Are they on the roster?
We’re still a couple of months away from projections being released, but I’m curious to see where oddsmakers have the 49ers‘ win total. Under Kyle Shanahan, this team has consistently been projected to win north of 10.5 games.
Depending on how the NFL Draft and free agency go, San Francisco figures to be in that same ballpark once again. So, with that in mind, let’s act as if the Niners will return to their winning ways in 2025.
In an ideal world, the 49ers would be preparing for a home game this time next year. But before we jump the gun, let’s talk about what it will take to get there. Thanks to a few Super Bowl runs, we have evidence that the 49ers will need multiple career-type seasons to achieve that goal.
For example, Christian McCaffrey stayed healthy. When that was the case in 2023, he was arguably the league’s MVP and a walking touchdown. The 49ers’ offense looked lost in the red zone without their star running back.
Also, Brandon Aiyuk was one of the NFL’s most efficient and explosive pass-catching options in 2023. He took a step forward, and the 49ers ran their passing offense through him. They flourished while reaching heights the offense had never seen before.
When the 49ers pay Brock Purdy this offseason, it’ll be with the thought that McCaffrey and Aiyuk are a part of his supporting cast. When those two were on the field, Purdy dazzled. Unfortunately, we did not see that trio in action during the 2024 regular season.
Let’s not forget about defense. I’ll start there.
Defense – Incomplete
I’m cheating here, as my answer is whichever defensive tackle the 49ers sign in free agency or select early in the NFL Draft. I don’t believe fans appreciate what Maliek Collins did last season. Nobody needs to convince you how valuable Nick Bosa is to this team.
If San Francisco drafts a certain defensive tackle from Ole Miss, who we’ll undoubtedly break down over the next few months, you can pencil his name here. Some may be scared off by the thought of another Javon Kinlaw early, but you can’t let one miss dictate your future.
Adding a game-wrecker and dropping him in the middle of this defense will transform this unit to its dominant ways. Look no further than the Super Bowl, where Chris Jones and Jalen Carter have single-handedly altered possessions during the postseason.
If the 49ers execute this offseason and add the right pieces, Robert Saleh’s stay as coordinator might only last a year.
Offense – WR Brandon Aiyuk
There are enough moving parts on the defensive side of the ball to make it difficult to pinpoint a name, especially before the offseason begins. The offense seems set. While there will likely be a name or two different along the offensive line, we know who the skill players are.
There’s an outside chance the 49ers move on from Deebo Samuel, but you’d think they would want to be 100 percent sure that Ayiuk and McCaffrey return to full form. Even then, moving on from a player who has accomplished so much for this organization might be challenging.
Ricky Pearsall will be a popular answer, but I’ll choose a player I’ve championed since the day he was drafted. Aiyuk tore his ACL one month earlier than Talanoa Hufanga did in 2023. Hufanga ended up recovering and playing again in 10 months. While Aiyuk’s injury wasn’t the same as Hufanga’s — Aiyuk tore his MCL as well — it’s reasonable to assume he’ll play at least half the season, if not more, in 2025.
Because Aiyuk didn’t have the same volume stats pre-injury, some fans were convinced he was terrible and wasn’t worthy of a $120 million extension. That same crowd couldn’t fathom why the 49ers offense took a step back when it came down to stretching the field, converting first downs, or simply staying on the field — despite the answer staring them right in the face.
Aiyuk attracts attention that cannot be quantified. He also is the one receiver who can win at every level against any cornerback you put him up against. Most importantly, he slots the other wideouts into their respective roles. Aiyuk’s presence will only make Jauan Jennings, Deebo, and Ricky Pearsall more dangerous.
I’m most excited to watch Aiyuk for multiple reasons in 2025.