Inside the 49ers’ Offseason: Coaching Culture Shifts, Cap Room Flexibility, and Draft-Day Decisions
As the San Francisco 49ers head into a pivotal offseason, the organization finds itself at the intersection of transition and opportunity. From former players shedding light on the team’s unique culture to front office decisions looming in the draft and free agency, there’s no shortage of storylines shaping what could be a defining few months for the franchise.
Practice Philosophies: A Tale of Two Coaches
When linebacker Dre Greenlaw reflected on his time in San Francisco compared to his current team, he highlighted a stark contrast in coaching styles. “It’s just two different personality coaches,” he said.
“Sean’s old school… Shanahan, he’s the complete opposite. He wants you fresh.”
That difference isn’t just about scheduling-it’s a window into the broader philosophies that define coaching leadership in the NFL. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have leaned into a modern approach, emphasizing player recovery and freshness over the grind-it-out mentality.
It’s a calculated strategy, especially for a team with deep playoff aspirations and a veteran-heavy core. Shanahan’s methods have drawn praise from players who value longevity and performance over wear and tear.
Remembering a 49ers Legend: John Brodie
The 49ers family recently lost one of its all-time greats. John Brodie, who passed away at age 90, was more than just a quarterback-he was a pioneer. Over 17 seasons, all with San Francisco, Brodie became a fixture under center, earning MVP honors in 1970 and finishing his career ranked third in all-time passing yards behind legends Fran Tarkenton and Johnny Unitas.
But Brodie’s impact extended far beyond the gridiron. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting, becoming NBC’s lead NFL analyst and even covering PGA and tennis events. And just when you thought his competitive fire might have dimmed, he joined the Senior PGA Tour and, at 56, won a tournament packed with legends like Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, and Arnold Palmer.
In classic Brodie fashion, he sealed the win with a 9-iron to within four inches on the first playoff hole. Rodriguez, ever the entertainer, joked with Brodie before lining up his own putt: “You don’t want to look at this because it will kill you.”
Brodie laughed it off. “If you can’t handle that, you ought to get out of the kitchen,” he said.
That was Brodie-cool, confident, and always up for the moment.
The Cap Space Conundrum: $50.3M and a Closing Window?
With $50.3 million in cap space heading into the offseason, the 49ers have options-big ones. But they also have urgency. An aging core, particularly on defense, means the front office can’t afford to swing and miss.
There’s chatter about targeting a dynamic tight end like Kyle Pitts, and while that would certainly add firepower, the team’s needs go beyond splashy names. A pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson could instantly elevate the defensive front, while reinforcements at guard or in the secondary would help stabilize the roster for another deep playoff push.
The key here? Strategic aggression. The 49ers are in win-now mode, and the cap flexibility gives them a rare chance to reload without rebuilding.
Draft Targets: Building the Trenches and Beyond
Mock drafts are already painting a picture of how San Francisco might approach April’s selections. In CBS Sports’ latest projection, the 49ers address the defensive line with Peter Woods.
He’s got the frame and tools-power, leverage, and burst-but his production has dipped year over year. His Pro Football Focus grades have slid from an 87.6 overall mark in 2023 to 72.2 in 2025, with similar drops in both run defense and pass rush.
Still, Woods has tallied five sacks over the past two seasons and flashes enough upside to believe he could be a long-term piece in the rotation. In a league where trench play often separates contenders from pretenders, this pick makes sense.
On the offensive side, Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft has the 49ers grabbing a potential George Kittle successor. The tight end, Sadiq, is undersized but explosive-exactly the kind of versatile chess piece Kyle Shanahan loves.
Think of him as a blend of Kittle’s blocking grit and Kyle Juszczyk’s Swiss Army knife utility. He may not last until the 27th pick, but if he does, San Francisco could pounce.
And the 49ers aren’t stopping there. A 3-round mock draft has them adding a receiver and a running back, with Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch standing out.
His 2025 tape earned him an 85.6 WR Impact grade, thanks to his ability to separate, win contested catches, and stretch the field vertically. He’s not a household name-yet-but he could be a game-changer in Shanahan’s system.
Inside the War Room: Offensive Line Evaluation
The 49ers’ front office is also doing its homework on the offensive line, and a few names are rising-and falling-on their board.
Monroe Freeling is being pegged as a surefire first-rounder. He’s got the balance and upside of a former top-10 pick like Mike McGlinchey, but with a more refined frame.
Emmanuel Pregnon, a guard with serious punch at the point of attack, is another name to watch. And then there’s Blake Miller, a former wrestler whose leverage and tenacity could make him a mid-round steal.
But not every prospect is a fit. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane has first-round buzz, but questions linger about his run-blocking drive. Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan and Iowa’s Gennings Dunker also raise concerns-Tiernan’s punch lacks pop, and Dunker, despite his size, shows stiffness that limits his mobility.
Final Thoughts
This offseason could be a turning point for the 49ers. With cap space to spend, a talented but aging core, and a draft class filled with intriguing prospects, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
Shanahan’s philosophy, the front office’s precision, and the team’s ability to reload without losing its identity-those are the storylines to watch. The window isn’t closed yet.
But it’s not wide open either. The time to act is now.