achieved during the regular season were nothing short of miraculous.
There’s a sense of optimism that if they can keep their core players healthy for the upcoming season, a swift turnaround in 2026—especially with those Super Bowl dreams—could be on the horizon.
However, it’s not just about hoping for everyone to recover from injuries. The offseason overhaul is kicking off at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where the 49ers will scout draft prospects and initiate discussions around free agency and potential trades.
Here’s what they will be focusing on during their time in Indianapolis.
Wide Receiver
The NFL moves fast, and right now, the situation with the 49ers’ wide receivers is a perfect illustration of that. Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings are still under contract, yet just a few seasons ago, they seemed like the core of the position.
Things have changed with Samuel already out of the picture. Aiyuk may soon follow him, especially after last season’s drama. Jennings, meanwhile, is set to hit free agency after a solid, though not spectacular, season.
It’s clear that wide receiver is a critical area for the team, even if Jennings returns. Young talent like Ricky Pearsall is still highly coveted, but with injuries plaguing him last year, he only managed to play in nine games.
While the draft is loaded with wide receiver talent, the 49ers might prioritize free agency first to address their needs. With many free agents in play at the combine next week, expect the 49ers to have conversations about players like George Pickens (Cowboys), Alec Pierce (Colts), Rashid Shahid (Seahawks), and Romeo Dubs (Packers).
Next week is set to be vital, showcasing some promising prospects; among them are University of Washington’s Denzel Boston, USC’s Makai Lemon, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.
On the second day, they’ll likely consider Louisville’s Chris Bell, Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, Tennessee’s Chris Brassell II, and Indiana’s Elijah Surratt.
Defensive End
Bosa was only available for three games last season, which is worth noting considering the team could only muster 20 sacks.
If Bosa can stay healthy, he could significantly boost those numbers, realistically helping them reach around 30. Still, the 49ers can’t overlook the need for improvement in their pass rush.
They’ll need to look at options in free agency that would complement Bosa. Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals could be an outstanding pairing, although he too dealt with injuries last season and only played in seven games.
The 49ers have $23 million in cap space, positioning themselves well for potential acquisitions.
Another name to consider is Jaelan Phillips of the Eagles. They might also want to keep an eye on Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby is currently weighing his future with the Raiders and could explore a trade if he feels their rebuild doesn’t align with his goals—one that the 49ers should consider if it comes to that.
In terms of upcoming talent, there are intriguing prospects to watch, such as Auburn’s Keldrick Faulk, Texas A&M’s Cassius Howell, and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor.
After the first round, they’ll likely target Missouri’s Zion Young, Oklahoma’s Mason Thomas, Alabama’s LT Overton, Michigan’s Derrick Moore, USC’s Anthony Lucas, and Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence.
Cornerback
The 49ers’ sack total reflected a struggle to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which contributed to the downturn in performance from cornerbacks Deomodore Lenoir and Renaldo Green.
The hope is that a stronger pass rush will enhance the performances of Lenoir and Green while also allowing rookie Upton-Stout to shine. But it would be unwise to bank solely on that scenario. Cornerbacks have to be a high priority in both free agency and the draft, whether it’s to add competition or deepen the existing roster.
Options on the market include Alonte Taylor from the Saints, Tarik Uhlen from the Seahawks, Jalen Watson from the Chiefs, Jamel Dean from the Buccaneers, and Koby Durant from the Rams.
For the draft, they might look at first-round talents like Clemson’s Avion Terrell and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse, followed by names like Texas’ Malik Muhammad, Arkansas’ Julian Neal, Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun, Arizona’s Treydan Stokes, and Georgia’s Daylen Everett on the second day.
