After a strong 12-win season and a Wild Card triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a fierce battle in the NFC West. With the Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks as their main rivals, the 49ers have some work to do.
Seattle might experience some roster changes, but their knack for quick draft rebuilds is well-known. The Rams, with Matthew Stafford at the helm, remain a formidable opponent.
While the 49ers will welcome back defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, they have key positions to address to stay competitive.
Biggest Positional Needs
EDGE/Defensive Line
The 49ers' pass rush was a sore spot last season, ranking near the bottom in the league for sack production. The absence of Bosa and Mykel Williams certainly played a role, but even with them, consistent pressure was elusive. Bryce Huff was thrust into a more prominent role, and while he showed flashes, overuse diminished his impact.
Alfred Collins and C.J. West offer promise for the future, but the 49ers need to bolster their defensive line through the draft. With Keion White and Huff under contract, adding a dynamic pass rusher could transform their defense in 2026.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position is in flux. Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk are likely on the move, and Ricky Pearsall has struggled with injuries.
Jordan Watkins saw limited action last year, and Jacob Cowing remains an unknown quantity. The need for reliable targets was evident in their playoff loss to Seattle’s speedy secondary.
With eight draft picks at their disposal, the 49ers should target a receiver, but exploring free agency for a seasoned wideout is also crucial. Expect a revamped receiver corps next season.
Offensive Line
Trent Williams returns to anchor the line, with Colton McKivitz as the other tackle. Dominick Puni is part of their long-term plans, but questions linger at left guard and center. Jake Brendel’s future at center is uncertain, and the line struggled against teams with a strong four-man rush, particularly in Seattle.
Tyler Linderbaum could be an intriguing option at center, though he’ll attract plenty of interest on the market. The 49ers need to strengthen their line both for immediate success and future stability, making the draft and free agency pivotal periods for upgrades.
In summary, the 49ers have a solid foundation but must address these key areas to keep pace in a highly competitive division. Their decisions in the draft and free agency will shape their quest for a return to championship contention.