Injuries played a significant role in the disappointing season. Key players like running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and tackle Trent Williams missed substantial time. That's why it's tough to write off the 49ers in 2025 completely. The team believes they can still compete with the league's best—if they stay healthy.
When recently asked if fans should expect the 49ers to return to the playoffs next season, linebacker Fred Warner didn't hesitate.
"Absolutely. Yes," Warner said confidently.
He elaborated, "I think this was just one of those years that we needed, honestly. It kind of humbles you. You learn from it. We had a bunch of injuries to the guys that we obviously needed throughout the season, but now looking forward to just getting back to dominance, getting back to having an opportunity."
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler isn't as optimistic. He recently ranked every NFL team into tiers and no longer considers the 49ers contenders or a team on the cusp of contention. Instead, they fell into his sixth tier: "Stuck in the middle … but a move or two away." Joining the 49ers in this category are the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts.
"The 49ers' subpar 2024 shouldn't prompt a full rebuild," Fowler explained. "And, really, is there any choice but to run it back? The roster is saddled with bloated salaries only suitable for a win-now plan. Scaling back in parts is a sound strategy -- and the 49ers are doing so by designating defensive tackle Javon Hargrave a post-June 1 cut and seeking to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
"Once those two moves are made, the 49ers can focus on a Brock Purdy extension. Star tight end George Kittle also is a year from free agency. Where San Francisco needs to improve is along the offensive line; it was thin before guard Aaron Banks was set to reach free agency."
Meanwhile, two other NFC West teams—the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks—ranked a tier above the 49ers in Fowler's assessment, landing in the "Headed in the right direction" category.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers have five likely future Hall of Famers, says ESPN's Barnwell
The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the NFL's most talented rosters. But how many of those players are on a Hall of Fame trajectory? That's the question ESPN's Bill Barnwell explored for every NFL team, identifying which players have the strongest cases to one day earn... -
ESPN proposes 49ers trade for All-Pro safety Jessie Bates
The San Francisco 49ers have no shortage of competition at safety during training camp, with Ji'Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle among the players battling for a starting role. However, ESPN's Seth Walder believes the team could strengthen its secondary by making a significant... -
Dan Orlovsky ranks 49ers' Brock Purdy among top QBs in 3 categories
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky released his latest rankings of NFL quarterbacks by trait, and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranked among the league's best in three of the seven categories. Unsurprisingly, Purdy didn't crack the top 10 in traits such as arm strength, but he... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share updates after 49ers-Titans joint practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Tuesday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they had to say. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Head Coach Kyle...