The San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season was a mixed bag of highs and lows, ending with a 6-11 record and a fourth-place finish in the NFC West, which saw them miss the playoffs. Despite the disappointing overall result, the season highlighted the emergence of Brock Purdy as a franchise quarterback. Purdy, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is poised for one of the largest pay raises in NFL history. His performance over the past three seasons, including leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance and two NFC Championship games, has solidified his role as the team’s cornerstone. The 49ers are expected to extend his contract, but the exact terms of the deal remain to be seen. Recent quarterback extensions, such as those signed by Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, all exceed $53 million annually, with Dak Prescott setting the bar even higher at $60 million per year. Purdy’s negotiations will undoubtedly be a defining moment of the offseason, as his new deal will shape the team’s financial landscape for years to come.
The 49ers’ offseason priorities extend far beyond Purdy’s contract, however. The team has several key free agents to address, including cornerback Charvarius Ward, left guard Aaron Banks, linebackers De’Vondre Campbell and Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and restricted running back Jordan Mason. Greenlaw and Hufanga, in particular, come with significant injury concerns. Greenlaw missed most of the 2024 season with an Achilles tear, while Hufanga dealt with a wrist injury and recovery from an ACL tear. These health issues will likely factor heavily into the 49ers’ decision-making process regarding their futures with the team. Meanwhile, Mason’s strong performance filling in for an injured Christian McCaffrey could make him a valuable asset, but his restricted free-agent status means the 49ers may face competition to retain him or could potentially net draft capital if they lose him. The team’s recent extension of cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to a $92 million deal in November might also make Ward less of a priority, as the 49ers look to allocate their resources wisely.
The 49ers’ free-agency needs are clear: they must address their offensive and defensive lines, as well as their running back depth. The team struggled in the trenches during the 2024 season, and if Aaron Banks departs in free agency, the offensive line will have another hole to fill. The 49ers will also need to consider upgrades at center and right tackle, especially with left tackle Trent Williams nearing the end of his career. On the defensive side, the team ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks, highlighting the need for a young pass-rusher to complement star defensive end Nick Bosa. With limited cap space, the 49ers will have to balance their free-agency spending carefully, ensuring they can still afford to extend Purdy while addressing these pressing needs.
From a financial standpoint, the 49ers enter the offseason with an estimated $44 million in salary cap space, which ranks 12th in the NFL. While this gives them some flexibility, Purdy’s impending extension will likely consume a significant portion of that space. To create more room, the team may consider cutting or trading some of its higher-priced veterans.Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are two such players who could be on the chopping block. Samuel, who turns 29 in January, is entering the third year of a three-year, $71 million contract but has not performed at the level expected of him. Additionally, he has reportedly sought a change of scenery, and the 49ers have already invested in other receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. Cutting or trading Samuel would have significant cap implications, but it could also allow the team to allocate resources elsewhere. Hargrave, who signed a four-year, $84 million deal in 2023, has not lived up to expectations and could be a candidate for release or a restructured contract.
The 2024 NFL Draft will also play a crucial role in shaping the 49ers’ future. With picks in the first, second, third, and multiple compensatory rounds, the team has opportunities to address its needs, particularly on the offensive line. One promising prospect is Kelvin Banks Jr., a versatile lineman from Texas who can play both guard and tackle. His ability to fill multiple roles would make him an ideal fit for the 49ers, who are looking to shore up their line and prepare for the eventual decline of Trent Williams. Banks’ addition could provide long-term stability and allow the team to compete in the trenches moving forward.
Ultimately, the 49ers’ 2025 season will hinge on their ability to build around Brock Purdy while addressing their deficiencies on both sides of the ball. With key decisions to make on free agents, draft picks, and veteran cuts, this offseason will be pivotal in determining the team’s trajectory. The recovery of injured players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk will also be closely monitored, as their health could significantly impact the team’s performance next season. Should the 49ers decide to part ways with Deebo Samuel, it would not only free up cap space but also create opportunities for younger receivers like Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall to step into more prominent roles. As the 49ers navigate this critical offseason, one thing is clear: the success of the franchise moving forward will depend on their ability to make smart, strategic decisions that set them up for long-term success.
