The San Francisco 49ers are entering the new season with a roster that has seen some intriguing changes, especially after an unexpectedly strong 2025 campaign that was marred by injuries. They've bolstered their wide receiver corps by bringing in heavy hitters like Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and DeZhaun Stribling, which should make their aerial attack something to watch. However, there's a glaring hole that remains unaddressed in their lineup - the pass rush.
As pointed out by ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the pass rush is shaping up to be the 49ers' "Achilles heel" this season. Last year, their pass-rushing unit struggled mightily, ending the season at the bottom of the league with a mere 20 sacks. To put that into perspective, Myles Garrett, now with the Los Angeles Rams, racked up more sacks on his own than the entire 49ers' squad.
The silver lining is the return of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, both of whom are coming back from early-season injuries in 2025. Their presence could provide a much-needed boost to the defensive line.
Yet, there's still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the defense. Despite the pressing need, the offseason didn't see much action in terms of new edge rusher signings.
Romello Height, a promising rookie, is the most notable addition, but relying on a newcomer to solve such a significant issue is a gamble.
Osa Odighizuwa was a smart trade acquisition and should bolster the defensive front, but given the struggles of last season, it's puzzling that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan didn't do more to fortify this critical area. The NFC West is a battleground, and if the 49ers hope to come out on top, they'll need their pass rush to step up significantly.
There's still time for the 49ers to make a move, perhaps by exploring the trade market or signing a seasoned veteran like Von Miller or Joey Bosa. For now, though, the pass rush remains a question mark, and it's hard not to wonder why this wasn't addressed more aggressively in the offseason. The 49ers have their sights set on the NFC West crown, but without a formidable pass rush, that goal might be out of reach.
In Other News...
49ers May Have An Unexpected Answer Behind Brock Purdy
The 49ers backup quarterback picture behind Brock Purdy has more moving parts than it first appears, and training camp could make it even more interesting. Kurtis Rourke and Adrian Martinez are the two names in the mix right now, giving San Francisco a competition that is still very much in the early stages as the team looks for someone who can handle the No. 2 job if needed.
Martinez brings a little more pro experience to the table, having spent time with the Jets and seen limited regular-season action, while Rourke is trying to turn his offseason opportunity into a real roster case. There is also a longer-range wrinkle to watch with Mac Jones, whose presence could reshape the depth chart later on if the 49ers eventually decide to move him, but for now the focus is on which young quarterback can separate himself first. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Linked To Massive D Line Gamble John Lynch Must Weigh
The idea of adding a disruptive interior force to the front has a certain appeal for San Francisco, especially with the kind of game-wrecking talent Jalen Carter has already shown in three seasons. The Eagles defensive tackle arrived as the No. 9 overall pick in 2023 and has already stacked up Pro Bowl recognition and a second-team All-Pro nod, the sort of rsum that naturally fuels speculation whenever contract talks get complicated.
Philadelphia has picked up Carters fifth-year option, which buys time, but it also leaves the two sides staring at a bigger financial conversation that has not moved much so far. For the 49ers, the question is whether a talent like that is worth the draft capital and long-term commitment it would take to even get into the conversation, especially when a player of his caliber is the rare defender who can change how an offense has to game-plan from the opening snap. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Practice Facility Buzz Could Reignite A Brutal Old Debate
The 49ers are again facing questions around their practice setup after reports surfaced that the organization is exploring a possible nearby relocation because it is running out of room around Levis Stadium. It is the kind of logistics issue that can sound mundane on its face, but for a franchise that has spent years operating in that same footprint, even a routine real estate conversation can invite fresh scrutiny.
What it should not do, at least based on what is known, is be read as official confirmation of any health-related concern tied to the current site. San Franciscos injury history is more plausibly explained by the usual football mix of older and injury-prone personnel, training considerations, the violent nature of the sport and plain bad luck, even if the facility chatter is bound to keep old theories alive for another round. [Read more 🡒]