San Francisco is coming off a Super Bowl appearance, and much of the core talent from that playoff run remains. Offensively, the starting lineup looks unchanged, with playmakers Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle set to return. However, that wasn't enough to keep them off Jones' list of the biggest offseason losers.
Jones clearly wasn't a big fan of the 49ers using the No. 31 overall pick on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall or their failure to significantly upgrade their offensive line.
"After a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the 49ers had a relatively quiet offseason," Jones wrote. "They gave Christian McCaffrey an extension and drafted Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who might not be ready for prime time until 2025. The offensive line could've used a bolster, but John Lynch made no significant additions."
The defense underwent an overhaul, particularly along the defensive line. Gone are key contributors like Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell, and Chase Young, replaced by Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Maliek Collins, and Jordan Elliott.
RELATED
Jones believes the most notable departure was defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was replaced in-house by Nick Sorensen.
"Can first-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen reignite a defense that lost Armstead and Javon Kinlaw and added Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott?" Jones pondered.
Jones admits that Wilks' philosophy never meshed well with head coach Kyle Shanahan's, forcing the 49ers to part ways with the longtime defensive coach. The mention of Kinlaw is intriguing, considering the defensive tackle never lived up to the expectations commonly held for first-round draft picks. Kinlaw amassed only five sacks in four NFL seasons.
Despite Jones' assessment, the 49ers are favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, mainly due to their ability to retain much of their talented core.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' biggest concern in 2026 is D-line draft misses, says PFF
The San Francisco 49ers have high expectations heading into the 2026 NFL season. While the team has bolstered certain positions, including its receiving corps, concerns remain in other areas. Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus (PFF) identified the biggest concern for... -
49ers defensive rookie among new names not practicing Sunday
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their 13th full practice of training camp on Sunday, the final session before traveling to Southern California for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. The two teams will meet in a preseason game Thursday night. Reporters on hand... -
49ers rookie Kaelon Black reflects on NFL debut, sees room for growth
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black stepped onto an NFL field for the first time Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers came away with a decisive 41-17 victory, and Black saw action with the first-team offense, finishing the night with eight... -
49ers pass-rush concerns influence 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers' pass rush was ineffective last season, producing a disappointing 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Of course, losing Nick Bosa for most of the season played a significant role in those struggles. Bosa is coming off a torn ACL, and despite dealing with...