The San Francisco 49ers have three games remaining in the 2024 season. They would love to win all three and finish on a high note. But it won't be easy. On Sunday, they play in Miami and are still banged up at some key positions, namely running back, with Isaac Guerendo having already been declared out for the game.
After playing the Dolphins, the 49ers will host the Detroit Lions, who currently own the best record in the NFC. So that won't be an easy one. Then the 49ers end the season with the Arizona Cardinals. They already lost to Arizona once this season, so this one isn't guaranteed either.
We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to hear from you. We've answered your questions, neatly wrapped them, and placed them under the tree. There's no need to wait until Christmas, though. We're ready to jump in now. Let's take a look.
For a few quarters, the Niners D looked like its old dominant self. Just having Dre & Huf back seemed to work wonders. Is it actually feasible for the Niners to keep them both, as well as Ward, who is still one of the better corners in the league? - Andy G.
It's possible the 49ers can bring back Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, who are both scheduled to be free agents. Each is coming off major injuries and neither has played much this season. That helps the 49ers. But what doesn't help the 49ers is that anyone (including the rest of the NFL) can see how much better the defense is with both players, especially Greenlaw. He's the heart and soul of the 49ers defense. That will make it harder to re-sign him.
GM John Lynch, appearing on KNBR radio this week, said, "We love Dre, and we're interested in keeping him here for a long time. He's a special player, so we'll let that take care of itself as time progresses here."
Greenlaw is already planning on getting paid this offseason. When asked this week what he wants for Christmas, his reply was simple: "Some money." But it is still possible Greenlaw and Hufanga could both return to Santa Clara.
As for Charvarius Ward, it seems unlikely he'll be back. The 49ers extended fellow CB Deommodore Lenoir earlier this season, and they seem high on rookie corner Renardo Green. I'm sure the team would love to have Ward back, but can they pay that much to two starting corners, especially when you consider they're about to have to pay QB Brock Purdy? I doubt it.
Which big-name players (free agents or otherwise) do you expect the 49ers to lose this offseason? - Dave B.
It appears the 49ers may move on from DT Javon Hargrave. They recently restructured his contract in such a way that many believe is a sign they will be moving on from Hargrave this offseason. Who else might the 49ers lose this offseason?
Certainly, Greenlaw, Hufanga, and Ward are possibilities to not return in 2025. Jordan Mason is a restricted free agent, so he should return, but there's always the chance that he may not.
LG Aaron Banks is scheduled to be a free agent and likely won't return to the 49ers. RT Colton McKivitz is another offensive lineman who may leave in free agency. Sam Okuayinonu is a free agent, and he's played well this season. Both of Purdy's backup quarterbacks are free agents, too.
What about Trent Williams? Could he retire? Might the 49ers move on from Deebo Samuel? Both players should be back with the team in 2025, but you never really know. Williams has dealt with injuries more often in the past few years. At his age, injuries can sometimes compel a player to retire. And that doesn't even mention what he and his wife dealt with this fall in losing twins.
Could this be the offseason the 49ers move on from FB Kyle Juszczyk? The 49ers may believe they can get younger and cheaper at that position. So we'll see how things unfold. I believe 2026 will be the more painful offseason for 49ers fans, but they still may have to say goodbye to some of their favorite players in 2025, as well.
Are there any wheels left on the 49ers bus or have they all fallen off? What's your take on the state of the 49ers right now? - Ed H.
There are a few wheels left, but they're worn and are losing their tread. That said, I'm not one of those worried that the team has run its course and needs to be blown up. They've had a bad season, but it's mostly been due to injuries. Sure there have been other issues (like DeVondre Campbell) and at times, the vibe hasn't been the same with other players, but the roster still has a lot of talent and plenty of leaders.
If they can have an offseason to rest up, heal from their injuries, and perhaps replace a couple of the wheels that need to be changed, they should be back in 2025 ready to make another run. I'm not worried about the state of the 49ers. Now, if they have another season like this one, then I may change my tune. But until then, I will remain confident they can regroup and make a comeback.
The Niners need an upgrade at center. Do you think they go after a free agent or do they already have a potential replacement in-house, like Drake Nugent or Nick Zakelj (aka Brock's roommate)? - Andy G.
Is Nick Zakelj still Purdy's roommate? I can't imagine Purdy's wife would approve of that, but you never know.
I'm not sure Zakelj or Drake Nugent are much of an upgrade over starting center Jake Brendel. But Andy is correct, the 49ers need to upgrade that position. Jon Feliciano is scheduled to be a free agent, but maybe they can bring him back to take over at center. Or perhaps there's a free agent out there who they will sign.
One thing is for sure, Offensive Line coach Chris Foerster likes Brendel, so whoever is there to challenge him will have to be an obvious upgrade. If not, the 49ers will be stuck with the same average production at the position.
There was a report that Brock Purdy wants $55 million from the 49ers. Should he get it knowing that we may or miss the playoffs, pending the final 3 games against the Dolphins, Lions, and Cardinals? - Shawniieboy
Purdy is going to ask for that or more. Will the 49ers give it to him? I'm not sure they will have much of a choice. They've decided that Purdy is their franchise QB, and the market dictates he will be paid like one of the league's top passers. Whether or not Purdy should get that kind of money doesn't matter, because he is going to get it.
Purdy has had an up-and-down season. But when you consider all that's gone wrong around him, it's understandable. He hasn't been that bad, though. Through 13 games, Purdy has 3,174 yards passing, along with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. If he has three good games to end the season, he has a chance to finish with 4,000 yards passing for the second straight year.
If his offensive line can be better in 2025, and some of his offensive stars can return healthy, Purdy and the 49ers offense could get back to their 2023 form. Then again, those kinds of seasons are hard to repeat.
Will the Niners invest some money on the OL this offseason? Between Banks, Brendel, and McKivitz (the last two liabilities that could be upgraded), we have a need for some long-term talent, not cast-offs and late-round projects. - Jeff B.
They will have to. Surely Kyle Shanahan can see how having a better offensive line can make an offense more dynamic. The 49ers have mostly shopped in the clearance aisle for offensive linemen. Other than Williams, they haven't invested much.
Fortunately, Dominic Puni was a steal. But they need to upgrade this group. If they move Spencer Burford to left guard, where he seems more comfortable, and Williams doesn't retire, then center and right tackle may be the only two spots they need to upgrade. That doesn't seem like too much to ask for.
Do you agree that we don't need to rebuild, but rather retool? I assume lots of fans are calling for Shanahan/Lynch's heads, but really, when you look at the last 10 Super Bowl winners, I don't think there are any greater alternatives. 2024 is not what we hoped for, obviously, but I think we can come back strong in 2025 after resting from the deep playoff runs, transitioning from older players (sorry Deebo), and finding new wrinkles with our scheme. Offensively, the last few years, we built our identity around CMC/Deebo gravity and it's clear we need to move onto something new. - Robbie A.
Yes, I would agree that it's too soon to tear things down and rebuild. The 49ers need to retool/reload and fill some holes. Here's where I believe they need to focus:
- Upgrade the offensive line, namely center and right tackle.
- Upgrade the defensive line, specifically at defensive tackle, and depth at the edge.
- Find a wide receiver who can beat man coverage.
- If Greenlaw doesn't return, find a linebacker who can compliment Fred Warner. Is that Dee Winters? He seems to get injured a lot.
- If Hufanga doesn't come back, find a safety who is an upgrade over Ji'Ayir Brown.
- Find a good nickel corner so Lenoir can stay outside with Green, assuming Ward leaves in free agency.
There, that shouldn't be so hard. Right?
How soon do you realistically see Aiyuk joining the team next season? And do you think the Niners grab another WR in the draft and/or let Deebo walk? I think a WR room of JJ, Pearsall & Cowing isn't bad while we wait for BA to come back. - Andy G.
Brandon Aiyuk should return sometime in 2025, but what will he look like? The former All-Pro WR tore his ACL and MCL, which are tough injuries to come back from. Since Aiyuk sustained his injury in November, it's possible he can be ready to go earlier in the season, although it seems like closer to November is more realistic. This is an injury that takes 9-12 months to return from,
If Aiyuk can return in the second half of the season and be the Aiyuk we're used to seeing, that could be a nice boost to the offense. Every player is different. Some come back as if nothing happened, while others are never the same. It's hard to say which one Aiyuk will be.
I doubt the 49ers will part ways with Samuel. It will cost them more to move on from him, so they will most likely keep him for another season. Jauan Jennings will be needed to have another big season. Ricky Pearsall will need to step up. He has had a disappointing rookie season. He dealt with some injuries during training camp and then was shot, of course, in late August. So those things have slowed his growth, but hopefully, he can be ready to go next season.
Jacob Cowing needs to improve his blocking. That is likely the reason he hasn't played much. He's a receiver with the kind of speed that defenses have to account for, so I hope they can figure out how to use him next season. But he needs to learn to block so he can get on the field. "No block, no rock."
That's all we have for this week's edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back soon with a new mailbag. Thank you for your questions, and we thank you for reading.