NEWSLETTER
The San Francisco 49ers return to the drawing board after their heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the sting of defeat, the future remains bright. Brock Purdy’s emergence as a legitimate MVP candidate and the return of a healthy core position the 49ers as a top contender once again.
San Francisco 49ers Offseason Recap
The offseason has seen key changes in the coaching staff, with Nick Sorensen replacing Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator. The front office also saw adjustments, with Tariq Ahmad and RJ Gillen taking over player personnel duties with Adam Peters, who is now in Washington.
With the coaching staff and front office largely solidified, the focus shifts to free agency and the draft, where the 49ers can address remaining needs. While not extensive, the offensive line and the front seven require upgrades to truly optimize this talented roster. Despite these needs, the 49ers project as a top team in the NFL, but the pressure to finally win that elusive sixth Super Bowl title will be ever-present in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers Effective Salary Cap Space
(how much a team will have to spend after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster.)
$7,260,980 (per OverTheCap.com)
San Francisco 49ers Pending Free Agents
| Player | Pos. | Type | Snaps | Age | Current APY | Guarantees |
| Tashaun Gipson | S | UFA | 89.40% | 34 | $2,900,000 | $2,170,000 |
| Randy Gregory | EDGE | UFA | 38.50% | 32 | $13,900,000 | $28,000,000 |
| Logan Ryan | S | UFA | 11.40% | 33 | $1,165,000 | $0 |
| Ross Dwelley | TE | UFA | 7.10% | 29 | $1,700,000 | $700,000 |
San Francisco 49ers Offseason Decisions/Positional Needs
Offensive Line
While Colton McKivitz stepped admirably into the starting right tackle role following Mike McGlinchey’s departure for Denver, the San Francisco 49ers can’t afford to stand pat on their offensive line this offseason. McKivitz allowed a concerning 27.4% of pressures faced by 49ers’ offensive linemen.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have a critical decision to make at right tackle. With a historically lineman-heavy draft looming in April, the opportunity to find a long-term solution is ripe.
Arizona’s Jordan Morgan and BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia, both potential late first-round picks, intrigue many, offering both immediate right tackle ability and future flexibility to switch to left tackle in a post-Trent Williams world. The right guard position also demands attention. While Jon Feliciano’s return provides veteran stability, his platoon role with Spencer Burford, who struggled mightily, raises questions.
Will Shanahan be comfortable trusting Burford in a full-time starting role, or will the 49ers explore other options via free agency or the draft? Adding talent along the offensive line remains crucial for the 49ers to optimize their championship aspirations.
Cornerback
The San Francisco 49ers secondary is undergoing another transformation this offseason. Following the departure of Steve Wilks and the release of Isaiah Oliver, the team finds itself searching for solutions at cornerback once again.
The good news is that there’s flexibility within the existing roster. Deommodore Lenoir can slide into the starting spot opposite Charvarius Ward, allowing the team to replicate last year’s strategy of finding a slot corner in free agency. Alternatively, Lenoir could transition to the slot himself, necessitating the acquisition of an outside corner. A third option? Retain Lenoir as a utility back while adding multiple defensive backs with positional versatility. Isaac Yiadom, signed from New Orleans, offers some flexibility, but the 49ers are likely still seeking top-tier talent.
Regardless of their approach, the 49ers need significant depth at cornerback. Their initial 53-man roster only carried five cornerbacks, and the lack of depth exposed itself throughout the season. While quality is paramount, quantity might be the best approach for the 49ers. Free agency and the draft present opportunities to bolster both the starting lineup and the overall depth of the cornerback group.
Wide Receiver
While not the most immediate concern, the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver room presents a few lingering questions. The first centers around Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension. Recent history suggests an extension could lead to trade rumors, which is where we are now, but most believe a deal will be reached. However, uncertainty surrounding Aiyuk’s future persists until a contract is finalized.
Looking beyond the 2024 season, Deebo Samuel’s contract includes a potential out clause. While this isn’t an immediate concern, it underscores the importance of potentially addressing receiver depth this offseason. General Manager John Lynch will need to be prepared for various scenarios to ensure the 49ers maintain a strong receiving corps for the long term.
