49ers Exit Interviews Signal a Healthy, Hungry Return in 2026
SANTA CLARA - Unlike past offseasons where the 49ers limped into the break with more questions than answers, this year’s locker room cleanout had a different vibe. Monday’s exit interviews weren’t about rehab timelines or uncertainty-they were about optimism.
The message? This team expects to be right back in the Super Bowl hunt next season.
Yes, the 2025 campaign came to a crashing halt with a 41-6 loss in Seattle in the NFC Divisional Round. But what’s fueling the fire now is the belief that this was a temporary detour, not a derailment. And that belief starts with the players who went down and are already working their way back.
Purdy’s Toe, and His Confidence, Are Intact
Brock Purdy didn’t finish the season the way he wanted, but he’s not hanging his head. The quarterback-who signed a massive five-year, $265 million extension last May-missed eight games after suffering turf toe in the season opener against Seattle.
Now? He says the toe is “good to go,” no surgery needed.
“It was a lot emotionally and obviously physically, but that’s the NFL,” Purdy said. And he’s right.
Injuries happen. But what matters is how you respond-and Purdy’s already looking ahead.
Bosa, Williams on the Comeback Trail
The 49ers’ defensive front took a major hit this season, with both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams undergoing ACL reconstructions. But they’re months into recovery now, and the bond between the two has been a silver lining. Williams, last year’s first-round pick, called Bosa “like a real big brother,” constantly checking in and guiding him through the process.
If both are back at full strength next fall, the 49ers’ pass rush could return to its dominant form-something that was sorely missed in the postseason.
Fred Warner Nearly Suited Up
Linebacker Fred Warner is another name on the injury list who’s trending up. His right ankle has healed to the point where he said he was ready to play had the team reached the NFC Championship Game.
While that didn’t happen, Warner could still make a postseason appearance-this time in a suit and tie. NBC is expected to feature him as a guest analyst for Super Bowl 60.
George Kittle’s Achilles, and His Attitude
George Kittle’s season ended in Philadelphia with a clean Achilles tear. But if you thought that would dampen his spirit, think again. Just eight days post-injury, Kittle rolled into the facility on a scooter with his repaired leg, upbeat and already talking comeback.
“Any time you have it taken away from you, it makes you want to get right back out there,” he said. “I’m very ready. I’m very excited to attack this.”
Kittle didn’t rule out a return at any point in the 2026 season-Week 1, midseason, or later. And knowing Kittle, betting against him would be a mistake.
He also shared a unique moment from the locker room after the injury. After being carted off, 49ers owner Jed York came in to check on him-with a bottle of tequila in hand.
“Can I get Jed York fined? Yep, it happened, had a great time,” Kittle joked.
Jauan Jennings Reflects on His Journey
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings didn’t get into contract talk as he heads into free agency. Whether he’ll play under a projected $28 million franchise tag is a question for his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
What Jennings did share was a heartfelt look back at his six-year run in Santa Clara. Drafted in the seventh round back in 2020, Jennings has carved out a meaningful role and a deep connection to the team.
“There’s nothing like Santa Clara,” he said. “When I first flew in here, I was thinking I was going to San Francisco, just like everybody else.
Then you find out fast it’s Santa Clara. Now it’s home.”
His favorite moment? Watching confetti fall after the 2023 NFC Championship win. “It’s a run I’ll never forget,” he said.
Coaching Carousel Heating Up
The 49ers’ coaching staff could look different next season. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to interview in person for the Titans’ head coaching job after already meeting virtually with the Cardinals and Dolphins.
“I hope he’s here,” said Mykel Williams, “but if he’s not, it’s the nature of the beast and part of the game.”
On the offensive side, coordinator Klay Kubiak has reportedly spoken with both the Raiders and Steelers about their head coaching vacancies. Head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear, though-Kubiak won’t be going anywhere for a lateral move.
Mac Jones: Starter or Trade Chip?
Mac Jones didn’t just fill in for Purdy-he kept the 49ers’ season afloat. His 5-3 record as a starter was enough to spark trade buzz, especially with him under contract for another year.
“It was just so fun to get the train back on the tracks,” Jones said. “In a way, I had two seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup.”
Jones believes he’s a starting quarterback in this league, and he’s eager to prove it-whether that’s in San Francisco or elsewhere.
McCaffrey Takes Home Top Honors
Christian McCaffrey capped off a heavy-workload season with two of the team’s highest honors-the Len Eshmont Award (voted by teammates) and the Bill Walsh Award (voted by coaches). It’s a testament to both his production and leadership.
“Anytime you’re honored by your peers, I take it very seriously,” McCaffrey said. “I didn’t do anything special other than be myself.”
He’s also a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award, rounding out a season where he led by example on and off the field.
Other Team Awards
- Colton McKivitz earned the Bobb McKittrick Award for offensive linemen and the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award for community service.
- Dee Winters received the Hazeltine Iron Man Award.
- Alfred Collins was honored with the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award and recognized for community involvement.
- Curtis Robinson was the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and also shared the Perry/Yonamine Award.
- Nick Zakelj and Patrick Taylor Jr. (along with his wife Lauren) were also recognized for their work in the community.
The Bottom Line
The 49ers didn’t reach their ultimate goal this season, but they’re not limping into the offseason-they’re charging into it with purpose. With key players on the mend, a core that remains intact, and a belief that their window is still wide open, San Francisco isn’t going anywhere.
If anything, this year’s setback might be the fuel they need for a deeper run in 2026.