Predicting which San Francisco 49ers player on offense will be most improved for the 2025 season
Although it may not have felt like it, the San Francisco 49ers were a top-12 offense in terms of efficiency and explosiveness in 2024. It may have felt that way after a video game-like season in 2023 when everything came easy, and it was a surprise if the Niners had a drive and didn’t score points.
If the 49ers want to continue their consistency, they’ll need a new face to step up or improve in 2025. Early in the season last year, that was Jordan Mason. He may not have had the long, game-changing runs that Christian McCaffrey had during the Super Bowl run, but he gave the offense a much-needed presence on the ground.
Who will be the player afforded the most opportunity to improve in 2025? That might be a better way to phrase “Who will be the 49ers’ most improved offensive player?”
We’ll rule out rookies. Sure, Jordan James or Junior Bergen could have an impact as a first-year player, but the likelihood of one of the players ahead of them on the depth chart being injured or something having gone wrong for those two to flourish is something we won’t wish.
Who will be the 49ers’ most improved offensive player?
Can your first-round wide receiver improve? Sure. But Ricky Pearsall’s expectations are unlike any other skill player, given his draft status. So, while Pearsall may be the correct answer, it feels like a bit of a cop out.
At its peak, the offense centers around a pass-catching running back. McCaffrey is king of that court and brings more than just about anybody in the league, let alone the roster. Isaac Guerendo should and could improve, but it’s hard to trust that he’d stay healthy in 2025 based on last year.
That leaves the offensive line, where they figure to play a veteran in place of Aaron Banks, or one of the returning wideouts.
Process of elimination brings us to Jauan Jennings, fresh off a breakout season, Jacob Cowing, and names like Terique Owens or Russell Gage.
Unless, and this is quite the leap of faith, you believe a player like Brayden Willis, Jake Tonges, or Mason Pline can steal the show and go from playing sparingly to locking up the TE2 role over Luke Farrell and Ross Dwelley.
Based on opportunity during the spring, injuries at the position, and how he wins, my answer is Jacob Cowing. What’s yours?