Now that training camp is around the corner, let’s sum the San Francisco 49ers offseason up in one word
Many would describe the San Francisco 49ers‘ offseason as drama-free, but that’s only true when you compare it to previous years when there have been holdouts by key players. Is it possible to have a drama-free offseason when there is as much turnover on the defensive side of the ball?
Deommodore Lenoir was arrested on an obstruction of justice charge. In the most wide receiver possible way, Brandon Aiyuk had at least five cryptic social media posts that had fans spiraling and wondering what he was talking about.
By definition, drama isn’t synonymous with negativity. Exciting, unexpected events are the essence of the word. So, trading for Bryce Huff plays right into the hands of the word drama.
On the other hand, extending Fred Warner, George Kittle, and franchise quarterback Brock Purdy helps the team today, this season, and for the next handful of seasons, both under the salary cap and on the field.
Going back to Robert Saleh as your defensive coordinator and essentially giving him the keys to the 2025 free agency and draft class shouldn’t have been a surprise. However, it was still a mild shock to see the 49ers go another offseason without addressing their offensive line.
Saleh could have up to seven new starters on that side of the ball. And how could you blame him for wanting to revamp a defense that has finished closer to 32nd than 16th in many key defensive stats during the previous two seasons?
So, that brings us to today’s question of the day, where we’ll attempt to describe the 49ers’ offseason in one word.
What word would you use to describe the 49ers’ offseason?
My answer: Basics
Based on the free agent signings, “thrifty” came to mind. Judging by some of the new skill players added in both the draft and free agency, “speed” stands out. However, when you consider the entire picture, including the signings and the return of Saleh, it’s evident that this team is getting back to its basics.
You can’t run a 2-high shell on defense without a 330+ pound nose tackle. Hello, Alfred Collins. When the 49ers succeeded with the edge rusher who could kick inside and out-athlete guards, it was because he was a strong, dominant run defender. That person was Charles Omenihu, not Yetur Gross-Matos. Mykel Williams’s floor and ceiling are higher than both.
The combination of Dee Winters and Nick Martin might be one of the biggest, or at least noticeable, upgrades we see defensively. And if Huff plays up to his potential, life will be close to 2023 for Nick Bosa.
The speed component on offense, featuring Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and assuming Jacob Cowing can stretch the field, will also open up opportunities underneath and make the reads easier for Brock Purdy.
Injuries forced the 49ers to use Ronnie Bell as their “speed” receiver last season, who had to run dummy routes. No defense in their right mind would pay attention to him. Jauan Jennings will be more effective when he’s surrounded by wideouts who all run sub-4.4 40s.
Health will always be a question mark, but you can see the plan the 49ers had this offseason with every move they made, and it’s as simple as getting back to the basics.