The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and underwent a massive offseason roster overhaul. Several key contributors from recent years are gone, replaced by younger talent acquired through the draft.
This revamp has introduced uncertainty at several key positions, including the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox outlined a to-do list for every NFL team ahead of the 2025 season. For the 49ers, his list reflects the sweeping changes John Lynch and the front office made this offseason.
Assess Brandon Aiyuk's recovery timeline
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL injuries suffered in October and is not expected to be ready for Week 1. That's a significant concern for a receiving corps that already lost Deebo Samuel in an offseason trade to Washington.
Knox suggests that if Aiyuk's return is significantly delayed, general manager John Lynch may need to explore veteran free-agent options to bolster the group.
"The 49ers could need [Aiyuk] after trading Deebo Samuel early in the offseason, as 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall remains a relative unknown and tight end George Kittle isn't getting any younger," Knox wrote.
While Lynch refrained from providing a recovery timeline for Aiyuk, he noted that the 49ers have been pleased with the receiver's recovery.
As for potentially bringing in some additional help, Lynch said, "We always keep a look for what's out there, but we do like our group."
Install Robert Saleh's defense
The 49ers brought back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, a position he held from 2017 to 2020. The goal is clear—revive a defense that underperformed last season and restore the physical, high-level play that once made it one of the NFL's best units.
Saleh's influence was evident during the draft, with San Francisco using its first five picks on defensive players. That includes defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West, along with linebacker Nick Martin, who could eventually replace Dre Greenlaw, now with the Denver Broncos.
Developing these young defenders quickly will be critical to San Francisco's success in 2025, which brings us to Knox's last item on his list.
Prepare to rely on several defensive rookies
The 49ers will lean heavily on their rookie defenders this season and will need solid play out of each to contend in 2025.
Williams, a first-round draft pick, and newly acquired defensive end Bryce Huff are expected to boost a pass rush that struggled with consistency in 2024. If the duo can generate pressure off one edge, Nick Bosa should have more opportunities to dominate on the other.
Lynch is confident in Williams' upside and flexibility, which made him a top target in April's draft.
"We loved his versatility as a player, his ability to play outside, set edges," Lynch said. "I think he'll give more as a pass rusher than I think a lot of people believe he will. And then the versatility to slide inside. We've done really well with those types of players who have that versatility to play on the edge, and then in nickel, sub-situations, to move inside. Mykel gives us that."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers updates: Nick Bosa still not practicing as another joins the injury list
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their ninth full practice of training camp on Saturday, and defensive end Nick Bosa remains sidelined. According to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, Bosa is not participating. This marks his third missed full practice after the 49ers... -
49ers injuries: Full list of players dealing with setbacks at training camp
The list of San Francisco 49ers players dealing with injuries during training camp continues to grow with each passing practice. And I'm not talking about players already on injury lists, such as tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, or defensive... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan addresses roster outlook, WR room, and growing injury list
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters for the first time since his July 14 car accident. In addition to sharing updates on his recovery, Shanahan provided his perspective on the 49ers roster as the team prepares for the 2026 season. "I like our team,"... -
49ers coach downplays growing injury list: 'It seems like we're very healthy'
The San Francisco 49ers' injury list continued to grow on Wednesday, with fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger fracture), wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hip flexor), and offensive linemen Carver Willis (concussion) and Brett Toth (undisclosed) all added to the list of players...