As the 49ers clean out their lockers this week following a Divisional Round exit at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, they can reflect on a memorable season for which they deserve credit. San Francisco showed incredible resilience throughout the campaign to go 12-5 and earn a playoff win in a season where their roster was plagued by injuries. Given the level of adversity the Niners have faced, it’s fair to say they’ve exceeded expectations.
Yet for a government desperate to deliver a championship, there is a harsh reality to face as they look to build on an encouraging campaign.
Advertisement
The 49ers making it as far as they did in the postseason represents an accomplishment. However, it was a success that came despite their roster having several glaring holes amid their constant injuries. And the cold, hard truth is that many of those issues need to be addressed if San Francisco is going to have a chance to contend for the Super Bowl next season.
49er case that needs re-tooling
A position of great potential as recently as the 2024 campaign, the 49ers now have serious problems at wide receiver, with Brandon Aiyuk tied for the exit door and Ricky Pearsall constantly plagued by injuries. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore are all pending and, while the 49ers may be motivated to make an effort to re-sign Jennings and special teams Moore, there is a clear need for other difference makers at a position where Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins have seen precious little playing time.
Join the conversation!
Register for a user account and get:
Advertisement
-
Comment on articles, social posts
-
Follow comments, social posts
-
New, improved notification system!
George Kittle’s Achilles injury brings the tight end into greater focus. The 2025 season was one in which the 49ers’ inability to land a tight end was exposed — even with Jake Tonges impressing as a pass catcher — and the possibility of Kittle missing the start of 2026 puts more pressure on San Francisco to find a long-term successor who can ensure that he’s not on the field.
The interior of the offensive line is serviceable but tends to be exposed as clearly as it was in the loss to Seattle. With Spencer Burford and Ben Bartch both pending free agents, an investment in the guard position may be necessary. The tackle play was strong on the O-Line but, even though Trent Williams has committed for another year, the 49ers cannot ignore the need to find his heir apparent forever.
ID-Line is still missing
Defensively, the 49ers received several offers from young players in 2025. Defensive ends Alfred Collins and CJ West have produced plenty of encouraging signs that they can be key pieces on the D-Line, but the 49ers still look woefully short as a running back this season. More additions inside and on the edges are sure to be high on the 49ers’ wish list.
Advertisement
With Upton Stout coming off a strong rookie year, the Niners have reason to feel good about their top three cornerbacks, but the lack of depth that led to Darrell Luter Jr. finding rare snapshots remains a concern. More pressingly, the 49ers need to decide which long-term plan is safe. Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle have all had ups and downs this season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the desire to stabilize the position leads San Francisco to seek more experienced help at the position.
In short, the 49ers need help at the skill positions and on the offensive line and, considering the injuries they’ve endured at linebacker, there’s a case to be made that every level of the defense needs to be strengthened.
The 49ers, according to Over The Cap, have less than $30 million in cap space in 2026, and have a chance to increase that cap by designating Aiyuk a post-June 1 release in March, which seems to be the most likely outcome. That’s enough cap space to make one splash in free agency and, with all seven draft picks in the first five rounds, the 49ers have the resources to significantly improve their roster.
However, after finishing the season with two Super Bowl wins, the 49ers have a huge task to get the roster to a level where it can compete with the likes of the Seahawks and Rams in the postseason. The gap between San Francisco and Seattle last Saturday couldn’t be much bigger, and the front office will have to make some smart decisions to close it.
